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This tiny little desktop PC can power a massive VR experience

Published Jan 4th, 2017 7:45AM EST
Asus VivoPC X Specs Price Release Date
Image: Asus

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You might worry about pulling this compact desktop PC off your table while you’re wearing whatever VR headset you’ll be using with it. You see, there’s no great wireless VR headset yet, so you still need to be tethered to a computer to enjoy all that virtual reality content. But because it’s so compact, you can easily move the the new Asus VivoPC X around the house to enjoy your VR experiences anywhere you want. What’s more, this VR-ready desktop is far more affordable than most comparable PCs.

The VivoPC X packs a last-gen Intel Core i5 Kaby Lake processor, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and an Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics card. That should be enough to power most of your Windows 10 needs, including VR and AR content.

Connectivity-wise, the new desktop will give you four USB 3.1 ports and two USB 2.0 ports for VR accessories and controllers, two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort with Nvidia G-Sync display support.

If there is one concern with the compact design of the brand new Asus desktop that’s heating, The Verge says. Asus addressed the issue with a special heat pipe that draws heat away from the processor, and side vents that circulate air inside the VivoPC X’s housing.

If all that sounds exciting, then wait until you see the price. The Asus VivoPC X starts at $799 and will ship in March. Sure, that doesn’t include a monitor, accessories, or the actual VR system. But if you’re shopping for a new PC that’ll be ready to handle VR, then you should definitely check out the VivoPC X.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.