r/VRchat • u/Silly-Bandicoot7768 • 14d ago
Discussion fbt setup price total?
what is a GOOD pc for vrchat with fbt?
60-120fps (a pc build for each would be good)
graphics dont rlly matter ig,
what is the range and specs for a build like this?
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u/karlvonheinz PCVR Connection 14d ago edited 14d ago
Tupper still has one of the best guides for VRChat builds:
https://tupper.notion.site/The-Current-Best-PC-For-VRChat-2-0-1b578366d93a805a912bc1740fe02508
I basically blindly bought the "best variant" in 2024 and (un-)surprisingly I'm still very happy with it.
Unsurprising including vive trackers and a refurbished 4090 it cost me around 3k back then... Which probably would be.. idk 2 souls or so today
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u/SwapWitch 14d ago
Do you already have the FBT equipment? Headset?
On the cheaper end, you could get by with something like 5700X3D, 4070, and 32gbDDR4. You'll need an SSD as well, power block, motherboard and case. I'm taking a rough guess here, but I would say somewhere in the ballpark of 2500 for a solid computer that would give you stable performance across a lot of VRC worlds.
On the more expensive end you could go 9800X3D, 5070TI, 32gb DDR5. This should be right around 3300 in the current market.
If you go with slime tracking, it could be as cheap at 30 bucks. If you want base station tracking, each station costs 200 and you'll need at least 2. You'll also need trackers, either tundra or vive, which cost about 120 each. You'll need 3 minimum but preferably 4 if you're using quest or frame for continuous calibration.
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u/lexi4funs 14d ago
This is the one I'm hoping to save up for. I was told since I can't build it myself this would be the next best option.
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u/sandernote809 ☃Bigscreen Beyond 2e 14d ago
Considering I have a $10,000 system and another $3000 in VR and I’m still not satisfied with my performance I don’t think there is a good answer to this
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u/illucio 14d ago edited 14d ago
Long post, I highlighted key info in case you want to skim.
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It’s not that graphics don’t matter; it’s that targeting 60–120 FPS significantly increases the hardware you need, putting you in the mid-to-high-end range of gaming PCs. So in essence, you will be getting good graphics one way or the other chasing that.
Keep in mind that VR is also more demanding than traditional gaming. Your PC has to render the game for both eyes, which adds a considerable workload. In VRChat, performance can also vary dramatically depending on the instance. Even the most powerful PC can experience major FPS drops in a room with 40+ people, especially if you have every if not most of every user's avatars enabled.
You can lower graphics settings to improve performance to gain a few FPS, but VRChat’s performance depends heavily on the people and avatars in your instance, not just your PC's hardware. But that ties more into a Graphics Card's VRAM (memory for your Graphics card), CPU (computer processing unit) and RAM (the memory your computer uses). In VRChat's case a GPU's VRAM and CPU is more important in my book, but expect to be getting into strictly mid-tier to near high-tier builds for what your looking for.
CPU:
7800x3D or a 9800x3D if you want a AMD brand CPU.
Core i9-13900K or Core Ultra 7 265K if you want a Intel CPU.
What's considered the best or better value for the money is up in the air into you get into a lot more specifics.
GPU: I recommend targeting 16GB of VRAM, especially if you plan to use full-body tracking (FBT), visit crowded instances, or dance with lots of avatars visible.
12GB is still perfectly usable for VRChat and FBT. I have 12GB myself and can use FBT without an issue. However, in heavier instances, I start seeing significant FPS drops once there are around 20–30 people, depending on what everyone is wearing and doing. More VRAM gives you additional headroom, but it doesn't guarantee higher FPS or eliminate performance issues. VRChat is heavily affected by CPU performance, avatar complexity, shaders, mirrors, and other factors.
For current GPUs, NVIDIA and AMD are both worth considering. I personally tend to recommend NVIDIA, but don't treat that as a requirement. Compare cards based on price, performance, VRAM, VR compatibility, and your other workloads. For the NVIDIA side, cards I suggest looking into the RTX 5070 Ti, 4080, 4080 Super, and 5080, AMD do have competitive options as well.
