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Getting started in sim racing may seem overwhelming at first, but this guide will show you what you need to do to get started.
Your PC should be able to run most games at a minimum of 60 frames per second with a resolution of at least 1080p at lower graphic settings. Using iRacing as a baseline, a graphics card like the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580 will be sufficient for most sim racing games. Additionally, you’ll need a CPU with performance equivalent to an AMD FX-6300, Intel Core i5-4430, Intel Core i5-2320, or AMD Ryzen 3 1200, and at least 16GB of RAM. While these components may handle 1440p, this guide focuses on the 1080p benchmark for beginners, who might start with a smaller monitor.
The term ‘sim-rig’ varies widely based on budget. Beginners typically start with a basic desktop setup, using a table clamp to mount the wheelbase on an office table. While not the sturdiest, it’s a great way to get a feel for sim racing. As you progress, you can invest in a foldable rig or eventually a ‘4080 rig’, both of which involve the use of a dedicated racing seat and mounting plates for your pedals and wheelbase.
The relationship between pedals and seats is closely intertwined. Most people start learning the basics of racing by focusing on the GT3, LMP, and Formula classes. For these classes, you need a throttle and brake, which are included in most pedal-set solutions. For beginners using a desktop and clamp-mounted wheelbase, it’s critical to secure the pedals to the ground and prevent your office chair from rolling away during heavy braking. This can introduce inconsistency in both immersion and performance. Solutions include removing the wheels from your office chair, fastening the chair to something heavy, or buying dedicated office chair blockers. As for the pedals, placing them against a wall can prevent sliding, though this might require some DIY ingenuity. A slip-proof solution is essential, but achieving this without upgrading to one of the rig types mentioned above may prove challenging.
Whether you’re new or experienced in sim racing, Asetek SimSports offers three product lines: La Prima™ (entry-level), Forte® (mid-tier), and Invicta™ (top-tier) for wheelbases and pedals. Explore motorsport disciplines such as GT3, LMP, and F1 to figure out what interests you the most. These classes primarily use Formula-style wheels, as seen in our La Prima™ and Forte® iterations of their real-life counterparts. Remember, motorsports encompass various disciplines, so there is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. Visit our guide to find the right wheel style for you.
Start with our high-end, entry-level La Prima™ wheelbase, featuring 12NM of torque, and get started with our RaceHub™ control software. Choose from presets developed by Asetek SimSports to replicate force-feedback sensations of different cars in various race classes for a realistic and immersive driving experience. Below are our presets made for some of the most popular sim racing titles:
These are turn-key presets that can be adjusted. If you want to fine-tune the settings further, Will Ford at Boosted Media has created a detailed walkthrough of the different parameters and their impact on your driving experience:
