Best GPU for Meta Quest 2: our top picks for Meta Platform’s VR headset
Here are the best GPUs to have if you plan on linking the Quest 2 to your PC
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The Meta Quest 2 is a standalone VR headset from Meta Platforms, released in October 2020 as the successor to the brand’s first Meta Quest (originally named Oculus Quest). Being a standalone VR headset means the Quest 2 doesn’t require a dedicated PC to work – however, if you’re looking to play more demanding games at stable frame rates, then you do have the option to sync it with a PC. You can do this by connecting your Quest 2 to your Windows PC with the Link Cable (an accessory you can purchase for your Quest) which uses your PC’s processing power to run the games on your headset. For the optimum experience, you’ll need a GPU capable of handling VR – a fairly demanding task depending on the games you want to play. Luckily, Meta has defined the optimum specifications for running the Quest in link mode, giving us all the information we need to recommend the best cards for the job.
The Meta Quest 2 was Meta’s second go at creating a standalone VR headset. Since its launch, the Quest 2 has been superseded by the newer Meta Quest 3 – making it an excellent choice for budget-restricted individuals. Better yet, practically any modern GPU can run the Meta Quest 2 comfortably, meaning there’s a high chance you already have a graphics card that can do just that. So, before we jump into the meat of this article, let’s look at the official specifications to see if your existing PC has what it takes.
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ASUS TUF NVIDIA RTX 5080
Was $1599
Now $1199
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ASUS TUF RTX 5070 Ti
Was $999
Now $849
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Samsung Odyssey OLED G6
Was $899
Now $649
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TCL 43S250R Roku TV 2023
Was $279
Now $199
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iBUYPOWER Y40 Gaming PC
Was $2,299
Now $1,819
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Samsung Odyssey G9 (G95C)
Was $1,299
Now $777
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Alienware Area-51 gaming laptop
Was $3,499
Now $2,799
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Samsung 77-inch OLED S95F
Was $4,297
Now $3,497
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ASUS ROG Strix G16
Was $1,499
Now $1,199
*Prices and savings subject to change. Click through to get the current prices.
Products at a glance
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Best GPU for Meta Quest 2
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4070 Eagle OC
- Core clock speed: 1920 MHz base, 2505 MHz boost
- CUDA cores: 5,888
- Memory: 12GB GDDR6X
- Dimensions: 261 x 126 x 50mm
- PSU required: 650W
- TBP: 200W
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Runner Up
ZOTAC RTX 4060 Ti 8GB Twin Edge OC Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
- Core clock speed: 2550MHz boost, 2310MHz base
- CUDA count: 4,352
- Memory: 8GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 225.5mm x 123.2mm x 40.1mm
- PSU required: 500W
- TBP: 160W
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Value Pick
AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
- Core clock speed: 2,430MHz boost, 2,124MHz game
- Stream processors: 3,840
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 267 x 111 x 50mm
- PSU required: 600W
- TBP: 263W
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Budget Pick
ASUS ROG Strix AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT
- Core Clock Speed: 1614 MHz base, 2729 MHz boost, 2623 game
- Stream Processors: 2560
- Memory Size: 12GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 330 x 140 x 60 mm
- PSU Required: 650W
Meta purchased Oculus in 2014
If you’re looking at Meta’s line-up of VR headsets and wondering why they look familiar, that’s because they are. Meta (owner of Facebook) Acquired Oculus back in 2014, but the name wasn’t changed until 2022 with the rebranding to the Meta Quest 2 (which was previously the Oculus Quest 2).
Recommended Meta Quest 2 specifications
Meta recommends you have a GPU that sits in the RTX 20 series or the Radeon 6000 series – and that’s recommended. You will more than likely get away with something a little lower spec than this if you’re on a tight budget, but even GPUs that supersede these recommended GPUs are cheap these days. Here’s the full list of specifications that Meta recommends:
| Component | Recommended Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel i7/AMD Ryzen 7 |
| GPU | Nvidia RTX 20 series*/AMD Radeon RX 6000 series |
| Memory | 16 GB DDR4 RAM |
| OS | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| USB Ports | 1x USB-C port (usually 10Gbps) |
How we test the best GPU for Meta Quest 2
For this guide, we combined our expert knowledge and the reviews of others in the field to comprise a list of the best GPUs for the Meta Quest 2. We considered the specifications of the Quest and the GPU’s performance on differing screen resolutions to assume the GPU’s performance on the Meta Quest 2 – as it only has a dual-screen setup with a resolution of 1832×1920 per eye (short work for the modern-day GPU). If you want to know more about how we test GPUs, we have a dedicated page that details the process.
Simply put, if a GPU can run 1400p at 90 or so FPS, it can handle the Meta Quest 2. We also wanted to ensure you had built a system that lasts, overshooting the recommended specification of the Quest 2 and possibly into Quest 3 and 4 territories should you wish to upgrade in the future.
Not every VR game is made equal
It’s worth noting that just because your PC meets the link requirements, it does not mean that it will meet the requirements for VR games themselves. Each game has its own list of specifications which can be found on the game’s store page. It’s important to check the game you want to play to ensure your PC meets the requirements.
