New sim rig: opinions please

Got f1? · 01-16-2021, 04:04 PM

Let me start by saying I have a bad habit of going into things all in, so I am trying not to do that on sim racing since I don't really know how much I'll like it. Rather than spend the $6k on a setup that I would want, maybe I spend half or less on a base I can upgrade over time, if I like it. This should also put focus more on quality controls which should have good resale if I bail on it.

Was thinking of basing it on a PS4/5 for now as that cuts $1800 of PC cost and I don't already own one. Just a PS4.

Cockpit would be Next Level F-gt ($500) plus a $150 monitor stand. A Fanatec setup based on CSL V2.5 with shifter, inverted pedals and BMW GT wheel. That would be about $1700 in controls. Finally, a good monitor for about $250.

So all in on this should be about $3300. Does this make sense or anyone offer up suggestions? Obviously playing PS4 games won't be anything like PC based, so that is a concern too.

Maitre_Absolut · 01-17-2021, 11:47 AM

Upgrade the seat to a Trak Racer and that is a great kit.

TurboSid · 01-17-2021, 07:25 PM

PS4 doesn't contain any of the hardcore sim racers like iRacing, Rfactor etc.

I might get burned for this but I would go with a Logitech or thrustmaster wheel/pedal kit for $3-500 and decide if you actually like it before you go deeper with Fanatec gear. Logitech and Thrustmaster are better known to the general public and when you are ready to upgrade you can easily get more of that money back. I got a Logitech G wheel/pedals for around $230 brand new at a sale and sold it for $200 when I got my thrustmaster setup

I would take the savings from the wheel and invest in a PC. RTX3070 equipped ready made systems are available for $12-1400

MassNerd · 01-18-2021, 09:18 PM

I agree with Turbo. You can be fast and have a good experience with even an old Logitech G27 or G29 wheels and pedals. Yes, the belt driven or direct drive and load cell stuff is better, but its not so huge you can't be competitive and have a great time.

JustinHEMI · 01-18-2021, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got f1?

Let me start by saying I have a bad habit of going into things all in, so I am trying not to do that on sim racing since I don't really know how much I'll like it. Rather than spend the $6k on a setup that I would want, maybe I spend half or less on a base I can upgrade over time, if I like it. This should also put focus more on quality controls which should have good resale if I bail on it.

Was thinking of basing it on a PS4/5 for now as that cuts $1800 of PC cost and I don't already own one. Just a PS4.

Cockpit would be Next Level F-gt ($500) plus a $150 monitor stand. A Fanatec setup based on CSL V2.5 with shifter, inverted pedals and BMW GT wheel. That would be about $1700 in controls. Finally, a good monitor for about $250.

So all in on this should be about $3300. Does this make sense or anyone offer up suggestions? Obviously playing PS4 games won't be anything like PC based, so that is a concern too.

That's the same seat and stand I'm going with, along with the CSL elite F1 set with loadcell brake. I'm using an RTX3080 PC to drive a samsung 49" curved monitor.

Got f1? · 01-19-2021, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustinHEMI

That's the same seat and stand I'm going with, along with the CSL elite F1 set with loadcell brake. I'm using an RTX3080 PC to drive a samsung 49" curved monitor.

Curious about your choice of a single large monitor over multiple. Wouldn't multiple smaller monitors give a greater field of view?

OkieSnuffBox · 01-19-2021, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got f1?

Curious about your choice of a single large monitor over multiple. Wouldn't multiple smaller monitors give a greater field of view?

It will, but some people don't have room for a triple-monitor setup.

Trip 27s or 32s take up a LOT of space.

TurboSid · 01-19-2021, 02:21 PM

once you go vr its hard to go back. i just use my monitor to get the game fired up and in vr

JustinHEMI · 01-19-2021, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got f1?

Curious about your choice of a single large monitor over multiple. Wouldn't multiple smaller monitors give a greater field of view?

What the other person said. Simply don't want to mess with all of that.

Got f1? · 01-19-2021, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboSid

once you go vr its hard to go back. i just use my monitor to get the game fired up and in vr

How did it take you to not feel motion sickness, assuming you did.

JustinHEMI · 01-19-2021, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboSid

once you go vr its hard to go back. i just use my monitor to get the game fired up and in vr

That is something I'm going to look at in the future. Not to hijack OP's thread, but any recommendations?

TurboSid · 01-20-2021, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got f1?

How did it take you to not feel motion sickness, assuming you did.

I don't get motion sickness normally so driving was fine. I can only be in VR for about an hour though before heat (sweat, i wear a head sock) and just eye strain starts to kick in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustinHEMI

That is something I'm going to look at in the future. Not to hijack OP's thread, but any recommendations?

Best right now in my opinion is the Oculus Quest 2. Get the link cable and use that. If you don't know about it the Quest 2 is a stand alone VR headset meant to be used to play more "mobile" sized VR games but there is a beta program to connect it to PC and use it for full VR games.

