MSI Trident Debuts As World’s First VR Gaming Desktop, Brandishes GeForce GTX 1060 Graphics
Do you even VR, bro? That seems to be the question the computer industry at large is interested in asking, as there is a concerted effort to push VR gaming and experiences as the next big thing. It's coming from all directions, even system makers, hence the Trident from MSI. The Trident is a "complete and ready-to-go gaming system" that's being pitched as the world's smallest VR gaming desktop.
Perhaps a year a go this thing would have been considered a Steam Machine, and before that it would be called an HTPC with gaming chops or simply a PC gaming console. That doesn't mean the VR moniker is unwarranted hype—to the Trident's credit, it's packing the necessary hardware and ports to meet and exceed the minimum system requirements to run an Oculus Rift and/or HTC Vive headset.
The backbone of the Trident is its desktop MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming graphics card nestled inside. It's a tight fit inside the 4.72 liter chassis, but it works and is available with either 3GB of 6GB of GDDR5 memory. We recommend going for a model that has the higher amount of memory, especially if the plan is to use the Trident for VR gaming.
MSI is selling different configurations equipped with up to an Intel Core i7-6700 processor. The Trident also boasts a pair of SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 32GB of DDR4-2133 RAM, M.2 2280 SATA and 2.5-inch slots for storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and 5.1-channel HD audio.
For external connectivity, the Trident features a USB 3.1 Type-C port (Gen 1, unfortunately), two USB 3.1 Type A ports, headphone out, microphone in, and a VR-Link that has a front HDMI output.
"MSI Trident is a true Gaming PC for next generation gaming. It is equipped with VR-Link which includes a front HDMI out port to connect your VR device easily, combined with ‘One-click-to-VR’ software to optimize your PC for VR with just one click of a button. With a size of a mere 4.7 liters, Trident is world’s smallest VR ready gaming desktop to date," MSI says.
The Trident is available to pre-order now starting at $900.
Perhaps a year a go this thing would have been considered a Steam Machine, and before that it would be called an HTPC with gaming chops or simply a PC gaming console. That doesn't mean the VR moniker is unwarranted hype—to the Trident's credit, it's packing the necessary hardware and ports to meet and exceed the minimum system requirements to run an Oculus Rift and/or HTC Vive headset.
The backbone of the Trident is its desktop MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming graphics card nestled inside. It's a tight fit inside the 4.72 liter chassis, but it works and is available with either 3GB of 6GB of GDDR5 memory. We recommend going for a model that has the higher amount of memory, especially if the plan is to use the Trident for VR gaming.
MSI is selling different configurations equipped with up to an Intel Core i7-6700 processor. The Trident also boasts a pair of SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 32GB of DDR4-2133 RAM, M.2 2280 SATA and 2.5-inch slots for storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and 5.1-channel HD audio.
For external connectivity, the Trident features a USB 3.1 Type-C port (Gen 1, unfortunately), two USB 3.1 Type A ports, headphone out, microphone in, and a VR-Link that has a front HDMI output.
"MSI Trident is a true Gaming PC for next generation gaming. It is equipped with VR-Link which includes a front HDMI out port to connect your VR device easily, combined with ‘One-click-to-VR’ software to optimize your PC for VR with just one click of a button. With a size of a mere 4.7 liters, Trident is world’s smallest VR ready gaming desktop to date," MSI says.
The Trident is available to pre-order now starting at $900.
