I Bought The Pimax 8KX | DCS 2.7 In Virtual Reality | RTX 3080 Graphics Card | DCS |

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

Check out the Merch Store: growling-sidewinder.creator-spring.com/ I wanted to give you guys a look through the actual lenses of the VR headsets to show you the difference instead of just telling you there is one and expecting you to believe it. I think this was the best way to do it short of physically trying on the actual headset yourself, I hope you guys found the video useful thank you for watching, Much Love.

[@TheNamePi]

ya know you could have gotten a quest 2 with the built in tracking and it has really good displays that would look just as clear if not better in some ways and its just as plug in play at only 370 usd

[@yautjayarrington1732]

Thanks for giving us the run down of the equipment needed really appreciate it. I don't know if it was a response to a comment and request i made but appreciated all the same. Great stuff.

[@yautjayarrington1732]

I am looking into getting my first pc, i am totally intrigued by this simulation ive recently found if you have any advice please reply.

[@buzzboy1287]

What's going to happen to your old VR?

[@buzzboy1287]

It would be nice to finally experience dcs in vr

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

THIS VIDEO IS NOT SPONSERED IN ANYWAY I PAID FULL PRICE FOR EVERYTHING MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO.

[@InfraredSpace]

This video is sponsored by PIMAX 8KX.

[@Tepnox]

Good for you.

[@MrSweetactionjackson]

For sure, my 8kx+base stations from pimax when they first released was right around 2,000 USD.

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

@@davidsmith8997 loooool ya the wife was not happy with this purchase.

[@lightningxx]

@@GrowlingSidewinder I'm sure she isn't complaining about the youtube revenue :P

[@gehndair8872]

Would be really interested in a video detailing your graphics settings and optimizations. DCS in VR is the future, there is no going back.

[@AceCmbatguy25]

It truely is, even with a quest 2 and a midrange T16000M thrustmaster HOTAS. A great way to get started !

[@bencecserkuti7110]

@@AceCmbatguy25 I have this exact setup and it is already brilliant. So there goes the kids' college fund. :D

[@rangerrick8220]

Its always like that - you start off thinking it will be x$ and then you see addons, etc etc and have a big Y$..... but you bite the bullet, forget about it and move forward enjoying the equipment !

[@StarLightPL]

or, you buy the complete package like the Valve Index. Or a Quest 2. Pimax is still in DIY land, even with that price. They're kinda assuming that these headsets are for nutjobs who got on early SteamVR train and have the basestations already.

[@matthewgal7126]

When u spend that cash and set it up and fix every setting on your pc and game to make it run right 3 days later and its worth every cent u spent and much much more. I have played so so many hours in vr and still just love it.

[@yautjayarrington1732]

I am looking into getting my first PC because of all the simulators available now, anyone with any advice please reply, no matter how relevant you feel it is i am on a huge learning curve and would like to learn all i can before i commit.

[@matthewgal7126]

Also with vr get one with base station requirements very accurate movement response i have htc comsos elite is ok but if u have the cash better ones are available. I do like my headset its comfortable and does the job.

[@Rspence_86]

@@yautjayarrington1732 what ever you do get the best graphics card you can get

[@BrianHSC]

I've been in VR business before the Oculus kickstarter and funny thing is that expensive VR sets did exist before Oculus. For medical and military. They were just considered to be too expensive for consumers. And whole point of Oculus kickstarter was that Palmer Luckey said he'll bring the cost under $300 with cheap smart phone parts. Which he never achieved and refunded money to early kickstart backers. And now people are paying thousands for headsets when it was considered ridiculous back then. It's amazing how people's "perception" changes.

[@13832game]

People are probably thinking about inflation and issues with supply lines. They probably think that VR is expensive because of the situation were in OR they used their stimulus checks for VR.

[@MozTS]

Quest 2 costs 299

[@SJohnM81]

I've still got my Oculus DK2. On a display shelf in my office. Was cheap and only about $300

[@Goldn177]

You can get a better experience than the steam vr headset for $300 *Quest 2*

[@04dram04]

Its becasue everyone needs to start out with a cheap headset before they are sold on an upgrade. No one starts with the premium.

[@isaaccoote2874]

Man, I love everything you do on your channel and appreciate the amount I have learned from you about aviation but I have to say.... I'm a little jealous right now so don't take it the wrong way the next time Longshot hits you square in the face with a AIM-9x and you hear me cheering in the comment section. Honestly, awesome set up and you deserve it buddy. Keep the awesome videos coming and thanks for sharing.

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

lold, next time I get smoked in the face by a missile I'll think of you man.

