What would you Recommend?

[Qailai 0]

Hello everyone, I'm interested in getting a reasonably realistic racing game with a wheel, but I would like some assistance. I currently do not own a gaming PC or console, so I would need to purchase either one as well as a wheel. I also would like to stay under $900 in terms of cost.

I've looked at gaming PCs and the sims on them, and the actual computers are pretty expensive, which makes me believe that PC sims with a wheel are over my budget. Some sims like iRacing look great but are very expensive. I may be wrong though, so please inform me if I am.

From what I've seen, my other alternative (consoles) are cheaper even with the wheels. I'm a bit stuck though. I've looked at Gran Turismo 6 on PS3 and Forza 5 on Xbox One. Gran Turismo looks okay, but my problem is that it's on an outdated console. Meaning I would be buying a console that will not see any more new installations of Gran Turismo. Forza on the other hand, is on a new console. However, the racing looks a bit unrealistic, as I've seen GT1 and GT2 cars competing with each other and road cars like bugatti's and mclarens p1s. It's physics, however, are probably better.

Anyway, I am stuck. PC sims seem out of reach, and there is no clear choice for consoles. I would appreciate any insight that anyone may have, thanks.

[Krassi 692]

Xbox One + Forza 5 + Thrustmaster TX  and you are done.And Live Year subscription.

 

To be in the budget limits you must buy  Xbox One version that MS released now on 399$ without the KInect.

[madh4tt3r 5]

Im a PC gamer and will always say rather save up a bit for a decent PC. Although Forza has good reviews. Also Project Cars is coming to Consoles later in the year aswell as PC's and they are say it is a simulation so consoles might not be a bad way to go if you are really tight on a budget.

[Krassi 692]

The consoles have one big pro - during their life any console title runs perfect - no new video cards need etc...

[CaTaPulT 658]

Unless you are on a really old laptop right now, list out your current computer specs, they may be good enough to run some of the older Sim Racing titles (windows XP).

Just to make sure you like it enough to dump some cash into it, try a starter wheel like a Logitech DFGT, or better a Logitech G27.

Here are the titles that older systems can run......

SimBin:

GTR2

GT Legends

Race07 (and add on packs) There's a title called Race Injection, this is Race07 with some of the add on packs included.

 

ISI:

rFactor (not rFactor-2, that one requires a pretty new and fast computer)

 

Codemaster: (SimCade)

Race Driver Grid

Toca

 

Other Titles:

Live For Speed

RBR (Richard Burns Rally) Best Rally sim out there, even if it's old

 

A lot of these titles can be purchased inexpensively on Steam, rFactorI can be purchased from the ISI website.

The SimBin titles and rFactor has a lot of free mods (extra cars and tracks) out there, so it'll keep you busy for a long time.

 

My Advice, try sim racing on the cheap to start with, see if you like it enough to go onto the next step and spend way more money to get into it hard core.

Take care and good luck.

 

Regards:  >>>> Jack <<<<

[Krassi 692]

The advice of Catapult is better!

Start from a low and grow up . With his suggestion you are on a track with money for a movie

I like that! Older titles are not bad - we are just victims of technology revolution!

[ApexVGear 207]

If you want to try out "sim racing" on a lower budget, get a G27, and a PS3. You can often find good deals on both items, and often find them used or refurbished.

 

The only requirement for the PS3, you should get one with a 80GB or larger hard drive, or one that is upgradeable (I bought a used one, and installed a 250GB drive in it).

 

Then you can find new or used copies of Gran Turismo 6, F1 2013, Dirt 2 & 3 and Ferrari Challenge to get started.

 

I know some "sim-snobs" may say these aren't simulators, but I disagree. Though they may not be "hard core" enough for some, they still give you a very similar experience. Just remember that just about every console "racing simulator" is designed for "the masses." These titles are generally designed to offer rewards (fun) without getting too far into seriously developing your skills. You can get around most of this by turning off assists, and pushing yourself to constantly improve. Even running hot laps to beat your best "ghost" is good practice.

 

If you want to race online, then look for online racing leagues for GT6.

 

Then, if you're sure you want to get more serious, you can use the G27 on a PC.

 

BTW, in addition to PS3 and Xbox 360, I am currently using a Pentium dual-core 3ghz PC with 4GB of ram and 64-bit Windows 7 Pro. It's a PowerSpec machine I bought as a return from MicroCenter for $300. I replaced the 250watt power supply with a 600watt (another $45 with a rebate), and for now, installed (had to cut away a little of an extra drive bay support) an "old hand-me-down" nVidia GTX 275 graphics card in it (to be upgraded later). If you were to buy a good basic machine and a decent graphics card with an adequate power supply, you're probably going to spend $500-700. However, you'll eventually need a graphics card that will cost $300-600 to handle titles that are releasing later this year.

 

My current "gaming PC" runs iRacing and RaceRoom Racing Experience quite well with most effects turned on (around 60-90 frames-per-second).

 

I've also been having a blast with Simbin's GTR2 and Race 07 (hundreds of tracks and cars from the modding community), and this PC runs those titles extremely well. I have at least 400 tracks for GTR2 alone.

 

I've also tested the rFactor and Stock Car Extreme demos with great results.

[Ricky Davies 326]

rfactor and race series + a G27 seems like a good starter combo for anyone wanting to get into PC racing.

 

CHEERS!