I started with the original oculus rift (retail version) and the resolution wasn't as good and it had a feel like looking through a very light screen door. It also had external camera you had to use which added another wire along with the wheel/pedal/shifter etc to deal with.

tszene · 02-23-2021, 10:06 PM

Having a PC is a must if you want to race for real. Solid softwares like iRacing don't run on consoles. They need more "Kraft" and with that, they are way more sophisticated than forza.

Not to sling mud on arcade/console style games it's just a different kind of entertainment.

Need for speed/GT/forza is something you can enjoy while having a couple of beers and hang out. IRacing is a whole different ball game. That's a race for which you practice hours to shave off the last 1/10th of a second, and you get a good night's rest and and espresso before the race so you perform to the best of your abilities.
To each their own.
I personally love iRacing and it provides endless entertainment in addition to improving your skills.

MassNerd · 02-27-2021, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboSid

once you go vr its hard to go back. i just use my monitor to get the game fired up and in vr

VR is amazingly immersive, but the periphery is out of focus. If you can get used to turning your head, then VR will be fine for you. I have VR but prefer the 49" G9 monitor I have. Still plenty immersive and I can use my peripheral vision. Triples would be even better of course but I didn't have the space.

MrZogs · 05-29-2021, 04:51 PM

As other users already said, there are diferent options nowadays based on the level of reality you want to get. The best of this, almost everything can be upgraded.

I will recommend to start with videoconsole option, a simrig, single monitor and a not expensive wheel unit (G29, T-300, etc.).

Try it, get used to it, play online tournaments, improve yourself, etc. If you like it, you will be able to upgrade almost everything and sell the material to get some money refunds without problems.

Br,

MrZogs

Monkey Throttle · 06-30-2021, 02:16 PM

I would definitely go PC. Anything on the PlayStation is SimCade vs. iRacing which is simulator.
Also, I used to race VR exclusively when I first started. Now I can't stand it. It's hot and heavy on the head and the quality of the graphics are still not good. And I'm running a 3080 with a HP Reverb G2. I much, much, much prefer the Samsung Ultrawide 49" monitor to race on. The colors are amazing. The graphics are great. And I can jump in and out of the rig without having to deal with Windows Mixed Reality for VR.
The aliasing in VR and the stuttering on the load screen are just displeasing.

Im a huge supporter of VR, it's just not there yet. Needs another generation or two. I would probably still love VR for racing had I not tried the UltraWide which ruined VR for me.

Triples vs. ultrawide has a lot to do with space. Triples gives you more DOF but I race fine without it. I'm a top split driver in the Skip Barber series and never have a problem with my FOV.

MooMooM2 · 07-04-2021, 08:36 AM

I can't do VR either, yes its very immersive but after 20 minutes I am ready to take the thing out of my head. I don't have triples, just a 32in 4k screen but have tried a triple setup and it is indeed amazing.

RealBerusch · 07-13-2021, 10:45 AM

I preferred the CSL wheelbase over the more expensive clubsport myself. The clubsport has what I think is too much feedback. My rig is the CSL base with a clubsport wheel and hub and clubsport pedals with extra damper kit.

You don't need much of a PC for iRacing, but a big monitor with decent refresh and a decent audio setup helps add to the immersion and fun.