[@runawaycatwithbreadaroundm2512]

I'm always laughing my ass off when you cut out mid sentence when the missile hits you. Well done

[@Yamuva3]

@@runawaycatwithbreadaroundm2512 it’ll be like “ok 6 looks good I don’t see a missile launch so imma recom…BANG😂😂

[@Andy_XT]

🤣

[@MrPhantom453]

"Killed in Action" or "Wait, is that ....." Always worth a chuckle! 😜

[@scoutworks]

I've been flying DCS with the Oculus Quest 2 since early December and DCS VR is an absolute game changer!! The depth perception, freedom of movement and accuracy of the head movement are absolutely unbeatable. But it seems that now I need to spend another $2500.00 on a game that's free to download.... My poor piggy bank isn't going to like this..

[@zahnatom]

the quest 2 is probably the greatest starter vr headset on the market right now. the rift s is not being produced or sold anymore or smth and is the same price as the quest. the quest however supports 90 and experimental 120hz while not being limited to pc vr. so if anyone wants to jump into vr, thats the thing to get. its like $399 and maybe $30 for a solid cable if you want to play pc vr

[@NoTraceOfSense]

If you want a great VR experience without as much of a bank-breaking price, I can highly recommend the Valve Index. At $1000 for everything (headset, controllers and base stations), it is still an amazing headset even nearly 3 years after release. Oh, and it uses the same controllers/base stations that GS is using for the Pimax, so if you want to upgrade down the line you have that option. It’s also the easiest way to get the base stations (since it’s in stock and ships fairly quickly nowadays). And did I mention you get Half Life Alyx for free?

[@badgermcbadger1968]

@@NoTraceOfSense for flight sims the reverb g2 is better. Costs less too

[@robintaylor1490]

@BadgerMcBadger if you like looking through a tunnel, why do you think gs chose pimax ? Fov is imperative for dog fighting every thing else is meh

[@ghostrider1827]

@@robintaylor1490 which is why I'm staying with TrackIR. Works fine and my visually experience is better than any VR...unless they got an 8K VR set out there somewhere

[@cymantix]

Lighthouse tracking is more hassle and painful to set up, but the tracking is superior to inside out tracking. The 8KX is in a totally different league than the Rift S, having owned both. Hope you enjoy the 8KX, and I look forward to any content you produce with it!

[@castor3020]

Having tried both techs the difference is negligible for use in DCS, only case where it comes to play is when you are trying to reach behind your head. Which never happens in DCS.

[@cymantix]

@@castor3020 I don't think the hand tracking is going to be night and day difference between 8KX and Rift S, so I agree with you. The overall picture quality for DCS on the other hand... 8KX hands down over Rift S

[@Stranger-wb2in]

Lighthouse tracking is inside out. Only oculus rift (non S) used outside in.

[@notinuse298]

​@@Stranger-wb2in That's not correct at all lmao. Inside out tracking is what the Quest 2 and Rift S use, tracking cameras built INSIDE of the headset.

[@Stranger-wb2in]

@@notinuse298 Yep, but so are the tracking cameras on vive/index. The lighthouses themselves are just for reference, they are spinny lasers.

[@sigis72]

I have a 3080 and fly with a HP Reverb G2 + Warthog HOTAS + Pedals. Playing VR in DCS is an increadible experience. I find the headset very good and not needing any external cameras was a big factor for me. The biggest drawback remains the relatively low resolution if compared to a flat 4k monitor, making it difficult to ID targets at distance, still it remains a superb experience, I literally never flew with a headtracker again. I'm reluctant to get something better right now as I feel a next gen VR headset might be just around the corner.

[@cbinder46]

the resolution isn't an issue with the headset but rather DCS's current implementation of VR.

[@StrongHarm]

@@cbinder46 I disagree. My 8KX has no issues seeing air and ground targets from a very great distance.

[@StrongHarm]

You can use the Pimax with inside out tracking, but it just isn't as good, and you're throwing away processing power that could be put into the Sim. The external base stations give you better performance in every way. Anyone who's had to compromise time for performance in setting up and learning flightsims, should have no problem spending 5min setting up base stations. You're right about next gen VR coming though.. Pimax is putting out the 12k headset with OLED. Right now, if you purchase an 8kx, you can trade it in for full value for the 12k when it comes out. I can't wait.. I'm like a 3dicked dog in a poodle patch.

[@yootoob22]

I’m curious how it compares to the Aero which I just received. First impressions of the Aero in DCS are similar to yours with the Pimax. G2 performance but with incredible clarity in every direction. Running a 3090

[@sigis72]

@@yootoob22 I can for sure say the G2 gets blurry off center. The tracking is solid in all axis as long as there is adequate lighting. I guess you could say it's a good VR experience that should be affordable for most people running a good enough PC today. Your Aero being a professional set is at least a full tier above the G2

[@farshot]

Hey GS, I just wanted to mention that you labeled the halo-ing effect from fresnel lenses incorrectly as the screen door effect. The lens halo usually occurs when two things happen - the eye (or camera lens in the case of the demo shown at 5:50 ) is not centered in the "sweet spot" where the different foci of the stepped lens are supposed to meet, and/or when bright lights cause a high contrast which is more noticeable when it flares in the lens - whereas the screen door effect is more of an innate property of the screen behind the lens, how dense its pixels are, and how much the magnification of the lens enlarges individual pixels to the eye.