Best GPU for Meta Quest 2: our picks
- Core clock speed: 1920 MHz base, 2505 MHz boost
- CUDA cores: 5,888
- Memory: 12GB GDDR6X
- Dimensions: 261 x 126 x 50mm
- PSU required: 650W
- TBP: 200W
- Memory clock: 21 Gbps
- Memory bus: 192-bit
- Card bus: PCIe 4.0 x16
- Output: 1x HDMI 2.1a, 3x DP 1.4a
- Power connectors: 1x 8-pin
The RTX 4070 is a fantastic GPU on which to run the Meta Quest 2. This graphics card far surpasses the recommended specification and can even run most hardware-dependant VR headsets, such as the Valve Index. If you want a future-proof gaming system capable of VR and non-VR, this is the best GPU for the job.
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Triple fan cooler design
- Impeccable build quality
- Can be expensive if not on sale
- Larger GPU thanks to tri-fan design
The RTX 4070 is a GPU capable of high FPS and high-fidelity gaming, whether in VR or not. The idea behind recommending this graphics card is to give you an option that performs well and keeps your system future-proof for the next few years. This GPU can be found for around $560 on average, at the time of writing, but can be found for much cheaper during major sales events.
The 4070 Eagle has a very unassuming aesthetic, which is by no means a bad thing. This GPU will fit into almost any build of any color, offering a fairly neutral design language that isn’t ruined by over-the-top RGB. The Eagle is designed to blend in rather than stand out, allowing other components to take the stage.
Performance-wise, the RTX 4070 managed to hit a 357 FPS average when playing Doom Eternal in 1080p – as per our review notes. It even makes a bit of a racket in 4K, hitting over 60 FPS in every game we tested. If the 4070 is capable of this in 4K, it can handle the dual 1832×1920 screens at 90Hz easily. With the Eagle being an OC model, it has a factory overclock applied, which offers a 30MHz boost over reference cards. With that being said, it is the most expensive option on the list, meaning it might outprice more budget-restricted individuals. Fortunately, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives further down the guide.
Cs5 vs cs6 – Gigabyte Eagle RTX 4070 review – is the RTX 4070 worth it?
A comprehensive graph showcasing the finals’ outcomes incorporating the Gigabyte Eagle RTX 4080 review to determine if the RTX 4070 is a worthwhile investment.
- Core clock speed: 2550MHz boost, 2310MHz base
- CUDA count: 4,352
- Memory: 8GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 225.5mm x 123.2mm x 40.1mm
- PSU required: 500W
- TBP: 160W
- Memory clock: 18Gbps
- Memory bus: 128-bit
- Card bus: PCIe 4.0 x8
- Output : 1x HDMI 2.1a, 3x DP 1.4a
- Power connectors: 1 x 8-pin
This 4060 Ti has had a splash of spooder man, but any 4060 Ti would be a treat to have as it offers great performance at a very achievable budget. We’d recommend staying away from the base model of RTX 4060 as there’s less value to be had there.
- Pricing sticks to MSRP
- Simple yet effective design and build
- Smaller card good for limited space
- Limited build quality
- Dual fan design means it sometimes gets hot
We’re not recommending this GPU because it’s adorned with illustrations of everyone’s favorite web swinger, any RTX 4060 Ti will do. we recommend the 4060 Ti over the 4060 because the Ti offers a little more performance for practically the same price. This is the 8GB version of the 4060 Ti, meaning you can pick this up for under $400.
If you want a little more VRAM, you can opt for the 16GB version which will cost around $100 more. This graphics card is part of the brand’s current 40 series (as is the top pick 4070), meaning you can also take advantage of the latest frame generation features that Ada offers.
In our review of the RTX 4060 Ti, we found that the GPU can easily run games at 1080p and even push pixels on AAA titles in 1440p. Admittedly, performance gets a little dicey in high settings – but don’t let that take anything away from the card’s overall performance. Playing CS2 in the “very high” preset, the 4060 Ti gets a 165FPS average in 1440p – proving it’s more than capable of running Esports titles. Once again, if the GPU can perform this well in 1440p, the Meta Quest 2 will be no issue. We just recommend staying away from the Spider-Man version if you don’t want your GPU swinging off into the night to fight crime.
In this Cyberpunk 2017 benchmarks, we present a comprehensive review of the ZOTAC Twin Edge Into the Spiderverse RTX 4060 Ti 8GB.
A PNY GeForce RTX™ 4060 Ti box with fans on it.
Check out the ZOTAC Twin Edge Into the Spiderverse RTX 4060 Ti 8GB review, covering the highly anticipated finals.
This review focuses on the CPU performance of the ZOTAC Twin Edge Into the Spiderverse RTX 4060 Ti 8GB.
