Noob.. Need advice

[Apex2Apex 0]

Long story short... In real life I run at Mid-Ohio when I can with either a track prepped Civic or Miata. Real life... Now have 2 kids and no time for the real track. So I need to bring the track home.

I'm looking to do a setup with 1 monitor to start, seat, and either XBox One or PS4 with GT6.. Or should I build a PC? What racing Sims are out for the PC? Im looking for realistic steering, shifting and drive feel. I want real track prepped cars on real road courses. I'm really liking the Fanatec M3 wheel.

Please Make suggestions to get me setup. What hardware, software, etc. I have been lurking these forums for a long time, but need a direction to go in. I would like to do multiplayer live online racing.

Thanks.

[Darin Gangi 1,074]

Hi Apex,

 

I moved your topic over here to the Getting Started section. 

 

Your best bet may be iRacing since you want to do live multiplayer racing. The also have a laser scanned version of Mid-Ohio that you can run on. There's offers for free trials, but it's a monthly membership that if you race a lot, can be as low as $4.00 for a full year. You also have to buy extra content with iRacing to run in their various series. It can get a little pricey.. Check this thread for more suggestions. 

 

http://isrtv.com/forums/topic/10555-sim-racing-on-pc-software/

 

PCs can be found for as little as $250 (used) and can go into the thousands for a beast. The amount you spend on our PC, can directly effect you racing. You can find a used PC at that price that will get the job done though. Check our section here on PC Systems for more help.. Start your own thread too if you like to ask for advice. http://isrtv.com/forums/forum/45-pc-personal-computer-gaming-system/

 

For the wheel. The Fanatec Clubsport with the BMW rim is a great choice. There's also the Thrustmaster T500. Either company offers a shifter and clutch setup too.

 

You may also want to consider some kind of chassis for any setup you go for. It really adds to the realism.  

 

Hope those things help. Feel free to ask more questions if they come up  !  Welcome to sim racing !!

[Kevin Jowett 309]

Hi, welcome

I'm fairly new (1yr or so) to this too but spotted your thread and thought I could save you some cash.

If you'd like to save thousands of dollars backtracking to build what you should have in the first place...

Build a PC and build it to the specs necessary to push the quality of racing you'd like to do in two years time.

 

I started with both PS3 and Xbox and worked my way through wheels, pedals, graphics cards, buttkickers, monitors in multiple stages. Consoles, even the new ones are far less than what's required to run a sim. After spending lots of time on the GT series then moving to iRacing, there's literally no comparison. Being a real driver you'll want the realism that has yet to exist on console games.

 

My simple advise is to build a good machine capable of pushing to tripple screens at the highest settings (run a center monitor to get started)... why build a great chassis, with quality components and have to turn graphic settings down to avoid errors and freezing? Spend some cash on the video card!

 

Also if you can try out a few of the store bought chassis... if you're looking for a solid feel at a lower cost I'd suggest getting out the tools and building your own.

 

If I had of gone this route I'd probably have 4K extra in my pocket and would have built one rig properly.

So my advise is to build a big PC and use it as your foundation and build up from there.

Hope this helps a little.

[Apex2Apex 0]

Thank you for the replies.

 

1. I can handle the PC side of it, no issues there.  But what is the recommended "top of the line" video card that will support 3 monitors?  I will start with one and expand out to 3 in a year.

 

2. What kind of Chassis do you recommend?  I'm not looking to take up a whole section of my basement, but interested in a *sturdy* one.  One that will not flex when I put the brake or perform quick steering.

 

3. If I go single Monitor... what do you recommend?  If I do a triple Monitor, what do you recommend?

[Mad Mike 41]

Hi Apex2

I built my own rig it was such an adventure and so much fun and I just keep modding it lil here lil there. It's all built for Xbox but all the equipment will work for the PC , when I build mine

[CaTaPulT 658]

Thank you for the replies.

 

1. I can handle the PC side of it, no issues there.  But what is the recommended "top of the line" video card that will support 3 monitors?  I will start with one and expand out to 3 in a year.

 

2. What kind of Chassis do you recommend?  I'm not looking to take up a whole section of my basement, but interested in a *sturdy* one.  One that will not flex when I put the brake or perform quick steering.

 

3. If I go single Monitor... what do you recommend?  If I do a triple Monitor, what do you recommend?

 

Hi Apex and welcome to the site.

 

1) if AMD (ATI), the 7970 is the best single GPU right now, for Nvidia, it's the Titan (really expensive), these will handle triple monitors with no problems. (I have a HIS brand 7970 card, works well)

 

2) I have a Obutto oZone chassis, built like a tank and comes with a lot of stuff as standard equipment where some others charge extra for. Single monitor mount (arms to make it triple are optional (extra cost)), keyboard/mouse tray, shifter tray, seat reclines and is on rails, seat is also comfortable. I've had this chassis for about 3 years now and I still love it, all steel tubing, easy to attach stuff to it. (button boxes, shifters, etc).