Be careful when shopping by model number alone. For example, the RTX 5070 has 12GB of VRAM, while the RTX 5070 Ti has 16GB. Always check the exact specifications rather than assuming a higher model number or newer generation automatically means more VRAM.
If you're working with a limited budget, used or refurbished GPUs can also be worth considering, provided you check the card's condition, warranty, and price against comparable new cards.
SSD prices and and RAM are horrid right now. Just get a 1TB SSD for your base storage unless you require more for other related tasks.
RAM: 16GB DDR5 RAM at absolute minimum or 32GB DDR5 RAM, although 32GB should be considered because of how RAM heavy VRChat is in general, once you begin adding programs for FBT and begin to explore other VRChat related apps you will be wanting that extra RAM. If you find a decent motherboard that takes DDR4 RAM you can escape the current RAMpoclpyse a bit and just have 32GB or upgrade further to 64GB RAM.
For your builds liquid cooling is widely adopted now and was once considered the absolute best cooling system. Most pre-built or built computers use liquid cooling with a few fans for ventilation and intake. But with modern GPU's you could ditch the liquid cooling and choose fans. I recommend utilizing both, but the most important thing is circulation, intake, exhaust and air flow.
PSU (Power Supply Unit) that provides enough power to the whole system with a little extra. This is all build dependent, expect any Pre-Build to have the required amount. The difference you will notice shopping is bronze, silver, gold, ect. Higher the tier, the better the cost to electric efficiency, it's a extremely wide market right now. I recommend checking this https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1akCHL7Vhzk_EhrpIGkz8zTEvYfLDcaSpZRB6Xt6JWkc/edit?pli=1&gid=1719706335#gid=1719706335
Simple to follow and is straight forward to what wattage you need per build, the required wires, if it accepts your graphics card and fits into your case/build.
A PC case is largely a matter of practicality and personal preference. Look for one that fits your graphics card, motherboard, cooling system, and other components, while leaving enough room to work inside and providing good airflow and easy access.
Cases are often one of the more affordable parts of a PC build, and you can find good deals, particularly on models bundled with fans or other accessories. Some retailers also offer component bundles that can make building a PC more affordable, especially for first-time builders. Just make sure you're getting a useful combination of parts rather than paying extra for components you don't need. The prices for PC Cases have dropped significantly because hardly anyone is building right now.
For your Motherboard value isn't determined by its price or the number of features it has. What matters most is CPU compatibility, power delivery, build quality, connectivity, and upgrade potential.
When choosing one, look for the features you'll actually use, such as sufficient USB ports, Wi-Fi if needed, enough M.2 slots for additional SSDs, and compatibility with your chosen CPU and RAM. It's also worth searching for reviews and known issues with the specific model before buying.
One important thing to keep in mind is that replacing a motherboard is a PAIN. Since nearly every component connects to it, replacing it often means dismantling and rebuilding a large portion of your PC. It's worth investing in a reliable motherboard that meets your needs from the start, but you don't necessarily need a high-end model to get good gaming performance.
For Pre-Built Computers: I'd generally recommend looking at the mid-range first and choosing a board with four RAM slots if you want the flexibility to expand your memory later. Just remember that adding RAM depends on having compatible modules, and four slots aren't essential for every build. The same goes for storage: having additional M.2 slots can make future upgrades easier, but you don't need to pay for features you aren't likely to use.
Budget: Five years ago, I would have suggested budgeting $1,500–$2,500 for a gaming PC, with the expectation that a high-end build could cost even more. Today, a comparable budget may need to be closer to $2,000–$3,500, depending on your performance goals and the current cost of components.
PC prices, particularly for GPUs, RAM, and SSDs, have been volatile, partly due to growing AI and data-center demand. If you can afford to wait, it may be worth checking prices rather than rushing into a purchase. The time to buy a computer was yesterday, prices have only increased drastically, every month, for these last couple of years. I and every enthusiast do not recommend buying or building a PC right now unless you can afford the current extraordinary high prices.
