So, you’re ready to build your sim racing cockpit setup? Good call. Whether you're here because you've had enough of arcade-style controllers or you’re itching to recreate the thrill of real racing from your own home, we’ve got you covered. A proper sim racing build isn’t just about slapping together a few bits of gear—it’s about creating a setup that feels fast, responsive, and utterly immersive.
But where do you start? Do you need to spend a fortune? And how do you avoid ending up with a rig that wobbles like a shopping trolley with a busted wheel? Let’s break it down step by step.
The Five Essential Parts of a Racing Simulator
Before you start throwing cash at the latest gear, it’s worth knowing what actually matters. A proper sim racing cockpit setup isn’t just about slapping a wheel onto a desk and calling it a day. If you want control, consistency, and the kind of immersion that makes you forget you’re sitting in your living room, you need a full setup that works together as a unit.
Every racer—whether you're a casual weekend gamer or chasing milliseconds in an online championship—relies on five key components. Miss one, and you’ll feel it. Skimp on the wrong part, and you’ll be back in the upgrade cycle before you know it. Here’s what makes up a solid sim racing build:
- A racing cockpit & monitor stand – Keeps everything locked in place for stability and immersion. No wobbling, no shifting—just pure focus.
- A racing seat – If you’re not comfortable, you won’t be fast. A proper seat keeps you planted, reducing fatigue and making long sessions feel effortless.
- A monitor (or three) – Your window into the action. Size, refresh rate, and field of view all impact how immersive and precise your racing feels.
- A wheel & wheelbase – The heart of the setup, dictating how real every turn, slide, and impact feels. A good wheel makes all the difference between arcade fun and full-on racing simulation.
- Pedals – No grip, no game. If your braking isn’t precise, your lap times will suffer. A solid pedal set helps you nail those corner entries and carry speed where it counts.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of building a sim racing rig that’s actually worth your time.
Racing Cockpits & Monitor Stands
Ever tried racing with a wobbly desk and a chair that rolls away every time you brake? Yeah, not ideal. A proper racing cockpit is the backbone of any serious setup.
Why You Need One
A cockpit keeps everything locked down—your wheel, pedals, and seat—so there’s no unwanted movement when you're pushing hard. The more stable your setup, the more precise your control.
What to Look For
- Adjustability – Everyone’s different. Look for a rig that lets you tweak the wheel height, seat position, and pedal angles.
- Material – Aluminium profiles are king for strength and modularity, but budget-friendly steel rigs can still get the job done.
- Expandability – Planning to add a shifter, handbrake, or motion system down the line? Make sure your cockpit can handle it.
Monitor Stands: Single vs Triple
- Single monitors – Great for beginners, especially if you’re using a widescreen or VR.
- Triple monitor setups – Wraparound immersion, but requires a powerful PC to run smoothly.
- Integrated stands vs separate ones – Integrated mounts keep things sleek but usually limit you to one screen. Floor-standing mounts, though? They let you go all out with up to three monitors for full-throttle immersion. Plus, they’re sturdier—no annoying wobble throwing you off mid-race.
Sim Racing Seats
Ever tried setting fast laps while sliding around on a kitchen chair? Not fun. A proper sim racing seat isn’t just about looking cool—it’s about stability, comfort, and keeping you locked in when the racing gets intense. If your seat shifts, your focus suffers. If it’s uncomfortable, long sessions turn into torture.
Bucket Seats vs GT-Style Seats
- Bucket Seats – These hug your body, keeping you firmly in place—perfect for aggressive racing. They mimic real race car seats, preventing movement during hard braking and cornering. However, some models are stiff and unforgiving, so they might not be the best for long sessions.
- GT-Style Seats – These feel more like a high-end sports car seat, offering comfort alongside stability. They usually have more padding, a reclining option, and better support for endurance racing.
Things to Consider
- Mounting Compatibility – Not all seats fit every cockpit. Double-check your rig’s specs before buying.
- Padding & Comfort – A hard, rigid seat might feel immersive but can be brutal after long races.
- Adjustability – Reclining, sliding, or tilt adjustments make all the difference, especially if multiple people use the setup.
A solid sim racing seat keeps you planted, focused, and comfortable, so you can focus on the race—not on readjusting your position.
