Gaming PC or Fanatec CSW?

[LeMorg]

Hi,
I currently only do my racing in GT5, but would like to get in to PC simracing someday! I already have a triple screen setup that i use with GT5 and I love the immersion that I get with it. I have a rig that I love and still really enjoy GT5, haven´t tried any PC sims yet.... I´m really tempted to order the Fanatec Club Sport Wheel first(love the looks and the mechanics of it :ugeek: ) and get the PC later as that is more expensive.

What will I get a better experience with?

A Gaming PC and continue to use my G27 and later upgrade to CSW. ( The PC I would buy today would be with the following parts, i7 3770, HD7970 or GTX680, 32GB ram etc.)

A CSW now and continue to use GT5 untill I get bored with it and wait with the PC a few months until Project CARS, rFactor2, AsettoCorsa, RaceRoom Racing Experience etc. are more finished and better hardware is available. Seems to be a lot going on right now on the PC side both regarding Simracing titles and hardware wise..!?

I currently use/own
3x27" LED BenQ GL2750HM,
3xPS3
Logitech G27 with Nixim brake mod
Logitech z906 DTS 5.1
Buttkicker

 

[Patrocles]

The G27 is an extremely popular wheel and it will do well in PC simracing. And yours is even better with the brake mod!

imho,ymmv of course....
I would say go for the PC and upgrade to the CSW in the future. I think this will also allow you to experience many different and excellent sims that are on the PC (iRacing, pCARS, rFactor2, GameStockCar 2012, NKPro, Asseto Corsa (not out yet but announced by end of year) come to mind.

I hope to see you on the other side...

 

[pilmat]

After trying a CSR-E wheel and being a G27 user (GTEYE brake), I say go for the PC and get a Bodnar cable for the pedals (increase resolution).

The Fanatec wheels are BEAUTIFUL and the feature list is impressive. BUT the feel was not impressive (the wheel has a VERY heavy feel). This might be much more adjustable and suited in PC games, but for GT5 I was not bedazzled (FF at 1, spring and damper at -3, drift 3-5). When I got home after the Fanatec weekend, I jumped straight into my rig and was right in my zone again Don't disregard how good you G27 is!

 

[Zero7159]

Stick with the g 27 and go with the pc

 

[12thgear]

The G27 is a perfectly fine wheel, and while the a CSW is an awesome wheel, you'll get more by getting a PC. Exposure to a whole new world of racing and other games. After you've settled in with your PC and saved up a while, then you can get a CSW. It's a slippery slope.

The gaming PC specs you listed are fantastic, but you could save a bit of dough and lose almost nothing in gaming performance by going with an i5 3570K, a Gigabyte GTX 670 Windforce, and half as much RAM. I don't begrudge your getting the better stuff though.

 

[Pingwhen]

G27 keep it. I went from a g25 to a full fanatec set up with csw. I love it. But you need a computer to run everything and it will give you an operatunity to try different Sims out. IRacing is a great one but is very expensive to do right. So theirs another cost of you go down that road.

 

[FMW]

I went the full CSW package route, but I do play more than GT5 on my PS3, so my choice was a little easier.
Now that I have seen and experienced the immersion and precision of the CSW, I just might be convinced to update my PC, which at the moment can only run GTR1/2 and GT Legends at full tilt and that's about all it can run.

 

[gordie44]

I agree with the advice to go with the PC. I would looking into maybe buying a i7 3930 though. It's a very expensive processor, but 2 months ago Intel was selling to sales associates for $195. You might be able to buy it on a Site like craigslist for $300, I'm not sure as you're in Sweden.

Right after the promo started, the Internet was FLOODED with brand new ones for $400ish, but I imagine most didn't sell, so you might be able to snap one up for cheaper than the $630 retail price.

You will need a more expensive mobo though!

 

[gordie44]

I agree with the advice to go with the PC. I would looking into maybe buying a i7 3930 though. It's a very expensive processor, but 2 months ago Intel was selling to sales associates for $195. You might be able to buy it on a Site like craigslist for $300, I'm not sure as you're in Sweden.

Right after the promo started, the Internet was FLOODED with brand new ones for $400ish, but I imagine most didn't sell, so you might be able to snap one up for cheaper than the $630 retail price.

You will need a more expensive mobo though!