[@szlash280z]

I started with a Rift S. I immediately found out I loved VR. In a stroke of pure luck when I got the Rift S it was within 30 days of the Quest 2 releasing. I hadn't even heard of the Quest 2, so I ordered it and had both for a little while. The Rift S' PC VR experience was overall better than the Quest 2 just because you didn't need to load up a bunch of different programs to get it to work. Once I got the wireless streaming configured and working the Quest 2 was just so much better. Not having a cable and not needing base stations just makes it so awesome! I was able to return my Rift S after trying the Quest 2. I'm TDY with the Air Force and I brought the Quest 2 with me. I have my own wifi6 router that I bring. I'm 50% success rate with hotels having functional ethernet ports that I can connect the router; but I can just connect to my laptop without internet if I need to. Now the main issue is that I am ready for a wider FOV and graphics upgrade. I'm in it for the long haul with VR so maybe I'll check out the Pimaxx.

[@tb100]

Almost exactly the same experience here! Went from Rift S to Quest 2 (and to wireless AirLink straightaway). Sold my Rift S not long afterwards, and still miss its comfort and ease-of-use. But the the graphics upgrade to Quest 2 more than makes up for it plus the wireless. FOV is the one thing I would like to improve, but my graphics card (RTX 2080 super) and limited budget prevent me from ever going the Pimax route. Even the Reverb G2 is just too expensive

[@Boslandschap1]

Flying with a HP Reverb G1 myself, I find airplane recognition (for WW2 warbirds) the biggest drawback. If I really want to avoid friendly fire (I do) I am still spending time to ID bogeys when they already know who I am and can anticipate the upcoming battle if they are enemies. What is your experience with the Pimax 8KX regarding IFF?

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

Too soon to say 100% but my initial experience has been very good I managed to ID bf109s long before I got to them last night. I was maybe 2 miles out before I got a 100% ID on them not bad id say.

[@jacksaloman9513]

If you cant ID with the Reverb, then you have more problems than the VR unit.

[@boggy8557]

This is a DCS problem, not your headset. In VR planes look like dots at a distance which in real life would allow you to recognise a plane shape.

[@moistmike4150]

Love the graphic setup with the new GeForce card and the Pimax headset. One thing that REALLY bugs though - The "shaky-cam" effect you get starting around the 8:00 mark. The visual stutter is headache inducing. Hope you can continue making the smooth video combat that we're all used to!!

[@DGG.85]

I started following you down the rabbit hole like 6 months ago, bought the computer, then the hotas, now I just got the oculus quest 2, but since I’m in between living situations rn I actually haven’t been able to use everything together

[@myopicthunder]

are you now homeless because thats my fear if I get into vr 🤣

[@thewarthogproject]

I run a Reverb G2. Brilliant display, no base stations required, much lower price. The controllers with it are Terrible, but I don't need them for DCS anyway! I've never tried the Pimax, but the FOV must be awesome!

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

Indeed the FOV is great, one of the main reasons I got it, and ya I've heard all around good things about the Reverb G2. Also really like your recent video man very cool stuff.

[@misticace95]

But you enjoy your real world setup more without the G2 correct? Or do you use the G2 for non A10 modules

[@K11...]

I have both 8kx and reverb g2, and the colors and contrast and brightness is way better in 8kx running DCS. The Fov is a big plus too. The G2 has better lenses though.

[@jaerbear7237]

VR is hands down the best way to experience simulation. You really get a sense of depth. The reason I don’t use it and prefer TrackIr is the amount of light going directly into her eyes, which for me is uncomfortable over time. How far the resolutions have come is quite amazing while remaining relatively inexpensive. Great video, definitely looks worth every cent.

[@jacobcook245]

Can't you turn down the brightness?

[@greenkill2007]

(photography/lighting guy here) If you find the light stands not sturdy enough; you can sandbag them.. ----OR---- look into "magic arms" with "super clamps". then you can clamp the base stations anywhere and don't have to worry about accidentally knocking them over...

[@foreignmandirector]

I fly DCS with a Pimax 8K+ and an RTX3060Ti - I managed to buy the Pimax from eBay "broken" for $199 - 10 minutes and a soldering iron later I had repaired the cracked joints on the back of the display socket on the headset, and I was in business! I couldn't be any happier with the Pimax - the FOV alone is worth it: amazing immersion!

[@Mark13376]

What do your framerates look like though? 4k per eye? 3060Ti's only have 8GB of VRAM and about as quick as a 2070 Super.

