Newbie needs help with computer spec and VR headset

[Jimmymac91]

Hi all,

So, I’m in the UK. I’m supposed to be at Donington Park right now racing in the first round of the Mini Challenge JCWs but we all know why I’m not there...

I’ve been thinking of getting my own simulator set up for ages now and this is definitely a good reason to finally take the plunge.

I’ve ordered myself up a cockpit and a fanatec club sport v2.5 wheelbase, csl elite steering wheel (as I’ve got an xbox one as well), with some elite pedals (that probably need upgrading at some point!)

Now my big question is what computer and VR setup to buy with it. I’ve done a hell of a lot of reading around and think I know what spec computer I want, but struggling to find it all in one to buy off the shelf. It seems like a minefield to me. Also again VR headset - no idea which one to go for. I know there are loads of similar threads to this but I think my main issue is actually finding where to order and buy the stuff as well!

Budget wise I don’t really want to spend much more than £1k on a PC but I’d be interested to head how big the difference is if you spend another £500 for example, and what gets better? Finally I don’t think there is much variation in the cost of the headsets?! But not sure how to pair it all together. in terms of computer spec I was thinking an Intel i7, GTX 1080Ti graphics card with 16gb ram. Really confused as to whether an RTX 2060 is as good or what vs RTX 1070. I know the 20s are the newer ones but assume I can still get the older 1080Ti and it will perform better than an RTX 2070 or a 2080 for example?

Excuse all the questions but learning as I go!

thanks!

James Mac

 

[Kieran527]

PC Part Picker is a good place to start to see what components you want and get prices.
PC Specialist will build your PC for you from your parts list I believe, but then there's a premium for that service.

Best to build your own system if price conscious, you'll just get a little bit more for your money.
The 1080TI were only available second hand when i built mine last year, and i could get a 2080 new for the price of a second hand 1080Ti, so decided to buy new, dont know if thats still the case.

As for VR, again whats the budget and main feature you want.
I want resolution as I play nothing but sim racing genres, so hand tracking isnt a concern, so the HP Reverb will be my choice when i get round to ordering the bloody thing!

 

[Medilloni]

.....but struggling to find it all in one to buy off the shelf...

I'm in the process of looking with a view to buy in 6 - 8 months, I emailed Scan Computers and have had fantastic advice from them (though my Q's were more to do with running triples rather than VR), they seemed to know their stuff when it came to specific requirements to run AC, ACC and other titles. From the convo's I've had it looks like my budget would need to be around £1500.

Examples of their kit is here:

Custom Gaming PCs - 3XS

Custom Gaming PCs for every budget. Whether you're building in Minecraft or slaying demons in Diablo IV, Scan 3XS has the perfect system for you.

www.scan.co.uk

Be quick Jimmy. we're racing the Mini @ Imola this Wednesday, you could give us plenty of tips! https://www.racedepartment.com/threads/mini-cooper-jcw-imola-weds-1st-april-2020.180569/

 

[Chrhun]

I will just comment on the VR side of things. I know that this forum has many people that are really happy with the Samsung Odyssey+, but I think that in Europe Rift S is easy to source and is very good for the price. Graphics card wise you could run one on RTX 2060, I'd prefer a 2070. The 1000-series (1070, 1080) graphics cards are older models, and are not a bad buy if you get one used. I'd compare them the way that 2060 Super matches the 1070 and 2070 Super matches the 1080. This should give you price guidance, the 1000-series used should be cheaper than the new 2000-series similar performance models.

 

[JE20]

I'm in the process of looking with a view to buy in 6 - 8 months, I emailed Scan Computers and have had fantastic advice from them (though my Q's were more to do with running triples rather than VR), they seemed to know their stuff when it came to specific requirements to run AC, ACC and other titles. From the convo's I've had it looks like my budget would need to be around £1500.

Examples of their kit is here:

Custom Gaming PCs - 3XS

Custom Gaming PCs for every budget. Whether you're building in Minecraft or slaying demons in Diablo IV, Scan 3XS has the perfect system for you.

www.scan.co.uk

Be quick Jimmy. we're racing the Mini @ Imola this Wednesday, you could give us plenty of tips! https://www.racedepartment.com/threads/mini-cooper-jcw-imola-weds-1st-april-2020.180569/

Is it possible for non-premium members to take part in these races? (the link in the post for more details doesn't work for me). Also, how regularly do you hold these races and are they always mid-week or do you ever hold them at the weekends?