 

3) if you plan on going triple in the future, try and get a monitor that has thin bezels, the monitor controls should be at the front or the underside, if controls are on the side, 2 monitor's controls will be inaccessible in a triple monitor setup, also try and get a monitor that will still be sold when you are ready to get the other 2 to complete your triple monitor setup. Always better to have 3 identical monitors. I run a triple monitor setup using three BenQ 24 inch monitors.

 

Take care

 

Regards:  >>>> Jack <<<<

[Joe Berkett 70]

Prices are the best indicator. Cheap stuff in sim racing equals s#!t so don't get sucked into that trap

[pben1 8]

Hi Apex

 

Anyone can sim race but it all come's down to your budget from 500/5000 bucks or more it's up to you, just like a real car it will still get you there at the end of the day.

 

I would go straight to PC to get the best from sim-racing, there's plenty of sim's out there to choose from new & some very good oldies that are still alive and well in the community. For wheels & pedals 3 choices, Logitech/Thrustmaster/Fanatec, chassis/rig even more choice too many to list.

[Apex2Apex 0]

Hi Apex and welcome to the site.

 

1) if AMD (ATI), the 7970 is the best single GPU right now, for Nvidia, it's the Titan (really expensive), these will handle triple monitors with no problems. (I have a HIS brand 7970 card, works well)

 

2) I have a Obutto oZone chassis, built like a tank and comes with a lot of stuff as standard equipment where some others charge extra for. Single monitor mount (arms to make it triple are optional (extra cost)), keyboard/mouse tray, shifter tray, seat reclines and is on rails, seat is also comfortable. I've had this chassis for about 3 years now and I still love it, all steel tubing, easy to attach stuff to it. (button boxes, shifters, etc).

 

3) if you plan on going triple in the future, try and get a monitor that has thin bezels, the monitor controls should be at the front or the underside, if controls are on the side, 2 monitor's controls will be inaccessible in a triple monitor setup, also try and get a monitor that will still be sold when you are ready to get the other 2 to complete your triple monitor setup. Always better to have 3 identical monitors. I run a triple monitor setup using three BenQ 24 inch monitors.

 

Take care

 

Regards:  >>>> Jack <<<<

 

 

Hi Jack.. thanks for the reply.

 

So I decided on this so far:

 

Logitech G27 setup - ordered

Logitech G930 wireless phones - ordered

Obbuto ozone or revolution (waiting on black friday, crossing fingers)

ButtKicker Gamer 2 (will be ordered with cage)

 

Still investigating PC and LCDs.  I like pre-built.. as I don't have time to sit there and assemble and install OS/drivers.  I rather have it ready to go with a warranty.  Currently looking at an Alienware possibly, X51 with a nVidia 760 Ti 2GB card.  Does anyone know if this card will be "fair, good, great" to drive 3 screens for iRacing?

 

Also, interested in 3 - 27" LCDs... looking for thin bezel of course and high refresh.  Any recommendations?

 

Thanks.

Chris

[UNKLE 1,429]

pre built PC's then take a look at MainPerformance PC or iBuyPower

 

http://www.mainperformancepc.com/

 

http://www.ibuypower.com/

 

IBuyPower will have some fantastic sales soon I'm sure and if you don't use them then the custom builder tool is an excellent tool for finding quality parts that are compatible with each other and it gives you an idea of the budget you'll want to go to.

 

My general advise is buy the best PC you can afford and don't scrimp on the graphics card cause you'll regret it.  Your choice of graphics card will pretty much dictate the other main components such as the motherboard, power supply and a CPU that will work well with it.

 

AMD is cheaper, works good with triples and for iRacing (the newest cards are looking good perfomance wise)

Nvidia is more expensive but performs well across the board and for all types of games

[Apex2Apex 0]

pre built PC's then take a look at MainPerformance PC or iBuyPower

 

Environmental Disposal Fee: $0.00  

Total Price w/Discounts: $1,297.47

[Moreno 218]

This is good enough for now...  But if you want to get yourself a bit more future-proofed I would bump the video card to a 770 4GB model or a 780.  Either of these should handle triples at high frame rates (such as 144Hz monitors) without having to make much if any compromises in settings.

 

Do have a look at Main Performance PC as well though as they are really good and Michael Main is an avid iRacer who participates in the forums quite regularly. If I were stateside and looking for a prefab PC for racing, I would trust them to build something perfectly suited above just about anybody else.

[Karl 2]

I just started building my new PC with a GIGABYTE GTX780 OC 3GD5 graphics card to run triple 32 inch screens

[CaTaPulT 658]

Also I would double check to make sure the Obutto oZone's triple monitor mount can handle 27 inch monitors, when I bought mine, max size was 24 inch. Maybe he's made some modifications since then to accommodate 27 inch monitors.

I believe the USA distributor for Obutto is Main Performance, they also build PC's, maybe check them out and write them regarding if the oZone's triple monitor mount can handle 27 inch monitors.

Take care

 

Regards:  >>>> Jack <<<<

[alwaysinboost 3]

The Manufacture must have made some modifications since then.  When I purchased mine it say upto 28" and in some cases even 30"

 

 

http://www.mainperformancepc.com/product/gaming-sim-cockpits/accessories/obutto-ozone-triple-monitor-mount-accessory/

[CaTaPulT 658]

Thanks Alwaysinboost.