- Core clock speed: 2,430MHz boost, 2,124MHz game
- Stream processors: 3,840
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 267 x 111 x 50mm
- PSU required: 600W
- TBP: 263W
- Launch price: $499
- Availability: September 6th, 2023
- GPU Name: NAVI 32
- Architecture : RDNA 3
- Process size: 5 nm
- Die size: 346mm
- L3 Cache: 64 MB
- Bandwidth: 624.1 GB/s
- Memory Bus: 256 bit
- Compute units: 60
- RT Cores: 60
The 7800 XT is a great choice if you want to game at 1440p, and sometimes 4K with the help of upscaling on a tighter budget. If you want to go the Ray tracing route, though RDNA 3 made many improvements over RDNA 2, Nvidia is still the best option for that. This GPU is more than capable of running the Meta Quest 2 and is more affordable than our top pick.
- Dual fan makes it small but still capable of staying cool
- Great bang for the buck
- 4K performance great for the price
- 4% better rasterization performance than the RTX 4070
- Superseded by the 7900 XT
- Ray Tracing performance lacking
- 7900 XT can be found close to MSRP of higher-end 7800 XT cards when on sale
The RX 7800 XT is a relatively budget-friendly offering from AMD that’s more than capable of 4K gaming. In our testing, the 7800 XT manages more than 60 FPS averages in all the games we tested in 4K. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, if it can handle that, it’s more than equipped to take on the Quest 2. The 7800 XT is another opportunity to future-proof your system in addition to full compatibility with the Meta Quest 2.
This GPU is the base model of Radeon GPU, meaning there are no factory overclocks – just good old-fashioned base performance. It features 60 Compute Units clocked at 2,430MHz, alog the source of all this 4K performance prowess. With this being on the current generation of AMD GPU, you are granted access to AFMF2 – which offers far more performance than native resolutions. It won’t help you too much when using the Meta Quest, but it’s fantastic in games played outside VR on the PC.
- Core Clock Speed: 1614 MHz base, 2729 MHz boost, 2623 game
- Stream Processors: 2560
- Memory Size: 12GB GDDR6
- Dimensions: 330 x 140 x 60 mm
- PSU Required: 650W
- Thermal Design: 2.9 slot heatsink with three axial fans
- Memory Clock: 18 Gbps
- Memory Interface: 192-bit
- Card Bus: PCIe 4.0 x16
- Output: 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1
- Power Connectors: 2x 8-pin
The 6750 XT is a bit of an unorthodox pick at this point in time, it does belong to the last generation of AMD GPUs, but it still offers amazing value to those on a tight budget. Despite this, it’s till more than capable of running the Meta Quest 2.
- Very good value
- Excellent cooling to prolong life
- Great overclocking opportunity
- More expensive option from selection
- Doesn’t stack up against current generation, upgrade if you can.
The 6750 XT is a strange pick, given that current-generation AMD GPUs can be found at similar prices – unless you’re browsing a sale. With that on the table, the 6750 XT can run the Meta Quest 2 as it sits inside the system requirements recommended by Meta. You do not get access to AFMF2 as it’s a technology reserved for the current generation of APD GPUs, but you still get the standard FSR. The 6750 XT is capable of 1440p gaming with the right settings tweaks – as we mentioned in our review.
As this is a Strix GPU, it ships with a strong factory overclock of 20MHz, and a respectable cooling solution. It also comes adorned with the typical Strix branding and RGB you’d come to expect. This GPU is around $330, making it the most budget-friendly. However, if you save up just a little longer, you can access the current generation with much better performance.
Do you need a PC for Meta Quest 2?
No, you do not have to have a PC connected to the Meta Quest 2, as it is a standalone system. You may connect your PC to the Meta Quest via the quest link cable – which uses your PC’s processing power instead of the GPU on the Quest. As we have discovered, the system requirements aren’t too high, so it’s likely (if you’re already a gamer) that you have a GPU capable of running the Quest 2.
In earlier models of VR headsets, external sensors needed to be connected to the headset to be used as a reference point. Another reason you do not need to connect the Quest 2 to a PC to function, these sensors are outward-facing and integrated directly into the headset.
Can you use the Meta Quest 2 with Steam VR?
Yes, the Meta Quest 2 can be used with Steam VR. Steam VR should prompt when you open Steam with your Meta Quest 2 on and active and install the Oculus app. If it does not, you may need to download Steam VR again and make sure your headset is connected to the PC properly via the link cable. We do not recommend using Air Link with the Quest 2 as the link cable uses the PC as the rendering component, yielding better performance – the system is designed to be as “plug-and-play” as possible.
Final Word
Finding the best GPU for the Meta Quest 2 isn’t as difficult as you think, especially when practically all modern GPUs can run games on the Quest well. If you are on a tight budget, you can opt toward the higher end of the RTX 30 series or the 6000 series from AMD. The reason you want to aim for higher-spec GPUs (at least on the 6000 series) is that this is the recommended generation for the Quest 2.
All of the GPUs on this list can support the Quest 2 in every application designed with the Quest 2 in mind. With that being said, Steam VR and other games outside of Meta’s development have separate system requirements, and will almost always require PC hardware to run as intended. If you’re building a PC with a specific VR game in mind, it’s important to check the specifications of that game first.
