<aside> ⚠️ Japanese version of this article: 「FOVE 0」とノート型PCの接続に関する注意点
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We recommend using a desktop PC with FOVE, but **yes, it is possible and laptops are supported—**assuming you use a laptop that properly supports VR. Please read the following article in its entirety before purchasing a laptop to use with FOVE.
Laptops are often less powerful than desktop PCs. Refer to the following article for minimum specs.
What Are the Minimum PC Requirements of FOVE 0?
Many laptops only have an Intel GPU. These will not work, since FOVE requires an NVIDIA or AMD GPU.
<aside> 💡 Make sure you also consider the minimum specs of your VR application—not just the FOVE specs.
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<aside> 💡 It is strongly recommended that you connect the laptop to a power source and set Windows to performance mode while using FOVE.
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Many laptops—such as those with NVIDIA Optimus technology—feature multiple GPUs but only provide a single HDMI output. For FOVE to run smoothly, the headset must be connected to an HDMI port that is directly wired to the discrete GPU (dGPU).
In many cases, however, the HDMI port is linked to the integrated GPU (iGPU) instead. Unless the laptop is a higher-end model equipped with a hardware mux switch, only one of the GPUs will have a direct connection to the HDMI output.
Any laptop that is advertised as VR Ready is generally fine. Otherwise, you need to manually check the NVIDIA Control Center software’s PhyX tab (see below). This can be done at a store before you buy. If shopping online, you can contact the laptop maker’s support team, or even forward this article to the support staff if needed.
Below is an example of a laptop that is not functional with FOVE, because the Intel iGPU is the one connected to the HDMI port.
Below is an example of a laptop that is functional with FOVE, because the NVIDIA (GeForce) dGPU is the one connected to the HDMI output.
<aside> 💡 Even when connected, the FOVE display will not show up as a monitor in either the NVIDIA control panel or the Windows display settings. This is due to a feature called “Direct Mode" that is needed for VR.
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