1 or 2 PCs to run 2 Vive Pro ? ~3k less if possible

[oleprohon]

Hello!

 

While I know my way around computer hardware, I'm no expert in up to date performance charts or more advanced stuff like virtualization that's why I turn to LTT forums! Basically, I need to build a VR station to power 2 HTC Vive Pros with room scale tracking for VR experiences and games in events. I know it is possible to run 2 HMDs using virtualization or some other fancy trick, but is it really cost effective vs 2 distinct PCs? I'm mainly focused on cost optimization in the short and longer term.

 

I think most builds for 2 headsets use separate graphics cards? is the GTX1060 future proof? let's say I want to invest now and be assured I can still run VR experiences and games smoothly for 2 years... whats a good choice?

 

Regarding the CPU, I feel like the recent price drop on Gen 1 Threadrippers looks fine, am I looking in the right direction?

 

Looking for your precious advice!

[Sakkura]

The Vive Pro is higher resolution than the regular Vive, so a GTX 1060 is not going to do so well. They recommend a 1070 and I think that ought to be their minimum spec for the Vive Pro.

 

Whether running two headsets off one system is viable probably also depends on how ready you are to spend extra time setting stuff up and maintaining it over time. It will complicate things, and for a company the cost of spending the extra time could easily outstrip the money saved on getting 1 system instead of 2.

[oleprohon]

Thank you very much for your input! For GPUs, I read a bit and I think the 1070TI is worth the few extra bucks!

 

Regarding the build, this might be a trivial Google Search question, but if I have 2 distinct PCs, how can I use the 4 lighthouses together? Since I plan on ordering 2 Vive Pro bundles to get the best tracking, can I still use 4 sensors with 2 separate PCs? Am i missing something?

[Sakkura]

Lighthouses are not connected to the PC, so I don't think that'll make any difference. I have to admit I haven't really looked into the more-than-2 capabilities though, so I can't say for sure how that'll work.

[oleprohon]

I just realized that lighthouses are simple emitters. The more I read, the more I tend towards one PC for each HMD.

 

Something like that: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BMffxG

 

Anything not optimal with that?

[Sakkura]

Might as well get some faster memory (like so), it helps performance with a Ryzen CPU and doesn't really cost more. Otherwise a solid build. The Hyper 212 Evo can be annoying to install, but it works fine.

[forregacc02]

Get 2 powerhouse PCs as necessary. Something like this would do:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 1700 3GHz 8-Core Processor  ($209.99 @ Newegg Business) 
Motherboard: MSI - B350M PRO-VD PLUS Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($54.99 @ B&H) 
Memory: Team - Vulcan 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory  ($137.89 @ OutletPC) 
Storage: Team - L5 LITE 3D 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($64.99 @ Newegg) 
Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB Gaming OC 11G  Video Card  ($629.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: Cooler Master - MasterBox Q300L MicroATX Mini Tower Case  ($39.99 @ Amazon) 
Power Supply: Cooler Master - MasterWatt 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($32.48 @ Newegg) 
Total: $1170.32
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-08-29 03:31 EDT-0400