[@foreignmandirector]

@@Mark13376 I was getting around 40fps with many of the settings maxed out. However, the 8kplus is upscaled to 4k from a 2k signal within the HMD. Since then, I purchased a 8kX and a 3080, i've also moved away from SteamVR and I use OpenXR, PimaxXR and OpenComposite - that alone has allowed me to now run true 4k per eye at around 50-60fps with most settings on high/ultra.

[@reltius2993]

I have the HP Reverb G2. It’s also 4K in each eye, same refresh rate, but only 100 degrees FOV compared to the PIMAX’s 200 degrees. The G2 does have the built in camera/tracking technology so doesnt use base stations that need line of sight to the controllers to work. And came with controllers. Think I paid $500 for it? So it’s definitely a good option for more budget minded people. The day PIMAX makes a version with the cameras built in I’ll probably get one.

[@Melkor54]

easy to improve the fov with a different face plate to bring you eyes a little closer to the lenses

[@Melkor54]

@@Fiztex553 the g2 is 2160x2160 per eye

[@WatchMysh]

@@Fiztex553 DLSS would be nice for DCS VR. Would solve a lot of the performance issues even without foveated rendering which needs to be supported by the headset, too.

[@humbleweirdo2860]

There's a 6DoF setting in the pimax tool if you dont have the base stations. It does have internal tracking but it's no where near as good as having the base stations. I love my 8kx :)

[@666Azmodan666]

has but not 6dof ... you can only move your head but not change its position. 6 dof means full tracking including position ...

[@ishisanvr7738]

I'm really really happy to see you join the Pimax family. In a lot of your earlier VR videos i heard you talking about issues seeing the bandits because of the lower resolution and distortion the rift S had along with that narrow FOV which for the rift S is around 90 degrees VS the Pimax 8KX with it's rendered FOV of 180 degrees. I've been flying with a Pimax Artisan for a few month now and have absolutely loved my upgrade from my Rift to Quest 2 then to my now daily driver which is the Artisan. Can't wait to see the content you make with this thing as GOOD VR changes everything.

[@gelbevierzehn]

I think the biggest advantage from the pimax 8kx compared to the tunnel vision HMD's (G1, G2, etc.) is the feeling of speed when flying low level. I could never go back to small FOV's...

[@MarcReisSyllogism]

Got the 8kx since a long time as a 5K Backer and now waiting for the 12k 😜. I could never go Back to flat or less resolution then the 8K. Basestations are always higher accuracy - the upcoming 12k will have base station less/inside out tracking plus the basestations - I think for "casual" gaming inside out is very good, but I could imagine that you need the extra tech for tracking to get that precise - its also great using that tech in VTOL VR where you can use the VR controllers as HOTAS - which works amazingly good - never thought it could. The only down point is that even my 3090 is not providing 90FPS - but that could improve with an engine update - if they manage the DLSS integration in their Vulcan update - that would be a dream for VR.

[@MarcReisSyllogism]

@@Stubbies2003 sure, but as an example, if you use VTOL VRs Virtual Inputs, you get to much deviation for my liking, and be it only because you take a look behind for a bandit, losing sight to the input device and they go nuts...

[@666Azmodan666]

you can turn on FSR in most games. it's just a replacement of 2 files ...

[@MyFlightTV1]

@@666Azmodan666 Please explain. Thanks.

[@Buschwick]

I get both my Reverb G2v2 and rtx3080 this week. Running a 2600x w/32GB@3200. I can't f-ing wait.

[@colo97]

The main problem is DCS World unoptimized VR Maybe one day ED will optimize DCS World for VR, but currently, it is not possible to play even on 4k resolution in VR without lowering graphics details, resolution and antialiasing settings. I have RTX 3090 and i9 10900 with HP Reverb G2 (slightly more than 4k native resolution 2x2160x2160). Big compromises must be done in DCS World graphics setup to play this in VR on 4k with motion reprojection. When you play without motion reprojection, when you move head around cockpit, texturte tearing is visible. When motion reprojection is on, then head movement in cockpit is nice, but without lowering resolution and anti aliasing to 2x, shuttering is visible in high angle view from cockpit especially when you fly low and above city.

[@ettorebugatti6846]

the stutter killed it for me, dono why my 3080ti would stutter every time reprojection was needed. In IL2 was somehow tolerable (thou there were situations when it completly messed up) but Asetto Corsa Competizione was a complete bummer full of stutter.

[@kateward3914]

Thank you for the review. I have been considering upgrading from my current Index to the 8KX--fortunately for me I already have compatible base stations and controllers that came with my Index. The headset alone is still a lot of money for me, and I wasn't sure what I'd actually gain, so I've been on the fence.

[@montrose699]

I love my 8k X - incredibly clear, huge FOV. I agree a lot of tinkering with settings as PIMAX gives you a ton of adjustment options

[@fredrikhansen75]

I just ordered the Pimax 8K X VR, to play DCS, ARMA 3 and other nerdy mil sims. Thanks for the review, help me in my decision!

