Virtual reality (VR) is officially here (and here), and a plethora of OEMs and system builders have launched VR-Ready campaigns featuring their branded gaming desktops or laptops that can meet or exceed the steep graphics horsepower requirements for the mainstream VR headsets. Xotic PC just joined the party with five desktop configurations and seven high-performance laptops that meet or exceed the minimum requirements for VR gaming.
Desktops
Xotic PC has five models available, with the only differences in the base models being the chassis and the price. Otherwise, the Executioner Z170 VR, Exodus Mini Z170 VR, Exodus Z170 VR, Recon Z170 VR and Scourge Z170 VR all feature the same baseline components:
| Processor | Intel Core i5-6500 |
|---|---|
| Motherboard | Asus Z170 Pro Gaming ATX Motherboard |
| Memory | 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) Kingston HyperX DDR4-2666 |
| Graphics Card | EVGA GeForce GTX 970 SSC 4 GB GDDR5 |
| Storage | 1 TB 7200 RPM HDD |
| Power Supply | EVGA Supernova 750W G2 |
Each model offers a different look and upgrade path, depending on how large or small of a chassis you choose. All of the VR-Ready desktop systems are fully customizable with liquid cooling (closed loop or up to custom hardline tubing), upgraded components (SLI, increased memory size and speed, additional or faster storage), and additional aesthetic modifications (LED fans, lighting).
The desktop models’ baseline configurations are adequate for VR gaming and start at $1,429 for the Exodus Mini Z170 VR. The most expensive base configuration is its bigger brother, the Exodus Z170 VR, which starts at $1,729.
Laptops
Xotic PC offers specially tuned and customized versions of popular mainstream laptops, including systems from MSI and Sager (which often use Clevo shells). The VR-Ready laptops all sport an Nvidia GTX 980 (or two in SLI, as in the case of the MSI GT80S Titan SLI-072) 8 GB graphics module, Intel Core i7 processors (the Sager branded models feature desktop CPUs), up to 64 GB of memory, and PCIe NVMe storage options.
The displays on all of the VR-Ready laptops are mostly 17.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS panels, with the exception of the 18.4-inch FHD MSI GT80S Titan and the 17.3-inch UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Matte screen of the MSI GT72S Dominator Pro 4K-059.
Of course, these premium systems will set you back a few premium dollars, with the entry level for the laptops ringing up at $2,169 for the Sager NP9870 and capping out with the MSI GT80S Titan at $4,599.
You can check out all of the VR Ready gaming systems from Xotic PC at its website.
Derek Forrest is an Associate Contributing Writer for Tom’s Hardware and Tom’s IT Pro. Follow Derek Forrest on Twitter. Follow us on Facebook, Google+, RSS, Twitter and YouTube.
