Virtual Reality on the Framework 16

Hello all,

I have spent many many hours trying to get SteamVR to work on Linux using the Valve Index. I even picked up a Core X Chroma eGPU and put my 6800 XT in there.

The furthest I have gotten is that I can make it into SteamVR Home without error on Mint using the Cable Matters DP to USB-C adapter. However, it was laggy and low-rez. I could open some games like Synth Riders, however all I could see was a pixelated garbled mess while the VR View on the desktop was looking fine. Thinking it was maybe some compatibility issue with the Index, I picked up a Pico 4 Ultra (outside of the US) and I was able to get ALVR up and running rather easily using this guide. However, the performance was exactly the same as with the Index. So that rules out any issues with the Index itself. ALVR also relies on a USB-C link cable, so can’t rule out some port issue I’m thinking. I’ve tried the DRI_PRIME, Vulkan, and MESA launch options, but I can’t get them to make any difference with SteamVR. I’m fairly certain the DRI_PRIME was useful for switching to the eGPU for non VR games.

At least with the Pico 4 Ultra I can do non-Steam stuff all cordless.

Does anyone have any updates to share for those of us on the Linux side?