Listing off minimum and recommended specifications is one thing, but if you want to know just how ‘VR ready’ your PC truly is you’ll need to benchmark it.
To do that, you want professional software. We already saw Futuremark’s VRMark launch last November, but today sees the release of VRScore from Finland-based Basemark, developed with the help of AMD, Intel and NVIDIA. Minimal differences in naming aside, the latter service is the first to feature DirectX 12 support along with DirectX11. Currently the Oculus Rift is the only headset to support the former, while the HTC Vive and OSVR both support DX11.
VRScore is primarily concerned with finding the framerate and latency you’ll experience when using a VR headset. To record the latter, the company includes VRTrek, a measurement device the plugs into your PC while your headset is connected with the optical sensor covered. It’s designed for headset vendors to give them a way to test the latency of devices while running multiple apps. Companion software, dubbed VRTrek Library, scans both left and right eyes at the same time to produce granular data on an app and headset’s performance. It could help developers get much more detailed information about how demanding sections of their apps square up when running inside headsets.
VRTrek’s SDK is designed to be easily integrated with developer’s own software and is shipping now. The video below guides you through setting it up.
When it comes to the actual test, the software runs a virtual world named Codename: Skyharbor, developed by The Climb and Robinson creator Crytek and its CRYENGINE toolkit. It’s a sky set spectacle that pushes PCs with explosions, crisp textures, and fast-paced action. Even if you’re not interested in benchmarking your PC, this tech demo is quite impressive.
Once the test has been completed you’ll be given an overall score along with detailed feedback on individual aspects of your PC’s performance. Results include “Application To Photon Latency”, reading the time it takes for your headset’s display to catch up with where your head is looking, along with dropped frames and duplicated frames. Tests include rendering with and without a headset, and a baseline 4K 3D test. Power Board integration allows users to register their results online and compare them with others.
Currently the app is only available for corporate use with standard and premium versions, though a consumer edition is also in the works, and will be available for free when it launches in Q2 2017. A Professional edition is also planed for launch around this time. Interested parties must enquire through an official site to get access to the app.
Tagged with: Basemark, Crytek, VRScore
Source: VRScore Benchmarks Just How ‘VR Ready’ Your PC Really Is With Beautiful Crytek Demo
