How to build a PC for Windows Mixed Reality

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What hardware do I need in a PC for Windows Mixed Reality?

Windows Mixed Reality is well on its way, and so are the PCs required to run it. While there are plenty of laptops and pre-built PCs already on the market that do a handy job of running VR and MR, you might be wondering what hardware you need if you want to build your own PC specifically made for Windows Mixed Reality.

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Windows Mixed Reality system requirements

In order to have a positive experience, Microsoft recommends having at least this level of hardware in your PC.

  • CPU: Intel Mobile Core i5 (e.g. 7200U) Dual-Core with Hyperthreading equivalent
  • GPU: Integrated Intel® HD Graphics 620 (GT2) equivalent or greater DX12 API Capable GPU
  • RAM: 8GB+ Dual Channel required for integrated Graphics
  • HDMI: HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 for 60Hz head-mounted displays
  • HDMI: HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 for 90Hz head-mounted displays
  • HDD: 100GB+ SSD (Preferred) / HDD
  • USB: USB 3.0 Type-A or USB 3.1 Type-C Port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0 for accessories

With these specs in mind, we can put together a few decent PC build that will have no problem running Windows Mixed Reality.

Building a PC for Windows Mixed Reality

Focusing on the main parts of a PC, like the processor, GPU, RAM, and hard drive, there are a bunch of options available based on your budget. You can build an overkill PC, a powerful PC, or a baseline PC, all of which will run Windows Mixed Reality.

Overkill PC

If you have an unlimited budget and would like a top performer, this is the PC for you. It has a powerful processor, one of the best GPUs you can buy right now, and all the ports required to hook up Windows Mixed Reality.

All prices are approximate.

Total price: Approximately $2,418

Powerful PC

If you'd like a PC that can pretty much chew through anything you throw at it, including most new regular games and any other VR headsets you have, this is it.

All prices are approximate.

Total price: Approximately $1,479

Baseline PC

Just want a PC that can power Windows Mixed Reality? No problem. This will do, and it will also cost the least amount of money. You still have the ports required, the processor has more than enough power, and dual channels of RAM will have no problem running Windows Mixed Reality. It will also do a fine job of running a lot of current regular PC games.

All prices are approximate.

Total price: Approximately $605

Your Windows Mixed Reality PC build

Do any of the above builds appeal to you? Which one would work best for you? Remember, you can always mix and match parts to find a price that works for you; just make sure all parts are compatible.

Cale Hunt
Cale Hunt

Cale Hunt is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He's been reviewing laptops and accessories full time since 2016, with hundreds of reviews published for Windows Central. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.