 

[Medilloni]

Is it possible for non-premium members to take part in these races? (the link in the post for more details doesn't work for me). Also, how regularly do you hold these races and are they always mid-week or do you ever hold them at the weekends?

'Fraid it's only premium members JE20, but for the tiny cost of premium you can race virtually (pun intended ) as often as you like. Best to check out the calendar here: https://www.racedepartment.com/calendar/ and you'll see there's races most evenings. AC runs Sunday with GT3's, Monday, Wednesday with other combo's.

Not sure why the link wouldn't work for you, but if you use the nav bar on the left you'll find the calendar and premium

 

[JE20]

'Fraid it's only premium members JE20, but for the tiny cost of premium you can race virtually (pun intended ) as often as you like. Best to check out the calendar here: https://www.racedepartment.com/calendar/ and you'll see there's races most evenings. AC runs Sunday with GT3's, Monday, Wednesday with other combo's.

Not sure why the link wouldn't work for you, but if you use the nav bar on the left you'll find the calendar and premium

Thanks. I also new to sim racing, so apologies if these are silly questions, but are the events in that calendar similar to what happens on Sim Racing System or iRacing?

 

[Medilloni]

Thanks. I also new to sim racing, so apologies if these are silly questions, but are the events in that calendar similar to what happens on Sim Racing System or iRacing?

Nah, we're much nicer people Seriously tho, I've never been on SRS or iRacing so I can't comment on them.

The races you'll see on the calendar are for people of all driving abilities, they are 'fun' events - yeah we get some amazing aliens and we (average Joe like me!) get to see how they do it. There's also guys in it as their first online venture, I found it daunting but have had nothing but great advice, and understanding from everyone - no place is perfect, but I'm positive you wouldn't regret joining in

 

[JE20]

Nah, we're much nicer people Seriously tho, I've never been on SRS or iRacing so I can't comment on them.

The races you'll see on the calendar are for people of all driving abilities, they are 'fun' events - yeah we get some amazing aliens and we (average Joe like me!) get to see how they do it. There's also guys in it as their first online venture, I found it daunting but have had nothing but great advice, and understanding from everyone - no place is perfect, but I'm positive you wouldn't regret joining in

Awesome, just need to get a setup and then I can actually start racing!

 

[Jimmymac91]

Thanks all for the advice. Got a custom built jobbie with an i7 and 2070 super and 12gb of ram which should hopefully suffice with VR etc. However Oculus Rift S completely out of stock! is it worth waiting for stock or what's comparable/the best VR headset you can buy out there at the mo?

 

[JE20]

Thanks all for the advice. Got a custom built jobbie with an i7 and 2070 super and 12gb of ram which should hopefully suffice with VR etc. However Oculus Rift S completely out of stock! is it worth waiting for stock or what's comparable/the best VR headset you can buy out there at the mo?

Out of interest, how much did it cost for a PC with those specs/components?

 

[Bonobhoy]

Im running a Valve Index,its the best VR headset on the market with the best clarity. My rig Is an I7 8700k , GTX2070 Super.

This card runs all the racing titles exceptionally well,taking into account of changing a few settings for each game,maybe going form 8 AA to 4 AA etc.

The new cards are not out yet,the new generation,but even when they are there will be a waiting list and they will be expensive.

Top cards at the moment are the RTX Super 2070, 1080ti , or if you can afford it the 2080ti.

 

[maelstrom]

Got a custom built jobbie with an i7 and 2070 super and 12gb of ram

A new build? With 12 GB of RAM?

 

[Jimmymac91]

A new build? With 12 GB of RAM?

Is actually 16. must have had a drink before writing that. Cost me £1,299. Probably could have got cheaper building myself etc, but not got the time/knowledge at the moment!

 

[GeekyDeaks]

I recently bought a PC for the purpose of budget VR. My expectations were very low and I was just aiming for something a little better than PSVR that I could use to have a race with a field of 20 cars instead of 2 (and maybe do a little space trading on the side)

£1400 total

£850 on the PC
Intel Core i5 9400F
16GB 2400MHz DDR4
RTX 2060 6GB

£550 on the headset (HP Reverb)

I thought I had messed up as I originally planned to get the rift-s and neglected to review the required spec for the Reverb after I changed my mind, but I have been pleasantly surprised to find it running at 60fps+ on medium settings in AC with a 20 car field. It usually hits 90fps+ once the race has settled down too

I'm assuming the in-game metric in AC is accurate?

I have found the reverb to be quite a noticeable step-up in terms of visual quality and smoothness from the PSVR. Not used those funky controllers yet though