3D gaming: what hardware do I need?
For 3D gaming, you don't need as much hardware as you might think. Here you can find out which new acquisitions you can expect - and what may remain.
1. A monitor suitable for 3D gaming with at least 120 Hz
The minimum requirements for the popular 3D vision from Nvidia for gamers are: Microsoft® Windows® Vista 32/64-bit or Windows 7 32/64-bit; Intel® Core ™ 2 Duo or AMD Athlon ™ X2 CPU or better; 1 GB of RAM (2 GB is recommended) and 100 MB of free hard disk space. In addition, there is definitely a monitor - or television - with at least 120 Hz. You can find the important 3D driver from Nvidia here.
- One of the best, somewhat older 3D monitors is the Acer GD245HQbid, which was specially developed for 3D gaming. In 2010 it cost 300 euros; today it is difficult to find, but if you do, you can save a lot.
- A successor is the 24-inch Acer Predator GN246HLBbid. This even offers you 144 Hz for optimized 3D gaming.
- The BenQ XL2720T is also an option, but currently costs around 376 euros on Amazon. The even 27-inch 3D monitor offers Full HD with 1920x1080 pixels and a very good response time of 1ms for gaming.
- A list of compatible screens and monitors for NVidia's 3D Vision can be found here.
2. An Nvidia graphics card from GeForce 8 for 3D gaming
- You need a 3D vision-compatible Nvidia graphics card that is explicitly also suitable for gaming.
- A list of compatible graphics card models can be found here.
- The EVGA 02G-P4-2765-KR NVIDIA GTX 760 with a maximum resolution of 4096x2160 pixels for currently around 236 euros is suitable, for example.
3. Hardware requirement: Nvidia 3D vision glasses
- At Nvidia you have the choice between a Nvidia 3D Vision Kit of the first generation from 2009 with shutter glasses from around 100 euros and the Nvidia 3D Vision 2 from 2011 for around 140 euros.
- The basic principle with shutter glasses remained the same, only subtleties in the design were improved. The newer model is particularly suitable for glasses wearers with its larger lenses.
- Main competitor AMD relies on its very own 3D system with HD3D. There, however, the hardware selection is smaller - and the number of supported games is also more convincing with NVidia.
4. Complete package: a 3D laptop
- One of the first and still best 3D laptops is the Toshiba Satellite A665-14F 3D from 2010. Unfortunately, you will only find the 16-inch device in remainders - there are a lot of bargains to be had.
- A more recent model is available from Lenovo with the Lenovo IdeaPad Y510p. This costs around 1, 000 euros, but you also save yourself the purchase of a 3D BluRay player to enjoy films in three dimensions. The notebook is equipped with a 3D Vision-compatible NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M graphics card.
Find out how to find the best 3D TVs in the next CHIP practical tip.