
If you have to skimp anywhere, Considine says simulators aren't super hard on RAM, but a solid GPU is a must-have. So the first step will be a PC with a high-power graphics card and a powerful CPU. "If your budget is higher and you want to be as accurate and realistic as possible, then PC is the direction you want to go," Considine said.
F1 2018 setup manual#
These cheaper bundles only offer two-pedal configurations and don't come with shifters, though, so those who want to properly simulate manual gearboxes will have to pay more for three-pedal configurations with shifters.īut if you are willing to spend more than the $800-1300 required for these midrange setups, you're probably going to want to ditch the consoles altogether. A midrange setup from Fanatec-like the $799.95 Xbox One Competition Pack or the $699.95 CSL Elite F1 set for PS4, Xbox, & PS4-is a good way to get some very realistic feedback. If you can stretch your budget, putting more money into the wheel and pedal set is usually a good idea. Both retail for $399.00 and include a relatively simple gas, brake, and clutch pedal set. As for what a good starter wheel is, Considine said the cheapest one you'd want to buy is the Logitech G29/Logitech G920 (same basic wheel, but the G29 is for PS4 whereas the G920 is set up for Xbox One). A good wheel gives serious force feedback, so it'll torque its way out of weak mounts. Whatever you rig up, it should be sturdy. The cheapest option is to make your own rig, but if you're limited on space or do-it-yourself ability you can buy pedal stands on Amazon. You can try to mount a wheel to your computer desk and sit in a normal office chair, but that'll probably leave you awkwardly positioned and-if you're putting in serious time-sore. Like with an actual track car, you need a proper driving position to get the best experience. Then, you're going to need an actual rig.

F1 2018 setup pro#
The cheaper versions of each console come in around $200, though the more powerful Xbox One X and PS4 Pro both offer better graphics and performance than their standard-issue counterparts. If you're primarily focused on entertainment over realism and want to keep the budget tighter, you can build a setup around an Xbox One or Playstation 4. How much less depends on what kind of experience you want. Sure, CXC's rigs start at $57,000, but you can get into the world for a lot less. The good news is, while intimidating, sim racing doesn't have to be as much of a financial or lifestyle commitment as actual racing. Īnd now, with tracks across the country locking down and states issuing lockdown orders, the need for good at-home driving simulation is more widespread than ever. "Like all good businesses, it came out of a need," Considine told Road & Track. He founded CXC in 2007, turning it into one of the premier companies for serious racing simulators over the past 13 years. After gerry rigging simulators in his garage while working for the Bondurant school, his clients at the racing school encouraged him to start selling simulators.

F1 2018 setup driver#
His experience grew out of a real need: he was a racecar driver trying to climb the ladder, put off by how expensive it was to get proper on-track practice time.

Since I'm new to this world, too, I called up Chris Considine, founder of CXC Simulations. And since 903,000 viewers watched it-a record-breaking figure for an Esports event-we figured some new-to-Esports fans are now looking to get into the world of simulated racing.
F1 2018 setup drivers#
Because racecar drivers train on simulators already, it's an easy jump to participate in events like the eNASCAR Pro Invitational iRacing Series. With every major racing series delayed, more and more high-profile drivers are competing in simulated racing events.
