What to buy to run it well
Best graphics card for SteamVR
SteamVR recommends NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 for a smooth experience, a GeForce GTX 10-series-era card in the mainstream class. Any card of that generation or newer meets that bar. Below are a few worth considering, and it is worked out by generation, the one graphics axis that orders honestly.
Cards that run SteamVR well
Recommendations are the cards whose generation meets or beats what SteamVR asks for, not a benchmarked frame-rate ranking. Within a generation we do not rank.
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Common questions
What graphics card do I need for SteamVR?
The developer recommends NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, a GeForce GTX 10-series-era card, for a smooth experience. Any card of that generation or newer meets it; the most affordable in our list that clears it is the GeForce GTX 1050. The minimum to just launch is lower: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970.
Will an older card run SteamVR?
It may still launch if it meets the minimum (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970), usually at lower settings. The recommended card above is for a smooth experience, not the bare minimum. Check your exact card with the requirements checker.