[@taiming71]

Dam it looks sweet dude. Now the only thing missing will be feeling the aircraft as you pull G's and load and unload energy states.

[@Darrel_Owen]

Great review. Thanks for putting this together. It's good to know what I'm in for when I go to do this.

[@ZoeSummers1701A]

Should have got the HP Reverb G2. No screen door and better clarity. Sure less FoV but it’s a better inside out vr rig.

[@colo97]

I have Reverb 2, nice clarity and res about 4k. With DCS not smooth even with top rig.

[@adubs.]

I just put my lighthouses on a shelf and on my desk. You'll find lighthouse placement is pretty flexible. I hope to see you in VTOL VR.

[@steveman1982]

"Hello worlds" That's just beautiful :)

[@UkDave3856]

My Varjo Aero arrived recently, and its a great time to get into VR

[@StarLightPL]

[@wither5k788]

I know it is going to be a good day whenever growling posts a new vid.

[@Youeatbabies]

It’s literally night time in my country lmao

[@bassface8580]

Just discovered this guy like a month or 2 ago. Started out with ww2 planes and now I just love all the content. Really class content!

[@philohan95]

Which is pretty much every day...

[@wither5k788]

@@philohan95 that is the point lol

[@wither5k788]

@@Youeatbabies lol

[@StuartBoyer]

Thankyou I was looking at that set myself after I built a new PC too and this helps.

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

My pleasure glad you find it helpful

[@Void304]

Having the scratch for a top of the line headset isn't the problem. It's finding a goddamned GPU to run it with that ISN'T $1,000 (or more) above MSRP.

[@Void304]

@@Stubbies2003 I'll keep an eye on that, thanks.

[@testboga5991]

Cool that your videos also have some benefits for you! Enjoy the experience, you earned it!

[@BlueBaron3339]

I thoroughly appreciate the blunt force honestly I've found in DCS player videos regarding VR and this is no exception. Thank you!

[@skyhorseprice6591]

This is both awesome & disturbing. I've been following your videos now for over a year, because I really like your content, which is fun to watch. Also, it is extremely informative, which I like because I intend to get flying in DCS. As soon as I save up the $. Unfortunately DCS is not cheap if you want the most immersive experience, and believe me I do. I used to fly aerobatics quite some time ago (long enough that I do not even have a pilot's license), and the one thing I do remember is the feel, the mechanics of being in the cockpit, kicking rudder, yanking stick, and pushing throttle. I want that experience as close as I can get in DCS, which means full HOTAS rig, _and_ rudder pedals. Because I refuse to fly using some twist stick rudders or worse, a keyboard ( this is no insult to those who do fly with a keyboard. When you learn to fly with an actual stick, throttle, and rudder(s), trying to use unnatural methods will screw up your response time in a real airplane or a realistic sim like DCS). So, this VR thing I could dismiss until now as being technologically immature; now, it appears to be maturing rather well. Which leaves me with a burning question- track IR or VR? Based on your latest report, GS, it's looking like VR is the way to go. Whiiiich _MEEE-eaaans,_ ... .. longer time to save up. I suppose I could go track IR first and level up to VR later.. _OPTION ANXIETY AAAAAAA-AAAAaaaaaAAAAAAAA_ 😂🤣

[@extectic]

The base stations give you more precision, and enable room-scale VR. If you're just sat there, then perhaps they're not necessary, but it's still the better (if fiddlier) solution.

[@Name-ps9fx]

Really impressive "feeling of SPEEEEeeeeed!" at low level about 6:00 !

[@paulbrooks4395]

3M makes double sided sticky things (some have velcro for ease of relocation) for paintings and other wall hangings. They can hold up to about 6-7 kg, with the larger ones holding more. I suggest people use these, they work very well for many uses.

[@man_vs_life]

3M Command strips.

[@viper29ca]

I was today years old when I figured out you are Canadian! Cool!

[@BrianClem]

You certainly have a need for top notch quality. Glad you got it working.

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

When we got a VR rig for our office, we were pretty much forced to use tripods like GS here. This is a good choice if you have a lot of glass walls, you don't want to drill holes (which isn't as bad as it sounds unless the spots you want to stick the lighthouses are a pain to reach), or you want to be able to take the rig to other rooms. There's probably a way to Command Strip the lighthouses onto the walls, but I needed a little flexibility so I went with tripods. Back then there was no such thing as a dedicated stand for VR lighthouses, but the HTC models we got had threaded camera mounts on the bottom. Good to see some high(er) end headsets giving Oculus (Facebook/Meta) some competition.

[@StarLightPL]

Yeah both kinds of lighthouses (basestations) have standard threaded camera mounts, not only on the bottom but also at the back.

[@isocuda]

A note on the Rift, it does have base station like sensors which give a higher accuracy. I would tell anyone, even if they're optional to also go wired and go with stations for the most accuracy. Albeit I only use my VR for crashing cars and crashing jets.

