It appears you’re interested in the compatibility of the latest Nvidia 50-series GPUs with VR headsets. This is a hot topic, as there have been some reported issues! Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far:
General Issues:
- Black Screen Problems: The most common issue reported with RTX 5080 and 5090 cards (the only ones currently available) is black screen occurrences. This can happen under various circumstances, like changing resolutions, heavy loads, or multi-monitor setups.
- “Bricked” Cards: In some cases, users have reported their cards becoming completely unresponsive after encountering the black screen issue. It’s unclear if this is widespread or related to specific factors.
- Potential Causes: The exact cause of these issues is still under investigation by Nvidia. Some theories point to PCIe 5.0 compatibility or driver-related problems.
VR Headset Specifics:
- Pimax Headsets: Several users have reported that Pimax Crystal (Light) headsets, and potentially the 8KX, are not working correctly with RTX 5000 series cards. This seems to be a recurring issue for Pimax, as they’ve had similar problems with previous GPU generations.
- High-Resolution Headsets: It’s speculated that the issues might be more prevalent with high-resolution VR headsets, as they place a greater demand on the GPU.
- Other Headsets: While Pimax seems to be the most affected so far, there are also reports of other headsets, like the Aero, experiencing compatibility problems with 50-series GPUs. However, it’s important to note that some headsets, like the PSVR2, Bigscreen Beyond, and Index, appear to be working fine.
What’s Being Done:
- Nvidia Investigation: Nvidia has acknowledged the reported issues and is actively investigating the cause. They are expected to release a statement or driver update to address the problems.
- Pimax Support: Pimax is also aware of the issues and is collecting log files from affected users to help diagnose the problem.
Recommendations:
- Wait and See: If you’re planning to upgrade to an RTX 50-series GPU specifically for VR, it might be wise to wait until Nvidia releases an official statement or fix for these issues.
- Check for Updates: Keep an eye on Nvidia’s website and Pimax’s support channels for updates and driver releases.
- Consider Alternatives: If you need a new GPU for VR right now, you might consider an RTX 40-series card, as they seem to have fewer compatibility issues with VR headsets.
Important Note: The information available is still evolving as Nvidia and VR headset manufacturers investigate these issues. It’s crucial to stay updated through official channels and community discussions to make informed decisions.
Community Workarounds
Some users have reported compatibility issues between the Pimax Crystal Light headset and Nvidia’s 5080 graphics card. While the exact cause is unclear, it seems to be related to the headset’s power delivery or the way it interacts with the 5080’s display output.
Here are some workarounds that have helped some users:
- Use Upscale Mode: In the Pimax software, try setting the refresh rate to 90Hz and enabling the “Upscale” mode. This seems to resolve the issue for some users.
- Disable Nvidia Audio Drivers: Some users have found that disabling the “Nvidia High Definition Audio” and “Nvidia Virtual Audio Device” in the Device Manager allows the headset to work, although you’ll need to use separate headphones for audio.
- Check Power Supply: Ensure your power supply has enough wattage to support the 5080 and the headset. A higher wattage PSU might be necessary.
- Update Drivers: Make sure you have the latest Nvidia graphics drivers and Pimax software installed.
- Contact Pimax Support: If none of these workarounds help, reach out to Pimax support for further assistance. They may have a specific solution or be aware of any known issues.
It’s worth noting that these are workarounds, and a proper fix from Pimax &/or Nvidia might be necessary for full compatibility. Keep an eye on their respective websites or forums for updates.