Monitors
Your monitor is your window to the race, so picking the right one is just as important as your wheel or pedals. If the screen lags, refreshes slowly, or doesn’t show enough of the track, you’ll struggle to hit apexes and react to the competition. Key factors include:
- Refresh Rate – 60Hz is the absolute minimum, but 120Hz or 144Hz+ makes everything smoother and more responsive.
- Size – For the ultimate racing experience, size matters. A minimum of 32 inches is ideal for both single and triple-monitor setups, while motion rigs need at least 43 inches for full effect.
- Curvature – While curved screens are a top choice for immersion, flat monitors still get the job done. It’s all about what pulls you into the race.
- Response Time – Anything under 5ms is decent, but 1ms ensures crisp visuals with no motion blur.
- Resolution – 1080p is fine, 1440p is the sweet spot, and 4K looks incredible—if your PC can handle it.
Triple vs Ultrawide vs VR
- Triple Monitors – Most immersive, but needs a strong GPU to run smoothly.
- Ultrawide Monitors – A simpler setup, still immersive but slightly less natural peripheral vision. Their vertical field of view is smaller and comparable to a 27-inch monitor, which can impact how much of the cockpit you see.
- VR Headsets – Insane realism but can be hot, uncomfortable, and tricky for using extra controls.
- A high-quality monitor setup lets you react faster, spot opponents earlier, and fully immerse yourself in the race.
Sim Racing Wheels & Wheelbases
Your wheel and wheelbase are what connect you to the track. If your setup feels unresponsive, slow, or lifeless, chances are your wheel is to blame. Go too cheap, and you’ll feel like you’re playing an arcade game. Go too high-end, and your bank account might stage a protest. The trick? Finding the right balance between power, precision, and price.
Direct Drive vs Belt-Driven Wheels
- Belt-Driven Wheels – A great middle-ground for casual and intermediate racers, belt-driven systems provide smooth force feedback without the harsh, clunky feeling of entry-level gear-driven wheels.
- Direct Drive Wheels – The gold standard for force feedback. These wheels are mounted directly onto the motor, delivering instant, powerful, and ultra-realistic force feedback that mimics real-world racing. If you want maximum immersion and control, direct drive is the way to go.
Popular Choices at Speednation
- Moza R5 – Direct drive power at an unbeatable price. Offers incredible precision and strong force feedback, perfect for both beginners and serious sim racers.
- Thrustmaster T300 – Next-level force feedback with high output for ultra-realistic racing. Ideal for those upgrading to a more competitive setup.
- Moza R12 – With 12Nm of torque and NexGen 3.0 force feedback, the R12 delivers ultra-smooth steering for an elite racing experience.
Sim Racing Pedals
No amount of fancy monitors or force feedback will save you if your pedals feel like stepping on a sponge.
Load Cell vs Potentiometer Pedals vs Hall Effect Sensor
- Potentiometer-based pedals – A budget-friendly option for beginners, but prone to wear and tear. The friction-based sensors degrade quickly, making them less reliable over time
- Load cell pedals – Measures pressure instead of position, making braking far more realistic.
- Active pedals – Active pedals simulate real-world braking and throttle forces with dynamic force feedback, load cell sensors, and customisable resistance, letting you feel ABS, traction control, and gear shifts like never before.
Things That Matter
- Brake Feel – Brakes make or break your lap times. A solid, responsive brake pedal is the first upgrade pros invest in, with load cells delivering the precision needed for faster, more controlled driving.
- Adjustability – Being able to tweak pedal stiffness, height, and travel makes a huge difference.
- Heel-toe Space – If you’re into manual racing, make sure there’s enough room to nail those downshifts.
Ready for the Ultimate Experience?
Building your first sim racing cockpit setup isn’t just about buying the most expensive gear—it’s about getting the right combination of stability, realism, and control. Whether you’re putting together a basic sim racing setup or going all-in on a full sim-racing build, the key is making sure everything works together smoothly.
Start with the essentials, upgrade as you go, and most importantly—keep it fun. Because at the end of the day, whether you're shaving milliseconds off your lap times or just going sideways for the thrill of it, sim racing is all about the drive.
Need a little extra help? Reach out to the experts and we’ll be happy to recommend the perfect product for your setup.