[@timtoomuch]

I have a rift s and a pimax headset and just bought an hp reverb g2 and man the g2 is probably the best vr headset out of all 3

[@MoKeefus]

For a Canadian your English is very good. 😁 I enjoy your videos very much. If I may offer a suggestion to make your great channel even better, F-15’s should never lose, ever. I crewed F-15’s A’s-E’s, I love that jet. It’s the sexiest thing that has ever flown. It’s a shame I’m too old to get a crack at working on the F-15 EX.

[@oneknight55]

I really enjoy your videos, and I appreciate all the time and money involved. Keep up the good work. Hi from Florida.

[@maotseovich1347]

If your basestations are on tripods, just be careful not to knock the tripods while the basestations are powered up. I bricked a basestation like that. They're very sensitive to knocks and the tripod really amplifies that. Remounting my basestations on the wall was a lot easier than replacing the broken one ended up being.

[@koreylettenmaier3103]

I built a very similar setup last march. I went with a few older pieces, but it seems our rigs are almost identical. I think it's pretty neat someone else thought along the same lines! My rig: Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-Core 3.8GHZ (4.6GHZ Max Boost) Motherboard: MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon Wifi ATX AMD Memory: 128GB Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 3200 (4x32GB) System Cooling: Corsair iCUE H100i Elite Capellix, 240mm Radiator, Dual ML120 RGB PWM Fans with 2 additional 140mm RGB and 1 additional 120mm Premium Mag Lev RGB Graphics Card: MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 10GB Operating System: MS Windows 10 Home Hard Drive: (2x) 2TB XPG GAMMIX S50 Internal SSD PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280 NVMe and a WD Gold 18TB Enterprise Class HDD 7200RPM Class SATA 6GB/s 512mb Cache 3.5in. Power Supply: Corsair AX850 ATX12V 80 Plus Titanium Certified Full Modular I've been considering getting VR and this video REALLY helps give me an idea of what I might consider! Thanks!! Keep up the awesome vids!!

[@MrSpinkser]

Nice vid. Are you using SteamVR? Can you give us some insights in your settings and what framerates/frametimes you achieve? Are you aware of fpsvr? I should add, your rig is similar to mine, but I‘m using an Index. It‘s fun mostly, but I‘m not completely happy with the image quality.

[@StarLightPL]

Kegetys VR shaders (ed forum) contain albedo texture sharpener which improve text readability on the Index noticeably. That said I'm waiting for a next gen HMD with at least Index's FOV and higher resolution. Yes, tried the Vive Pro 2 and didn't like it.

[@claybomb1064]

Awesome. Looking forward to more pimax vids!

[@travismiller480]

This is what I have been waiting for. Thanks very much

[@VileAce]

In my VR setup I use "Spring Tension Shower Curtain Rods" to avoid the larger footprint and cost of a light stand. On the expandable shower rods I have clamps that the base station screws into.

[@ahmadredzuan9712]

Wow! What a beast of a system you got there...

[@Karybdis]

Ouch GS on the base stations. On the bright side those base stations are going to give you access to a ton of future upgrades. If you ever end up getting some of the truly high end VR stuff later, like a Varjo Aero for instance, you'll already have them.

[@leander7872]

Love to see more VR videos! Help spread awareness so the devs give us some more VR love

[@qiaoqiaoyang9610]

Dear @GrowlingSidewinder, I'm a marketer at Pimax, I've been following your work for a long while and I'm glad that you enjoy our 8KX. Can we have a conversation if possible? We did send you an email earlier, but I understand it might have slipped through the cracks.

[@BringTheRain]

VR gang forever!!!

[@eduardoandres5989]

kudos on the light stands idea....... hehe cheers from a south american fan, dude! love ur videos! saluud°

[@RedlinerSeven]

One day a Rift S and Pimax will have a baby and we'll have the perfect headset. Having gone from Rift S to HP G2, I am really impressed with how well Oculus got it down for a 1.5 gen headset and surprised how the other brands haven't caught on the ease of setup and quality of the Rift S at that price point. Even the HP G2 was a PITA compared to the Rift S that pretty much worked straight out of the box. Honestly, a bit absurd if you ask me. Looking forward to the Pimax content, your videos have helped me with my dogfighting abilities in DCS!

[@EricLarsWermerssen]

Great, now i'm totally envious 😢👌

[@hellcat611]

Big takeaway from this video is that GS is Canadian. Didn't know that.

[@kenhelmers2603]

Thanks GS! Quite the rig :)

[@Mightymoose02]

Should never have started simming…VR headsets, high end HOTAS, high end pc, table mounts and crazy expensive GPU. Suddenly getting most of the modules in DCS is cheap😂

[@StarLightPL]

They say that realistic simming is the mid-life crisis nowadays.

[@Mightymoose02]

@@StarLightPL Good observation.

