Oculus developed Quest Link to connect your Oculus Quest for better VR gaming. The only caveat is that the system requires a cable connection to work, particularly the USB-C. However, some users’ systems don’t have a USB-C port, causing them to wonder whether they can use Oculus Link without it.
So, can you use Oculus Link without USB-C? You can use Oculus Link without USB-C. Although the USB-C is the simplest and primary method, there are alternatives to it. You can deploy an adapter that transfers data from a USB-A to the USB-C or access Oculus Link wirelessly through Air Link or Virtual Desktop. The former is the better alternative since you don’t need to connect to cables, meaning more scaling space. However, the Virtual Desktop is a paid service, while the Air Link is Oculus’s new free access update.
The Quest Link primarily connects using the USB-C cable, but if your motherboard is at least two years old, it will likely not have this port. Many gamers face this issue because they believe there is no alternative but is this the case?
You will need a USB-C tethering for Quest Link to connect to your VR headset. However, there are still some workarounds, although they are pretty complicated processes. For instance, other gamers directly link their HMD to the GPU while others opt to connect to an adapter or deploy a USB-A to a USB-C compatible with their system. Alternatively, if you don’t have an adapter or any cable, you can make a wireless connection through Air Link as long as you have stable internet.
A favorite aspect of the Quest is that it is a reliable way to access virtual reality wirelessly since you don’t have to plug cables into the PC or connect it to a smartphone. You can scale your gaming room and make motions that translate to gameplay moves. Moreover, the developers went higher to present the Quest Link to Quest 2 or original users. The specification was that you could only access this feature with your VR headset if you used a USB-C wire.
The challenge is that some gamers’ motherboards are older than their headsets, hence they don’t have a USB-C port to connect to the cable. While you can directly link to the GPU, other users have the latest models like the Nvidia RTX 3090 and 3080 that come without the port. Luckily, there are some workarounds to this but Oculus doesn’t fully support them. You can make wireless connections or use an adapter to link a USB-A and a USB-C.
You can use a Wireless-N router for the wireless method but preferably the AC. You should also have a stable Wi-Fi connection. Although these methods may work, you will be safer using a USB-C wire to ensure excellent quality and reliability. It should transfer data uninterruptedly and reach impressive lengths to give you more room to play even while still plugged into your PC.
How To Use Oculus Link Without USB-C
Using a USB is a simple way to connect your headset to the PC for Oculus Link but there are other alternatives if you don’t have a USB-C cable. The two main alternatives include using an adapter or the updated wireless mode called Air Link. The following is a detailed guide to get started.
If you don’t have a USB-C, you can use a USB 3.0 and an adapter or wirelessly link the PC and headset via Air Link or Virtual Desktop. While Air Link is a free version that Oculus recently introduced, the Virtual Desktop is a paid service. This method is a gamers’ go-to since it is entirely wireless, and you don’t have to worry about cable restrictions. However, these two methods are not as dependable as using a dedicated USB-C.
As of April 2021, Quest users can use Air Link to access PC games through their Wi-Fi network wirelessly, and it works as effectively as using a USB-C cable. It is pretty straightforward as long as you have a reliable internet connection and the proper hardware to support Oculus Link. You will need a powerful PC that will effortlessly stream high-quality VR games and a dependable router to match.
You can always check for the best computer specs to run VR. You can either purchase a Virtual Desktop app or use free Air Link for the best of gaming. This method is convenient if you want wireless VR gaming and don’t want to stay tethered to a cable. However, watch out for occasional disconnection issues primarily due to network failures and note that Virtual Desktop will only work with Oculus Store.
An alternative to Air Link and Virtual Desktop is a USB-A that connects to a USB-C and an adapter. However, you will need a USB 3.1 or better for this setup to work. If you have any problem finding it in the market, you can ask for alternative names like USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.1, or USB Type-A Superspeed.
Your motherboard should have one or more USB 3.0 ports if it is a recent version, and you will detect it with its blue connector, although others are red or teal. Note that this process will only succeed if the adapter and cable are compatible with the Quest Link.