01-16-2021, 04:04 PM	#1
Got f1? Captain 692 Rep 859 Posts Drives: 06 E46 ZHP, 20 X3M, M2CS Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	New sim rig: opinions please Let me start by saying I have a bad habit of going into things all in, so I am trying not to do that on sim racing since I don't really know how much I'll like it. Rather than spend the $6k on a setup that I would want, maybe I spend half or less on a base I can upgrade over time, if I like it. This should also put focus more on quality controls which should have good resale if I bail on it. Was thinking of basing it on a PS4/5 for now as that cuts $1800 of PC cost and I don't already own one. Just a PS4. Cockpit would be Next Level F-gt ($500) plus a $150 monitor stand. A Fanatec setup based on CSL V2.5 with shifter, inverted pedals and BMW GT wheel. That would be about $1700 in controls. Finally, a good monitor for about $250. So all in on this should be about $3300. Does this make sense or anyone offer up suggestions? Obviously playing PS4 games won't be anything like PC based, so that is a concern too.
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01-17-2021, 11:47 AM	#2
Maitre_Absolut Captain 886 Rep 886 Posts Drives: M3 CS, Audi RS6 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Upgrade the seat to a Trak Racer and that is a great kit. __________________ 23 Audi RS6 23 BMW X3 30e Msport 18 M3 CS 17 Porsche Macan GTS 14 Audi S4
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01-17-2021, 07:25 PM	#3
TurboSid Brigadier General 1147 Rep 3,269 Posts Drives: 2022 M4Cx BSM/FR Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 335i [0.00]	PS4 doesn't contain any of the hardcore sim racers like iRacing, Rfactor etc. I might get burned for this but I would go with a Logitech or thrustmaster wheel/pedal kit for $3-500 and decide if you actually like it before you go deeper with Fanatec gear. Logitech and Thrustmaster are better known to the general public and when you are ready to upgrade you can easily get more of that money back. I got a Logitech G wheel/pedals for around $230 brand new at a sale and sold it for $200 when I got my thrustmaster setup I would take the savings from the wheel and invest in a PC. RTX3070 equipped ready made systems are available for $12-1400 __________________ 2022 BSM/FR M4 Competition X-Drive 2017 MW/SO M4 ZCP [SOLD] • 2015 MW/SO M4 M-DCT FBO [SOLD] • 2011 AW/CR 335is DCT FBO [SOLD] • 2008 AW/CR 335i 6MT FBO [SOLD]
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01-18-2021, 09:18 PM	#4
MassNerd Second Lieutenant 174 Rep 294 Posts Drives: 2019 M240i Coupe RWD Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: New England iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M240i coup ... [0.00]	I agree with Turbo. You can be fast and have a good experience with even an old Logitech G27 or G29 wheels and pedals. Yes, the belt driven or direct drive and load cell stuff is better, but its not so huge you can't be competitive and have a great time.
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01-19-2021, 02:21 PM	#8
TurboSid Brigadier General 1147 Rep 3,269 Posts Drives: 2022 M4Cx BSM/FR Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 335i [0.00]	once you go vr its hard to go back. i just use my monitor to get the game fired up and in vr __________________ 2022 BSM/FR M4 Competition X-Drive 2017 MW/SO M4 ZCP [SOLD] • 2015 MW/SO M4 M-DCT FBO [SOLD] • 2011 AW/CR 335is DCT FBO [SOLD] • 2008 AW/CR 335i 6MT FBO [SOLD]
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02-23-2021, 10:06 PM	#13
tszene First Lieutenant 139 Rep 304 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	Having a PC is a must if you want to race for real. Solid softwares like iRacing don't run on consoles. They need more "Kraft" and with that, they are way more sophisticated than forza. Not to sling mud on arcade/console style games it's just a different kind of entertainment. Need for speed/GT/forza is something you can enjoy while having a couple of beers and hang out. IRacing is a whole different ball game. That's a race for which you practice hours to shave off the last 1/10th of a second, and you get a good night's rest and and espresso before the race so you perform to the best of your abilities. To each their own. I personally love iRacing and it provides endless entertainment in addition to improving your skills.
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05-29-2021, 04:51 PM	#15
MrZogs New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: BMW F31 320DA Join Date: May 2021 Location: Spain iTrader: (0)	As other users already said, there are diferent options nowadays based on the level of reality you want to get. The best of this, almost everything can be upgraded. I will recommend to start with videoconsole option, a simrig, single monitor and a not expensive wheel unit (G29, T-300, etc.). Try it, get used to it, play online tournaments, improve yourself, etc. If you like it, you will be able to upgrade almost everything and sell the material to get some money refunds without problems. Br, MrZogs
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06-30-2021, 02:16 PM	#16
Monkey Throttle Second Lieutenant 315 Rep 280 Posts Drives: F80 comp 6MT, 993 C2S Join Date: May 2021 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I would definitely go PC. Anything on the PlayStation is SimCade vs. iRacing which is simulator. Also, I used to race VR exclusively when I first started. Now I can't stand it. It's hot and heavy on the head and the quality of the graphics are still not good. And I'm running a 3080 with a HP Reverb G2. I much, much, much prefer the Samsung Ultrawide 49" monitor to race on. The colors are amazing. The graphics are great. And I can jump in and out of the rig without having to deal with Windows Mixed Reality for VR. The aliasing in VR and the stuttering on the load screen are just displeasing. Im a huge supporter of VR, it's just not there yet. Needs another generation or two. I would probably still love VR for racing had I not tried the UltraWide which ruined VR for me. Triples vs. ultrawide has a lot to do with space. Triples gives you more DOF but I race fine without it. I'm a top split driver in the Skip Barber series and never have a problem with my FOV.
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07-04-2021, 08:36 AM	#17
MooMooM2 Lieutenant Colonel 1889 Rep 1,614 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: NY iTrader: (2)	I can't do VR either, yes its very immersive but after 20 minutes I am ready to take the thing out of my head. I don't have triples, just a 32in 4k screen but have tried a triple setup and it is indeed amazing.
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07-13-2021, 10:45 AM	#18
RealBerusch New Member 6 Rep 17 Posts Drives: Looking for M3 Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	I preferred the CSL wheelbase over the more expensive clubsport myself. The clubsport has what I think is too much feedback. My rig is the CSL base with a clubsport wheel and hub and clubsport pedals with extra damper kit. You don't need much of a PC for iRacing, but a big monitor with decent refresh and a decent audio setup helps add to the immersion and fun.
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