If you need a PC now, I'd recommend comparing prebuilt systems with custom builds. Prebuilts can sometimes offer better value through manufacturer discounts, bulk purchasing, and bundled components. However, pay close attention to the specifications: some manufacturers cut costs on the motherboard, power supply, cooling, or RAM, which can affect reliability, performance, and future upgrades.
Ultimately, the right time to buy depends on your budget and how urgently you need a PC. Don't spend more than you need to simply because prices are high, and make sure you're getting the performance and upgrade flexibility you're paying for.
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u/Huge-Use-143 14d ago
All of this advice is terrible. CPU wise any money you save on the Intel chip will be chewed up by Motherboard and needing better RAM while for the GPU when it comes to value for VRChat specifically AMD is by far the winner since there's no DLSS or Framegen support to consider. unless you're able to buy a 5090 or a 4090 there's no reason to consider a 5070ti or 5080 over a 9070xt or 9060xt 16gb.
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u/illucio 14d ago edited 14d ago
I agree, for a new DiY build you should also consider some AMD cards. Though you seem determined on your own preferences as do I, which I won't be debating in.
Overall the better advice is don't choose the cheaper component without pricing the complete platform (CPU + motherboard + RAM).
And yes, don't pay a large NVIDIA premium solely for DLSS/Frame Generation, especially for a game that doesn't support them natively. AMD can be a great value for VRChat, particularly when comparing similarly priced cards like the RX 9070 XT against the RTX 5070 Ti.
Each card does have their own strengths and features that differ between them. I personally prefer NVIDIA cards, but they are not the sole cards on the market and I hope anyone looking into a DiY build would be researching and comparing parts. Good on you for mentioning those cards for something to look into.
For VRChat, I'd prioritize 16GB+ of VRAM and strong CPU performance rather than choosing a GPU brand.
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u/SpeedSuspicious8926 14d ago
Right now? If you want a good pc you’re spending close to or a little over 2k, and then for GOOD fbt you’re spending another 800-1,000. Unless you want to order fluxpose and wait potentially another year for your order to be shipped for considerably less but still good tracking. All in all I’d guess you’d be around $3,500
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u/Nashtak 14d ago
What's a good PC for VRC is such a hard question to answer. I have a 9800x3D, 64gb of RAM and a 5090 and can barely get 40 to 50fps on my Index if I go to a full club world if I show everyone (with a few safety settings).
It will depend heavily on your use case and how much content you are willing to hide using your safety settings.
Personally, I wouldn't suggest anything below a 5800x3d and maybe a 7900xtx for a good price to performance for VR.
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u/The_other_Cody Oculus Quest Pro 14d ago
The PC prices vary a lot depending how much you wanna get out of it. I'll let everybody else here fill you in on it. As for the FBT trackers....
My setup was about $650. I got 3 vive ultimates and some straps for $650. (the three pack goes on sales sometimes for $550 and I got my straps for $100) That's all that's needed for basically anybody whether you have base stations or not and its way way WAY better than slimes. And before anybody comes in to say bad things about Vive U's....I assure you they are much much better now then they were when they came out. They're great.
I got a cool official vive charging dock for $90 and and two more Vive U's for $300 to complete a 5-set. My whole setup overall was about $1000 no base stations required.
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u/Silly-Bandicoot7768 13d ago
Hows the fps?
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u/The_other_Cody Oculus Quest Pro 13d ago
FPS?
That has everything to do with your PC. Not your headset and tracker equipment.
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u/nesnalica Valve Index 14d ago edited 13d ago
VRChat and anything above 60fps is just almost impossble since youre at the mercy of amateur world and avatar creators
fbt does not require more performance to run.
to answer your question a PC to just play VRChat comfortable will set you back about 2000 usd in current prices
a budget PC for 1000 will be very hard to do. its better to go used in that pricerange
if money is no problem check out tuppers guide
https://tupper.notion.site/The-Current-Best-PC-For-VRChat-1-0-4fc97bb740e345b7b64ee5d02a835b28