AVADirect Announces VR Desktop PCs for Sixense Stem System

[[Coi] Mr.CLuBBeR]

A real desktop for virtual gaming

You can feel that we're on the verge of a virtual gaming revolution, or so several companies heavily invested in VR technology hope. We're right there with them -- not from an investment standpoint, but from the perception of a fan, as we've played around with some awesome VR demos. Looking to give the category a nudge, Ohio-based boutique builder AVADirect today announced a pair of desktops designed in collaboration with Sixense for the latter's Stem System.
Our own Jimmy Thang spent some hands-on time with the Sixense Stem VR controller several months ago, a wireless devices that tracks movement with barely any latency. The system as a whole offers a whole body presence in virtual worlds, and in one of the demos Thang got to experience, he was able to wield a lightsaber noting that "it felt incredibly immersive." You can read more of his experience here.
Getting back to AVADirect's custom desktops, both offerings are decently spec'd machines that promise 1080p gaming at a minimum of 75fps. The first is the AVA Sixense VR Desktop priced at an even $1,800 (kudos to AVADirect for omitting the 99 nonsense). For that you get an Intel Core i5 4460 quad-core CPU nestled into an EVGA Z97 Stinger WiFi motherboard, 8GB of Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3-1866 RAM, GeForce GTX 980 SuperClocked ACX 2.0 graphics card, 1TB Seagate Barracuda HDD, slim-slot 8X DVD burner, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, and a 3-year limited parts and labor warranty with lifetime tech support.
Several of those components are upgradeable, like adding a 500GB Samsung 850 Evo SSD for $260 or doubling the RAM for $60. Alternatively, you can pony up $2,300 for the AVA Sixense VR Ultimate Desktop, a non-configurable system consisting of an Intel Core i7 4790 quad-core CPU, 16GB of Kingston HyperX Fury RAM, and the aforementioned SSD paired with the same hard drive. Other components are the same, as well.
Note that the Sixense Stem system is not included with either desktop, nor is it available yet. According to the project's Kickstarter page, there was an unexpected setback in production due to failed testing for FCC/CE regulatory standards. There's already been a redesign, and if the new model passes testing this month, units will begin shipping in July.
You can pre-order a Stem System from Sixense's website, and of course the AVADirect systems are available now.
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