How To Find the Best Oculus Link Cable
The Oculus Quest comes with its USB cable, which isn’t compatible with Oculus Link. Several USB-C cables are in the market but you can buy a low-quality version and run into losses. Therefore, the following are some factors to consider if you search for an excellent cable for your gaming.
The best USB-C wire should comfortably handle fast data and high power. You can also consider one with superb ergonomics, perhaps a version of a 90-degree rear; or else, you can complement it with an angled adapter.
A safe option should be USB 3.0 or better for efficient data flow. Lastly, you can go for a long cable, with standard versions at around 5 feet long. You can still go for a 10-foot option or a 16-foot one if you want to enjoy scaling the room when you play. Otherwise, you may have to buy a cable extender later.
Using the Oculus link on your PC takes your gaming to a whole new level. You get high performance and impressive VR gameplay similar to the Oculus Rift. Quest 2 may be primarily a standalone but it needs the oculus Link for otherwise unachievable features. You can only have this with the best quality USB-C, and it’s even better if your graphics card and CPU have the recommended specs.
On the downside, these benefits are only attainable with the suitable cable to handle the massive change, explaining why you need a USB of the best quality. It must have special shielding to maintain proper signal reception, stable connection, and more extended range for better room scaling regardless of the hook up to your PC. A 5-meter option will do, coupled with 5Gbps to tap your PC’s power. Alternatively, you can go for more extended versions like the 10 or 16-foot cables if you need a massive range.
Does Oculus Link Work With USB 2.0?
The Oculus Link is an exciting and reliable method to play quality VR on your headset, and your cable’s choice will massively affect the gaming you access. Since there are many options in the market, this section narrows down to the USB 2.0, telling you whether it can function smoothly with the Oculus Link.
Currently, the Oculus Link works perfectly with a USB 2.0 cable to transfer data from the computer to the headset. Previously, you could not use anything less than a USB 3.0, but the manufacturer made the dedicated cable a mere charger.
The USB wire in the box is about three meters long, and you can use it for a while before finding an alternative tethering option. The compatibility with a USB 2.0 has made it easier to find wires at affordable prices from dealers, enabling gamers to source the version they need.
If you find issues launching gameplay using the cable, you will first open the app on the VR-ready PC and make the necessary settings. Next, open the Oculus PC app, go to device, click Quest and Touch, then finally select the device settings option to test the cable. Note that the minimum bandwidth that the Oculus Link requires is 1.5Gbps and the USB 2.0 is way above it.
Although this cable is impressive in all aspects, from video quality without latency and works as well as other improved wires, the headset manufacturer still insists that gamers should stick to USB 3.0 or 3.1.
However, some experts argue that the only aspect separating USB 2.0 from the rest is its charging speed. It seems that cable 3.0 can charge the Oculus headset faster than its counterpart, supporting that it is the better option.
Note that both wires render smooth, stable, and reliable gaming for all the titles, even the most demanding ones. Given the favorable cost of USB 2.0, availability, and convenience, it is a go-to cord for avid gamers and beginners.
Remember that the wire in the box can also function excellently, hence you are sorted if you are a beginner. Therefore, you can always use the Oculus charging cable if you cannot find a replacement for your current cord.
Why Does Oculus Link Lag?
When linking your Oculus to the gaming PC, you need to make several considerations. If you get everything right, you can indulge in your favorite titles without interruptions. Otherwise, you may have to stop gaming frequently due to unexpected hitches. The following are some helpful tips if you want to have smooth gaming using Oculus Link.
The USB cable and port you are using should be powerful enough to relay the necessary data that the setup requires. The system’s version also plays a significant role in delays during gaming and overloading the PC with tons of other apps running in the background may lead to playability issues.
Additionally, you may experience lags if your device’s specs do not meet the minimum requirements of Oculus Link. Alternatively, in other cases, the computer settings meant to run the program may be too hectic for the system to handle, and the inconsistency may cause bugs and lags.
