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Recommended builds for different budgets
Under $500 Setup

Entry-Level Gear For Beginners

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Under $1000 Setup

Balanced performance & immersion

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Elite-Level sim rig with top-tier gear

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🏁 Getting Started with Sim Racing — What to Buy and Why

So you are looking to get into sim racing?
Well, you’ve come to the right place.

The world of sim racing has evolved immensely over the years, offering options for every budget, driving style, and level of realism. Whether you want to casually cruise through scenic roads or compete wheel-to-wheel with serious racers, there’s a setup out there for you.

🔰 Entry-Level: G29, G920, and G923 — The Gateway Rigs

If you’ve done even a little research, you’ve probably come across the Logitech G29, G920, and G923. These wheels are industry staples — and for good reason.

For around $300 (and often less during sales), these gear-driven wheels offer force feedback that’s more than enough to immerse a beginner and challenge even seasoned drivers. The build quality is solid, the pedals are responsive, and compatibility across PC and console makes them extremely versatile.

An avid sim driver can absolutely be competitive using a G-series wheel.

You can use these wheels to tear up the track in Gran Turismo, drift through corners in Assetto Corsa, haul cargo in American Truck Simulator, or push your favorite car to the limit in BeamNG.drive. They feel great in the hands, and when the force feedback kicks in — it’s a fight in the best way.

💸 Budget Builds & Used Market Tips (Under $500)

If you’re working with a tight budget, check the used market. Many sim racers upgrade and sell their gear, and it’s not uncommon to find a well-kept G29 or G920 for $150–$200.

Budget Setup Suggestions:

  • Wheel: Logitech G29 or G920 (~$250 new, $150 used)

  • Wheel Stand: GT Omega Apex / Amazon Foldables (~$80–$100)

  • Chair: Your current desk chair or a basic gaming chair (~$50–$100)

🎯 Skip the full cockpit for now. You can upgrade later as your passion grows.

🎮 Game Compatibility: Console vs PC
Console (PlayStation / Xbox)

  • ✔️ G29: PlayStation + PC

  • ✔️ G920: Xbox + PC

  • ✔️ G923: Check model — available for both platforms

Console racers can enjoy excellent titles like:

  • Gran Turismo 7 (PS5)

  • Forza Motorsport (Xbox)

  • F1 24 (Both)

But there are some limitations:

  • Fewer game mods or third-party tools

  • Less adjustability (no modding force feedback files or physics)

  • Limited hardware compatibility

PC: The Powerhouse Platform

On PC, the doors fly open:

  • Play Assetto Corsa with thousands of modded cars and tracks

  • Drift or crash with realistic physics in BeamNG.drive

  • Compete in pro-level races in iRacing, rFactor 2, or Automobilista

Plus, you can run custom dashboards, telemetry tools, and third-party launchers — the possibilities are endless.

💰 Mid-Range Setup (Under $1000)

Ready to step up your immersion?
A mid-tier build takes you from “entry-level fun” to serious racing feel.

Recommended Gear:

  • Wheel Base:

    • Thrustmaster T300 RS (belt-driven)

    • Moza R5 (direct drive)

    • Fanatec CSL DD (entry-level direct drive)

  • Pedals:

    • Thrustmaster T-LCM Load Cell Pedals

    • Fanatec CSL Pedals with Load Cell Kit

💡 These setups offer better road feel, stronger feedback, and more customization.

🔧 Popular Mods & DIY Upgrades

Even with a basic wheel, modding your setup can dramatically improve the experience.

Easy, Cheap Mods:

  • Magnetic Paddle Shifters (snappy click feel)

  • Brake Mod Kits (firmer pedal feel)

  • Custom Wheel Rims (3D-printed or aftermarket)

  • Handbrake Adapters (for drifting and rally)

Mods like these are often low-cost and make a huge difference in immersion and performance.

🏎️ The Cadillac of Sim Rigs (Pro-Level Gear)

For those ready to go all in — here’s the top shelf:

🧱 Direct Drive Wheels:

  • Simucube 2 Pro / Ultimate

  • Fanatec DD1 / DD2

  • Asetek Invicta

🦶 Pedals:

  • Heusinkveld Sprints / Ultimates

  • Simagic P2000 / V3s

🛠️ Add-Ons:

  • Sequential shifters

  • Load cell or hydraulic handbrakes

  • Custom dashboards / button boxes

  • Triple monitors or VR

  • Full motion rigs (yes, they move!)

Total cost: $2,000–$5,000+
But if you’re chasing realism and sim racing is more than a hobby — this is your playground.

🖥️ Displays & PC Specs for Sim Racing
🔳 Recommended Displays:

  • 1440p 144Hz monitor (best balance of resolution/speed)

  • Ultrawide 34” (immersive and clean)

  • Triple 27” monitors (ultimate FOV)

  • VR (only if your PC can handle it)

⚙️ PC Specs:

  • CPU: Ryzen 5 5600X or Intel i5-12400F+

  • GPU: RTX 3060 / RX 6700 XT or better

  • RAM: 16GB DDR4

  • Storage: SSD required (fast loading times)

✅ Final Thoughts: Just Start Driving

You don’t need to spend thousands to enjoy sim racing.
Start where your budget allows, and don’t worry about what the pros are using.

The Logitech G29/G920 lineup is still the best bang-for-your-buck starting point. From there, you can upgrade gradually — pedals, wheel base, monitors, and beyond.

The most important part? Getting behind the wheel.

Once you feel that first corner load up through your hands, you’ll know why so many people get hooked.