Meta’s Quest 2 Headset has recieved a 7% GPU overclock with its latest update
Meta gives their Quest 2 VR headset higher GPU frequencies with their latest software update
With their latest Quest 2 software update, Meta has increased the standalone VR headset’s maximum GPU frequency from 490 MHz to 525 MHz, which is a boost of 7%. This update is available now to all Quest 2 users, and does not require any developer intervention to utilise in software. This change can increase the rendering resolutions of some VR games, and reduce instances of framerate drops in others. That said, the update does have its limitations.Â
According to Upload VR, Quest 2 users can only currently use the headset’s 525 MHz mode when they launch software and then remove and put back on their VR headset. This odd requirement is part of the Quest 2’s v47 update, though this requirement is due to be dropped when update v49 launches.
Meta has not confirmed how or why they have increased their Meta Quest’s maximum GPU speeds, though it is likely a response to other VR headset manufacturers, some of which use the same SoC as the Quest 2 but operates it at higher clock speeds. One example of this is the Pico 4, which features a maximum GPU clock speed of 587 MHz.
Meta plans to release their Quest 3 headset sometime in 2023, which means that Meta’s Quest 2 headset is entering the last year of its lifespan as Meta’s flagship consumer product. The Quest 3 is expected to feature a new SoC that can deliver VR users significantly more CPU and GPU performance to power next-generation VR experiences.
While a 7% increase in maximum GPU performance does not sound like much, it can be used by developers to squeeze more out of Neta’s affordable Quest 2 hardware. This is good news for existing Quest 2 owners, though it is worth noting that the Quest 2’s battery life is expected to decrease when using this new maximum GPU clock speed.Â
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