Many gamers believe that the primary reasons for lagging are the data and USB cables. It is accurate in some instances in case of a reduced bitrate of the transferred data, which results in bugs. When the encoded data output from the PC to Oculus flows below the average rate, it can cause the application to lag abnormally.
On the other hand, the USB ports should match the power of the cable you are using. The Oculus can run smoothly with a USB bandwidth ranging between 150-250Mbps. The Windows also sometimes initiate power saving mode, affecting the USB port’s performance in the process. Note that various USB wires will perform differently, and you can always keep switching to find the best version.
Another reason for hitches is using outdated firmware, which is responsible for incompatibility issues. The Oculus program on the headset and PC should be reading the same version, otherwise lagging will be imminent. You can always confirm this from your computer, considering the windows, GPU, and CPU. It is also wise to avoid buying cables from the black market.
Oculus doesn’t manufacture its wires yet, but it has preferred vendors for the best quality versions that support Oculus Link. You can avoid unnecessary lagging by ensuring that you constantly update your Oculus and PC to the latest version. Additionally, you can tweak settings on the Oculus Link and PC to adjust the bitrate to the standard requirements and delete the USB power saving mode on the computer.
How Do I Fix Oculus 2 Link Lag?
Oculus is a best seller for VR gaming, and it is your go-to if you want a taste of a whole new gaming experience. The Oculus 2 Link is a reliable means to connect your headset to a PC and get unmatched VR gameplay, but a section of fans complain about frequent lagging.
To fix Oculus 2 Link lag, first:
- Open the Oculus software from your PC
- Tap devices on the left side of the screen
- Choose “Quest and Touch” on the next open window before clicking” Graphics Preference”
- The next tab will give you an option to press “Reset to Default”, and
- You can choose “Save and Restart”
This way, you will have fixed bugs on the Link.
Also, adjusting settings such as refresh rates, resolutions, and graphics are effective options to help solve lagging issues. Lastly, you can make system and software updates to enhance performance.
Oculus link glitches are simple to solve. However, you need to first ensure that your PC has the minimum requirements to run the program. This includes an intel core i5 processor or a better version, 8GB RAM or more, a Windows 10, and a USB port for tethering will suffice for starters.
With all the compatibility measures in place, you are one step closer to fixing the Oculus Link latency hiccups. Besides checking compatibility, it is also best to enable the program’s Performance Overlay.
The feature can monitor changes you make in the settings and tell you whether they positively or negatively impact the Oculus Link performance. The Link program comes with a Debug Tool that you can use to optimize VR playability. Furthermore, restarting both the headset and the PC can work wonders to make the Oculus Link run smoothly.
Unplug the cable, switch the headset off and on again before restarting the computer. Remove whatever you are not using from the PC and run the Oculus application. Next, plug in the VR headset and finally launch the Oculus Link and see if the lags persist. You can start testing the performance with Oculus titles first before trying Steam games if everything is okay.
Furthermore, if there are no significant changes, you can try the following settings. You can adjust the Render Resolution settings to Automatic and minimize its value on the bar. On the other hand, you may disable the USB power saving mode, replace your cables and try different USB ports.
Despite the above remedies, you can update all the system components. It is advisable to start with a new Windows version since the older ones may have developed bugs, then update the graphics drivers and the Quest 2 and the Oculus Link software.
Wrap Up
Oculus Link is a creative way for the gaming company to improve the performance of its Quest gadgets. Although it involves hooking the headset to a USB-C cable, there are still some alternatives to deploy if your motherboard doesn’t have the USB-C port. Luckily, you can use an adapter and a USB-A to USB-C to bypass the system.
Secondly, you can make a wireless connection to Oculus Link through Air Link or Virtual Desktop. These two wireless methods are the preferred versions since your Quest can function wirelessly as it initially does. However, using the USB-C is the most straightforward option if you have the best quality and suitable length according to your needs.
