systemactive XR-1

System requirements

The Varjo headset runs exclusively with a Windows 10 desktop computer or laptop. Please ensure that your system meets the listed requirements below.

Computer hardware

Computer hardware requirements

Recommended computers

Computers for VR-2 Pro, VR-2, and VR-1

Computers for XR-1 Developer Edition

Software requirements

Information about the SteamVR™ compatibility

Information about alternative tracking technologies

Computer hardware

Computer hardware requirements

	VR-2 Pro, VR-2, and VR-1		XR-1 Developer Edition
Component	Recommended	Minimum	Minimum
Motherboard	No specific requirement	No specific requirement	See list of compatible motherboards and laptops
Processor	Intel Core i7-8700 AMD Ryzen 7 2700	Intel Core i7-6700 AMD FX™ 9590	Intel Core i7-7820X
GPU *	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 NVIDIA Quadro RTX 6000	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 NVIDIA Quadro P5000	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti NVIDIA Quadro RTX 6000
RAM	32 GB	16 GB	32 GB
Storage space	2 GB
Video output **	2 x DisplayPort 1.2, or 2 x Mini DisplayPort 1.2		2 x DisplayPort 1.2, or 2 x Mini DisplayPort 1.2
USB port **	1 x USB-A 3.0 port or newer, not using any Hub
Thunderbolt port **	–		1 x Thunderbolt 3 port
Operating system	Windows 10 (64-bit)

* Please note that AMD graphics cards are not currently supported by the Varjo headset.

** Important: take note of the requirements regarding connectivity ports – use of adapters is not recommended due to known compatibility issues.

Recommended computers

Computers for VR-2 Pro, VR-2, and VR-1

Certified for Varjo

Varjo and Lenovo have collaborated to create pairings of Lenovo workstations and Varjo headsets for easier and quicker enterprise adoption of VR. Find examples of the Lenovo “Certified for Varjo” workstations below.

Computer model and manufacturer	Key components	Type
Lenovo ThinkStation P920 Sells and ships globally from Lenovo.	Processor: 2 x Intel Xeon Gold 6244 16C/32T – 3.6/4.4 GHz GPU: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Memory: 32 GB	desktop
Lenovo ThinkStation P720 Sells and ships globally from Lenovo.	Processor: 2 x Intel Gold 6144 16C/32T – 3.5/4.2 GHz GPU: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Memory: 32 GB	desktop
Lenovo ThinkStation P520 Sells and ships globally from Lenovo.	Processor: Intel Xeon W2135 6C/12T – 3.7/4.5 GHz GPU: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 6000 Memory: 32 GB	desktop
Lenovo ThinkPad P73 Sells and ships globally from Lenovo.	Processor: Intel Xeon E-2276M with vPro™ GPU: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Memory: 32 GB DDR4-2666	laptop
Lenovo ThinkPad P53 Sells and ships globally from Lenovo.	Processor: Intel Xeon E-2276M with vPro™ GPU: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Memory: 32 GB DDR4-2666	laptop

You can access more detailed information about the Lenovo “Certified for Varjo” workstations here.

Tested by Varjo

Varjo has successfully tested the following computers with the VR headsets:

Computer model and manufacturer	Key components	Type
Simitar BANTAM Sells and ships to North America from Foxguard Solutions.	Processor: 8th Generation Intel Core i7 GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Memory: 32 GB DDR4-2666	desktop
Simitar BANTAM II Sells and ships to North America from Foxguard Solutions.	Processor: Intel Core i7-8700 GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Memory: 32 GB DDR4-3000	desktop
Acer Predator Helios 500 Sells and ships globally from Acer.	Processor: Intel Core i7-8750 GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Memory: 16 GB DDR4	laptop
Acer Predator Triton 500 Sells and ships globally from Acer.	Processor: Intel Core i7-8750 GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 MaxQ Memory: 16 GB DDR4	laptop
HP ZBook 17 G6 Sells and ships globally from HP.	Processor: Intel Core i9-9880H GPU: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Memory: 64 GB DDR4-2666	laptop
Schenker DTR 15 Sells and ships globally from Bestware.	Processor: Intel Core i9-9900K GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Memory: 32 GB DDR4-2666	laptop
HP VR Backpack G2 Sells and ships globally from HP.	Processor: Intel Core i7-8850H GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Memory: HP 16 GB DDR4-2666	backpack

Computers for XR-1 Developer Edition

Important: XR-1 Developer Edition has very specific hardware requirements. Only certain Windows 10 desktop computers and laptops are capable of supporting the headset.