Like I said, when I bought mine 3 years ago, 24 inch monitors were the max size supported. It's kind of cool they decided to allow bigger screens, the thing is strong enough for it.

Take care

 

Regards:  >>>> Jack <<<<

[UNKLE 1,429]

This is good enough for now...  But if you want to get yourself a bit more future-proofed I would bump the video card to a 770 4GB model or a 780.  Either of these should handle triples at high frame rates (such as 144Hz monitors) without having to make much if any compromises in settings.

 

Do have a look at Main Performance PC as well though as they are really good and Michael Main is an avid iRacer who participates in the forums quite regularly. If I were stateside and looking for a prefab PC for racing, I would trust them to build something perfectly suited above just about anybody else.

 

 

That would be my advise too, to get a graphics card with more memory, this will keep your options open for triples.  I'd also recommend getting a larger power supply, something like 650W upwards.  I'd also look out for a motherboard with two or more PCI 3.0 x16 slots.  This will keep the door open for two graphics cards at some point should you need it.

[Apex2Apex 0]

OK... this is what I am picking up at MicroCenter today....  I will decide on a case when I get there.

 

 

Intel Core i5 4670K 3.4GHz Socket LGA 1150 Boxed P 1 $199.99 SKU: 583302

ASUS Maximus VI Gene Socket LGA 1150 mATX Intel Mo 1 $179.99 SKU: 615443

WD Blue 1TB 7,200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal H 1 $59.99 SKU: 171652

PNY GTX 770 4GB OC2 PCIE 1 $449.99 SKU: 817494

Corsair Gaming Series GS800 2013 Edition 800 Watt 1 $104.99 SKU: 196246

LG 24X Internal DVD ReWritable Drive SATA 1 $15.99 SKU: 764449

Corsair Dominator GT Series 8GB DDR3-2000 PC3-1600 1 $119.99 SKU: 247122

Logitech Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo MK520 1 $39.99 SKU: 930859

 

Thoughts on this PC build?

 

Now.. I have to go "good" but not "awesome" on the LCDs... suggestions?  I would like to stick with 27".

[UNKLE 1,429]

Looks good to me, if you plan to overclock your CPU (which you can do easily with the K version) then check your CPU cooling solution  I'd recommend a Crosair Hydro Series.

 

Regarding monitors I think you can't go wrong with ASUS, the question then is if you want to go 60hz or higher like 120hz.  I personally don't notice any difference between the two and 60Hz is less stressful on your GPU and is lighter on the wallet.  Others though notice a big difference between the two, so you might want to try before you buy to see if you notice it.

[Apex2Apex 0]

Looks good to me, if you plan to overclock your CPU (which you can do easily with the K version) then check your CPU cooling solution  I'd recommend a Crosair Hydro Series.

 

Regarding monitors I think you can't go wrong with ASUS, the question then is if you want to go 60hz or 120hz.  I personally don't notice any difference between the two and 60Hz is less stressful on you GPU and lighter on the wallet.  Others though notice a big difference between the two, so you might want to try before you buy to see if you notice it.

 

I was planning on leaving it stock for now.  I'm assuming that the stock cooling setup will work well enough for now?

 

I was thinking about this case:

http://www.microcenter.com/product/404779/Carbide_Series_200R_Mid_Tower_ATX_Computer_Case

 

Good... bad?  or this case:

http://www.microcenter.com/product/379532/x

[UNKLE 1,429]

If you don't plan on overclocking and are going with a stock cooler then I'd go with an i7.  The main reason folks go with an i5 is because it's good at overclocking to get it up to the clock speeds of an i7.   An i7 isn't quite as good at overclocking because the cores are closer together so the heat builds up quicker.

[Apex2Apex 0]

If you don't plan on overclocking and are going with a stock cooler then I'd go with an i7.  The main reason to go with an i5 is because it's good at overclocking to get it up to the clock speeds of an i7. 

 

How about this one?

 

http://www.microcenter.com/product/413248/Core_i7_4770K_35GHz_Socket_LGA_1150_Boxed_Processor

[UNKLE 1,429]

How about this one?

 

http://www.microcenter.com/product/413248/Core_i7_4770K_35GHz_Socket_LGA_1150_Boxed_Processor

 

Perfect, it's a K version too so when you decide to you'll be able to overclock it easy by installing the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility, you should manage to get it easy to a conservative 4Ghz too providing your cooling is good and quiet.  Folks with water cooling typically get them up to 4.5Ghz or higher which can add an extra 10-20 fps in iRacing.

[Apex2Apex 0]

Perfect, it's a K version too so when you decide to you'll be able to overclock it easy by installing the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility, you should manage to get it easy to a conservative 4Ghz too providing your cooling is good and quiet. Folks with water cooling typically get them up to 4.5Ghz or higher which can add an extra 10-20 fps in iRacing.

Great! Thank you...

How about LCD recommendation?

[UNKLE 1,429]

I did

 

http://isrtv.com/forums/topic/10801-noob-need-advice/?p=103338