Reverb G2: Why is outlet power needed?

[HadMatter]

I just read that the Reverb G2 headset will need to be plugged into a wall outlet for power. Can someone explain to me why? I had a Rift S briefly (returned it to wait for these) and that headset was powered by a USB port. What on the G2 is requiring so much power? 

[Dragon-Fur]

@HadMatter 

Website

HP Reverb G2

Apparently the device draws a lot of power.

Scroll down on the website, open QuickSpecs - HP Reverb G2 Virtual Reality Headset

Near the bottom of the page, in section Overview

Partial Excerpt

 Processor: Intel® Core™ i5, i7, Intel® Xeon® E3-1240 v5, equivalent or better. AMD Ryzen 5 equivalent or better

Memory: 8 GB RAM or more Video out: DisplayPort™ 1.3 USB ports: 1x USB 3.0 Type C®

Power: USB Type C® with power delivery or included power adapter

Operating system: Windows 10 May 2019 update or later

I would guess that most / some devices to which you would connect the G2 would not be able to provide the necessary power and / or connection type to run this external device.

For example, many notebooks (as a general example) only provide USB-C for data transfer.

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[HadMatter]

Ohhh.... usb OR power adapter. So the power adapter is optional? That's interesting. I've also been learning about how the wall power requirement option was added to accommodate engineering changes that were added to alleviate persistence problems and provide a better image, and that apparently many vr headsets have had problems that can be attributed to not having enough power. So I'm officially on board with the wall power. I am curious to know if a proper usb port will be enough to provide the same performance as wall power, though. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@HadMatter 

The crucial thing, as you have discovered, is enough power.

If the USB-C port is not a "charge port", that is, meant to provide actual charge power, then connecting the G2 to the port won't even make a dent in the power requirements. 

I say the solution is to use the power adapter and a decent wall socket.

Check the AC power adapter to see what it draws / supplies.

What I say is not based on personal experience - I don't have the device.

Stay Safe.

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