Does Avoiding SteamVR Actually Help Performance? | Benchmarking the Pimax Crystal and RTX 4090

Summary

This video compares the performance of Pimax XR and Steam VR in VR gaming, evaluating their impact on FPS, frame time consistency, and overall stability. Pimax XR tends to offer better average FPS but can struggle with frame rate stability, while Steam VR generally provides more consistent performance, particularly in low FPS scenarios. Despite occasional performance gains with Pimax XR, especially in certain titles like MSFS, Steam VR is recommended for most users due to its reliability and broader compatibility. The video highlights the importance of considering frame time consistency over raw FPS for the best VR experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pimax XR generally outperforms Steam VR in terms of average FPS, but Steam VR has better frame time consistency, particularly in low FPS scenarios.
• 😀 DX11 runtime often provides better performance than DX12, although the impact can vary depending on the game and system setup.
• 😀 Pimax XR shows notable performance improvements in certain games like *MSFS* and *Riven*, but these improvements aren't always consistent across multiple runs.
• 😀 Steam VR provides more stable performance overall, with fewer fluctuations in FPS, making it the safer choice for most users.
• 😀 For games that support Open XR, Pimax XR can sometimes provide a slight FPS boost, but the improvements tend to be marginal compared to Steam VR.
• 😀 Frame time consistency is an important factor for VR performance. While Pimax XR may have higher average FPS, Steam VR often delivers a smoother experience with more consistent lows.
• 😀 Open VR is typically the best option for games, offering better overall performance, especially in terms of frame consistency.
• 😀 Pimax XR's integration with Steam VR aims to minimize overhead by hijacking Steam VR's functions, resulting in better performance in most cases.
• 😀 For certain games like *Skyrim* and *Riven*, Pimax XR can provide a noticeable performance boost, but in other instances, Steam VR outperforms it.
• 😀 Open XR had a problematic experience with significant issues like motion control failures, and overall it was not worth using for most users based on the test results.
• 😀 Steam VR remains the most reliable and consistent option for Pimax users, even if Pimax XR may offer marginal performance improvements in certain specific cases.

Q & A

What was the main focus of the video?

The video compares the performance of Pimax XR and Steam VR, discussing how each affects frame rates, consistency, and overall VR experience in various games.

Which platform generally provides better performance, Pimax XR or Steam VR?

Pimax XR generally performs better in terms of average FPS in most cases, but Steam VR tends to handle low frame times and frame time consistency better, leading to smoother VR experiences.

What are the key takeaways when comparing Pimax XR and Steam VR for VR gaming?

Pimax XR provides higher average FPS in some games, but Steam VR often excels in frame time consistency, leading to smoother performance in VR. Steam VR is recommended for most users unless specific OpenXR-only games or maximum performance are needed.

How does DirectX 12 impact performance in VR compared to DirectX 11?

DirectX 12 can lead to inconsistent performance, with noticeable drops in FPS and worse frame time consistency in certain games. DirectX 11 is generally more reliable, especially in VR scenarios.

What role does Open XR play in performance for Pimax headsets?

Open XR can provide performance improvements in certain cases, but it is not a universal solution. Pimax XR's OpenXR implementation can offer some benefits, particularly in OpenXR-only games, but it may not always deliver consistent performance.

What were the results when comparing Pimax XR and Steam VR in the game 'Riven'?

In 'Riven', Pimax XR had 12.2% better average FPS and 7.2% better 1% lows than Steam VR. However, Steam VR had better 0.1% lows, indicating more consistent performance despite Pimax XR's better average FPS.

In which situations does Steam VR outperform Pimax XR?

Steam VR outperforms Pimax XR in scenarios where frame time consistency and low FPS are critical, particularly when dealing with 1% and 0.1% lows. Steam VR also performs better in some games like 'Legendary Tales' and 'Pavo'.

Is Open Composite recommended for users with Pimax headsets?

The video advises against using Open Composite due to inconsistent performance and issues with frame time consistency. It can cause more headaches than it’s worth, especially when it doesn't provide substantial gains.

What does the video suggest for users who want the best VR experience?

For most users, sticking with Steam VR is the best option as it provides more consistent frame time performance. Pimax XR can be used in specific scenarios where maximum performance is crucial, like OpenXR-only games or when small frame improvements are needed.

Why does the video suggest avoiding Open XR in some cases?

The video mentions that Open XR might not always be the best choice due to inconsistent results across different games. Pimax XR's OpenXR implementation can offer improvements in specific games but does not consistently outperform Steam VR.