Best PC for use in a VR lab?

[StuCazzo]

I have been awarded a large grant - over 45k- to put together a VR based lab in my classroom. I plan on using multiple HTV Vives, HP Sprout computers and a 3D printer (Dremmel) among other things. I hope to utilize the Sprout for 3D scanning and helping to build VR environments with unity.

 

Would it be wise to buy a backpack pc? What other PC's would you recommend I use - would want it to have good power and last a few years.

 

I’m also interested in incorporating Microsoft Hololens 2 for an AR component in my program. Thoughts? Suggestions? Advice? How should I best set up my Vives to run smoothly simultaneously? Am I getting the right stuff or should I consider other options? I  want it to be an immersive rich innovative experience for my students. And it’ll be fun for me to mess around with as well. 

[Wh0_Am_1]

First question, How many units do you need? and second, What is your total budget for these PCs?

[StuCazzo]

Thanks for your reply. I budgeted at least $10k-$15k for the PC's - Looking to have 3 PC's dedicated to VR. Maybe another to run for 3D design and Unity.

 

I plan on getting 2 - HP Sprout 2 PCs and was considering a backpack PC but not sure if it is worth it.

[Wh0_Am_1]

11 hours ago, StuCazzo said:

Thanks for your reply. I budgeted at least $10k-$15k for the PC's - Looking to have 3 PC's dedicated to VR. Maybe another to run for 3D design and Unity.

 

I plan on getting 2 - HP Sprout 2 PCs and was considering a backpack PC but not sure if it is worth it.

So 5 PCs? PS, please quote me more mention me so that I can find your reply.

[StuCazzo]

On 5/1/2019 at 9:37 PM, Wh0_Am_1 said:

So 5 PCs? PS, please quote me more mention me so that I can find your reply.

Yes, but 3 dedicated to VR. The others would be used for the other purposes. I am now getting a bit more confused with all of the new VR headsets coming out. 

[Wh0_Am_1]

8 hours ago, StuCazzo said:

Yes, but 3 dedicated to VR. The others would be used for the other purposes. I am now getting a bit more confused with all of the new VR headsets coming out. 

I would aim for the upcoming Rift S as Oculus has some better smoothing optimizations with their headset software allowing it to reduce the needed computer power (not that you should cheap out on the computers this just allows it to more graphically intensive software that is bound to come out in the near future). Also, how much did you budget towards computers themselves?