The Surface Book 2 is an outstanding laptop with a modular design and internal hardware available to tackle tough tasks. One common task is running Windows Mixed Reality (WMR), Microsoft's own version of VR that competes with Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
Related: How well does Surface Book 2 handle WMR?
The Surface Book 2 is available in two sizes — 13.5 and 15 inches — and each size has separate graphics hardware (GPU) available. The smaller model has up to an NVIDIA GTX 1050, while the larger model is available with up to an NVIDIA GTX 1060.
There are likewise two tiers of WMR that require separate levels of hardware. Ultra, the upper tier, needs at least an NVIDIA GTX 1060, while the standard WMR needs just integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 to get off the ground. Experiences differ in terms of frames-per-second (FPS) depending on the GPU, and this raises an important question.
Related: What is Windows Mixed Reality Ultra?
Windows Central forum member tralala177 recently created a thread asking whether or not WMR with a 13.5-inch Surface Book 2 and NVIDIA GTX 1050 is really worth the money.
Hello! I have a Surface Book 2 (13,5) with the big i7 processor. I m interessted to try first steps with VR. My options are: 1) Windows Mixed Reality with SFB2 2) Plan B Oculus GO with no hardware need So the SFB2 with 13,5 has only a 1050 Geforce. On some Microsoft Pages, the minimum requirement is 1050, but on some pages it s 1060 outlined. Because of that, anyone that is using...
tralala177
Sure, the 13.5-inch Surface Book 2 will run most WMR experiences, but would the Oculus Go make more sense in terms of quality and cost? If you've had experience with one or both of these VR systems, head on over to the forum and let tralala177 know what you've seen so far.
Cale Hunt is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.