[@jansvoboda4293]

The quality depends on the shape of your face. In my case I use it only in 120 degrees mode as the rest is uselessly blurred. I would need those lenses closer to the eye to improve the FOV clarity than is physically possible.

[@WarrenPostma]

Nice rig man. I am learning from this vid. I had no idea you needed a headset, plus controllers, plus a base for basically all of these newer generation VR headsets. I have never lept into VR, and I feel like waiting another year or two.

[@tacticalluke8782]

You don’t absolutely need it. You could go for something like a Quest 2 which is still a great headset.

[@MrSweetactionjackson]

I have a pimax 4k, 8k, and 8kx with a 12th gen i9 and an RTX 3090. However after much investment and time I have found my HP Reverb G2 to be the best overall headset on the market and I exclusively use it over my pimax headsets. I find the FOV at max on the pimax to make it harder to read displays as the larger the FOV you use the smaller the screen gets and the smaller the screen gets when trying to read displays you approach the pixel limit on the screen. The other issue I have with the pimax 8kx is the fluidity of the display. 90hz really is the sweet spot for VR and the pimax maxes out at 72hz. I have gotten motion sickness from the pimax but not the G2. Either way I've been doing VR exclusively for flight Sims now for the past 4 years and I recommend for your wallet and time the Reverb G2.

[@MrSweetactionjackson]

@@wolfgangjr74 Haven't seen it up until now. That does look like a nice headset although having a price tag 3x the cost of the HP Reverb, I'd go with the Reverb G2 until sets like that become more mainstream and affordable. Thanks for the tip on the Aero, going keep that on my radar now!

[@teemuhallivuori]

Varjo Aero is lep of tech compared to competition. It is infinet resolution 🥰

[@djtaylorutube]

@@wolfgangjr74 Aero is a great headset. I have the G2, 8KX and Aero now.

[@djtaylorutube]

Not accurate, the Pimax can do 90Hz refresh rate but the Nvidia drivers are out of sync with the Pimax support so you need an older driver that supports it. G2 *is* a very good headset but in terms of sweet spot, the small sweet spot can be frustrating as it means you have to move your head to look at everything to be able to read detail. The Aero is on another level, you can just scan around with your eyes and it's all readable.

[@SadatayWadatah]

I’ glad it worked for you and jealous it did. I too bought 8kx for DCS upgrading from a valve index. the 8kx’s head bracket is more flimsy and didn’t sit flush/comfortable like the index. I would turn my head and whole chassis would wobble. To not make it wobble I had to crank the headset to where it was crushing my face. The lens distortion is very apparent with the bigger FOV, and the lenses are not as clear as the index. Overall was not worth the $2k as the whole chassis did not fit well and it took a lot to stay centered in the headset with still noticeable distortion. With the limited ipd mechanical adjustment and confusing resources on figuring out the rest in the pimax software, they really need to make some serious improvements.

[@rentaroanaka419]

Welcome to the Pimax Family ;)

[@rocotiger]

Looking forward to seeing more VR content from you !

[@Dadaist2003]

Gosh, I can build another pc with that money. I wish this thing take off so I don’t need to pay $1600 for this amazing experience. And when can you tell us how you got into dcs at first? And how did you get so good?

[@1over137]

I'm still on my Rift (original). What worries me about the VR market is that once the Rift spent so much fine tuning everything the market immediately turned to removing everything they can remove, make them as cheap as they can make them and set them up to run on the minimal of hardware. I mean the Quest sums that up. It's basically a mobile phone screen and some gyros. So had my eyes set of Vive Pro, Pimax 8K or Reverb G2. Those 3 have been around a while, something else will be coming along, but may be stalled due to the times we live in the past 2 years. I'm wondering if I should hold on a new headset until closer to xmas to see if anything releases that isn't for kids tablets again.

[@JNelson_]

The quest 2 is a huge step up from the rift CV1, superior in pretty much every way, I was skeptical about inside out tracking too but its basically indistinguishable. I actually have the Reverb G2 and my brother has the Quest 2 I prefer the reverb due to its higher resolution. But both are good headsets.

[@mrnobodyinvr9762]

Its obvious you love what you do, and that you truly Love flight sims, I have to be happy for anyone to really reach the highest level of personal enjoyment for themselves, and I am really happy for you. Enjoy your new Rig, push it hard, Congratulations to you.

[@Daniele858585]

for all that price, wasn't the varjo better?

[@PauloAlexoliveira]

Was wondering the same . December Warjo was already available, well kind of, I'm still waiting for mine ordered mid December

[@Katagenaa]

It's good to have a great VR helmet with a super computer... but DCS today is not enough optimize to be able to run at huge resolution. I have got a Reverb G2, RTX 3080, I9 9900k and even with this i can't run DCS in high preset. I can't imagine running DCS in 4k really...