Please refer to the list of recommended hardware configurations and laptops; it is strongly recommended that you use one of these.

If you connect XR-1 Developer Edition to a computer that is not mentioned in the list, it is highly probable that the headset will not function.

Desktop computers and laptops

Computer model and manufacturer	Key components	Type
Simitar BANTAM II Sells and ships to North America from Foxguard Solutions.	Processor: Intel Core i7-8700 GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Memory: 32 GB DDR4-3000	desktop
Schenker DTR 15 Sells and ships globally from Bestware.	Processor: Intel Core i9-9900K GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Memory: 32 GB DDR4-2666	laptop
HP VR Backpack G2 Sells and ships globally from HP.	Processor: Intel Core i7-8850H GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Memory: HP 16 GB DDR4-2666	backpack

Desktop computer motherboards

We have verified that the following motherboards are compatible with XR-1 Developer Edition. It is strongly recommended that you choose a motherboard from the list below as models not on this list are assumed to be incompatible.

Manufacturer	Model	Type
ASRock	Z390 Phantom Gaming ITX/AC	motherboard
ASUS	Prime Z390-A Motherboard w/ Thunderbolt Ex3 Extension card	motherboard
Gigabyte	Z390 AORUS Xtreme	motherboard

If you are aware of other computers and configurations not on our list that support XR-1 Developer Edition, please let us know.

Software requirements

Software	Required	Get the software
Varjo Base	v. 2.1	Download Varjo Base
Windows 10 OS version	v. 1809	Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update on your local Windows 10 computer.
NVIDIA GPU driver	436.48 or higher Important: Versions 440.97 – 441.12 are not supported.	Download from NVIDIA
Thunderbolt driver	Required for XR-1 Developer Edition only Install the Thunderbolt software and driver downloaded from the motherboard manufacturer’s website. Perform the installation regardless of whether the Thunderbolt software is pre-installed.	ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming ASUS Prime Z390-A Motherboard w/ Thunderbolt Ex3 Extension card Gigabyte z390 Aorus Extreme
SteamVR *	v. 1.7.15	Download the Steam desktop application Create a Steam account Download SteamVR

* Please note: SteamVR software is required regardless of the tracking technology you will ultimately use.

Information about the SteamVR™ compatibility

The Varjo headset uses the SteamVR™ Tracking technology for the headset and controllers. The headset can be used with both SteamVR™ 2.0 and 1.0 base stations. However, please be aware that the base stations and accessories need to be compatible with each other.

Base station version number

Compatible accessories (device color)

Remarks

2.0 (recommended)

VIVE controllers (blue)
VIVE Trackers (blue)
Valve Index “Knuckles” Controllers

Up to 4 base stations can be connected simultaneously.

Four base stations 2.0 are recommended if you plan to move around the room.
Two base stations 2.0 or 1.0 are sufficient for sitting and stationary use.

1.0

VIVE controllers (black)
VIVE Trackers (black)
VIVE controllers (blue)
VIVE Trackers (blue)
Valve Index “Knuckles” Controllers

2 base stations can be connected simultaneously.

From Varjo Base 2.0 onward, Varjo supports OpenVR and OpenXR. Additionally, SteamVR applications are now compatible with Varjo.

Information about alternative tracking technologies

From the release of Varjo Base 2.0 onward, Varjo provides an API for third-party tracking technology providers to integrate their solution with Varjo headsets. Read more here.