Pimax 8K X
| Pimax 8K X | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-Mounted Display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | SteamVR |
| Developer | Pimax |
| Manufacturer | Pimax |
| Release Date | 2020 |
| Price | $1,299+ USD |
| Website | https://pimax.com/ |
| Predecessor | Pimax 5K Plus |
| Successor | Pimax Crystal |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | CLPL LCD (dual native 4K) |
| Resolution | 3840x2160 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 60/75/90 Hz (native) / 110 Hz (upscaled) |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 200° (170° diagonal) |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | SteamVR 1.0/2.0 (outside-in) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Modular audio strap |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB + DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Device | |
| Weight | ~500g |
The Pimax Vision 8K X is a PC virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Pimax, released in 2020. The world's first dual native 4K consumer VR headset, the 8K X features 3840x2160 resolution per eye using customized CLPL panels with RGB pixel matrix, an ultrawide 200° field of view (170° diagonal), and refresh rates up to 90Hz native or 110Hz upscaled. Selected as "Top Tech of CES: AR/VR" by Digital Trends in 2020, the 8K X targets extreme VR enthusiasts and simulation users who prioritize visual clarity and immersion over all else.
History and Development
Pimax unveiled the Vision 8K X at CES 2020, where it won "Top Tech of CES: AR/VR" from Digital Trends. As the flagship of Pimax's Vision series, the 8K X delivers the highest resolution and widest field of view available in consumer VR. The headset comes in SMAS (Standard Modular Audio Strap) and DMAS (Deluxe Modular Audio Strap) variants, with the premium DMAS version featuring high-fidelity detachable headphones.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Dual native 4K system:
- 3840x2160 per eye (true 4K)
- Dual native 4K displays
- CLPL panels (customized)
- RGB pixel matrix
- 8K total resolution (7680x2160)
- No upscaling in native mode
- Exceptional clarity
- Highest resolution consumer VR
Refresh Rate
- 60/75/90 Hz native
- 110 Hz upscaled mode
- Multiple refresh options
- Balance quality vs performance
- Native 4K at 90Hz supported
Field of View
Ultrawide immersion:
- 200° total FOV
- 170° diagonal
- Multiple FOV settings:
- Large: 170° diagonal (full)
- Normal: 150° diagonal
- Small: 120° diagonal
- Potato: Compact mode
- Angled display placement
- Peripheral vision coverage
Lenses
- Fresnel CLPL lenses
- Wide sweet spot
- Edge clarity
- Optimized for ultrawide FOV
Audio
Modular options:
- SMAS (Standard Modular Audio Strap) - included
- DMAS (Deluxe Modular Audio Strap) - premium option
- High-fidelity detachable headphones (DMAS)
- Immersive spatial audio
- Comfortable head strap
Tracking
- SteamVR 1.0/2.0 compatible
- Base station tracking (outside-in)
- Sub-millimeter accuracy
- Full room-scale support
- Lighthouse compatible
Build
- ~500g weight
- Premium comfort kit included
- Special damage-resistant coating
- Durable construction
- Modular design
Connection
- DisplayPort 1.4
- USB 2.0 + USB 3.0
- No external power box required
- Direct PC connection
- High bandwidth support
PC Requirements
Recommended Specifications
- OS: Windows 10/11
- GPU (Upscale Mode): RTX 2060 or above
- GPU (Native 4K): RTX 2080 or above
- GPU (Optimal): RTX 3080 or better
- CPU: Intel i5-9400 or above
- RAM: 8 GB or more
- Ports: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, DisplayPort 1.4
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 3840x2160 per eye (dual 4K) |
| Panels | CLPL (RGB pixel matrix) |
| Refresh Rate | 60/75/90 Hz (110 Hz upscaled) |
| FOV | 200° (170° diagonal) |
| Tracking | SteamVR 1.0/2.0 |
| Audio | SMAS/DMAS modular |
| Connection | DP 1.4 + USB |
| Weight | ~500g |
| Price | $1,299+ |
Variants
8K X SMAS
- Standard Modular Audio Strap
- Basic audio solution
- Lower price point
8K X DMAS
- Deluxe Modular Audio Strap
- High-fidelity headphones
- Premium audio experience
- Higher price
Reception
Praise:
- 3840x2160 per eye highest resolution
- Dual native 4K unprecedented
- 200° FOV most immersive
- No screen door effect
- CES 2020 award winner
- Multiple FOV options flexible
- RGB pixel matrix sharp
- Modular audio options
- SteamVR ecosystem compatible
- Simulation excellence
Criticism:
- $1,299+ premium pricing
- High PC requirements
- RTX 3080+ for best experience
- Complex setup process
- Base stations extra cost
- Controllers sold separately
- Large form factor
- Not for casual users
- Fresnel lens artifacts possible[2]