[@StizzyChrizzy]

your settings are all sorts of borked then, I'm running mostly high on a 3060ti. turn MSAA and heatblur off as well as DOF

[@soop8765]

You can also get 3M Command Strips and stick the lightboxes to the walls instead. Then you don't need to deal with the stands.

[@razorbackblood06]

I bought the valve index kit for about 1,000 USD, primarily because the Oculus required a facebook account. The Index has served me well so far, but that PiMax looks great. The Index does still have a bit of the screen door effect though.

[@Frankestein01nl]

Great to know, thanks for the video!

[@Kruemel98]

Congratulations! You now have the setup I want to have in future. I fly with the rift s on a 1080ti and a 6600k. To upgrade the vr headset I need a complete new computer and than I am around 7000us$ for everything .....

[@leander7872]

Way to go and welcome to real DCS VR

[@KOSM0S016]

Bro now that you got all this VR stuff you need to try the VRchat aviation scene it's pretty wild. It's basically simlite

[@bronco1738]

Thanks for sharing this vr experience .

[@MeltedMozzy]

Oh man, Congratulations but also a little unfortunate- you should have waited a little longer for the cheaper and better headsets coming around this year- But good on you for getting the Pimax, since it has the best FOV out of any of the headset options

[@larryssuperhomearcades]

I got a Pimax 5k and it’s great for DCS! If it’s not clear it’s because your GPU can’t run it well or your IDP/other settings are not right.

[@ban5176]

It will be cool to see more TVC dogfights, I heard someone is making a MiG-29 OVT for DCS, you should try it for sure!

[@jacob9214]

What do you think of the zoom options in VR vs flatscreen in DCS? I play mostly VR and I often wish it was a slider instead of two set zoom levels, like flatscreen.

[@GENOMEEE273]

Use “slow zoom”

[@Crysinator]

The 2-step zoom makes me much less motion sick at you adapt to it really fast.

[@1987evilknivel]

@@GENOMEEE273 what’s that?

[@jamesmontgomery9464]

i wasn't aware that VR users had the zoom option, which is one of the sticking points i have to get over before making the switch.

[@Johnny641]

@@jamesmontgomery9464 I don't use the zoom in VR, for outside the cockpit the zoom isn't much use and inside I just lean in a bit.

[@coreydsousa]

Holy cow, you are hoser?!?! 😂 I had no idea. Still love your videos.

[@charles_wipman]

Even with the YT conversion looks quite better.

[@adamgarrison4737]

Great video! I bought that same headset 1.5 years ago, before I upgraded my video card...and I still have not upgraded my video card. So the headset (and base stations) has been a paperweight all that time.

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

u gotta pull that trigger man thats way too expensive of a paperweight.

[@dart5722010]

So torn between this and waiting for the next oculus headset. I have a big of a library with them so don't want to give that up. Plus inside out tracking, like you said, is incredibly nice.

[@blackhawkuh-6026]

I wouldn’t recommend waiting with the information released about the quest 3 it just seems more like the difference between the ps4 and the pro version it’s an improvement sure but it’s not going to beat pc vr options that are already out today

[@godseykj]

I have the Pimax 8ks DMAS and the Varjo Aero. I still use my G2. I have almost four thousand dollars just sitting in boxes in the corner in those two headsets. Even my 3090 just couldn't produce the smoothness I've come to enjoy in the G2. Hoping the 12ks will do the job!

[@Warman_12]

Need to redo some of these RAPTOR vids especially the one he crept up on you and you never saw him until he was behind ya. Looks amazing

[@WilliamDeanPlumbing]

Ordered my DOFreality p6, and my virpil sticks and, and waiting on the 4090 card and the 12k pimax to be released to build my 1st sim. Excited to say the least.

[@CasualClinkz]

Pimax is actually releasing a new vr hewadset and from what I can tell it's gonna be a next gen kinda thing but the 8k still remains one of the best ones

[@wraith444]

As it happens I actually just got a Pimax 8K this week. It's been a bit of an uphill battle for me getting my settings dialed in just right, but I'm really enjoying it so far. The extra FOV is a game changer, both in a practical sense when trying to search for bandits and in an immersion sense with the sensation of speed at low level.

[@racingsfun]

8k is nothing like the 8kx.

[@wraith444]

@@racingsfun k

[@tacticalotl7606]

@@racingsfun k

[@ozsteve1307]

The base stations are a necessity if you want that level of tracking/fidelity that a pro headset like the Pimax offers - it's exactly why you are paying so much more for something like that or the Index or Vive over cheaper headsets with inside out tracking like the Occulus etc. Even though my Reverb 2 has superior IQ over by Vive Pro, I keep defaulting to the Vive pro because the base stations make the whole experience far more immersive.

[@PaddyPatrone]

I also run DCS vr on a 3080, but man my old first gen HTC Vive is a real bottleneck. What are your settings in DCS?