如今，游戏 PC(Gaming PCs)具有强大的计算能力，这就是为什么它们能够以惊人的真实感和质量运行最新的视频游戏。同样的游戏马力也可以应用于不同的工作：模拟。
有许多高度逼真的赛车模拟应用程序可以充分利用所有这些功能，赛车爱好者正在将其与新一代（相对）负担得起的赛车模拟硬件相结合，以创造终极爱好者玩具。一个完整的家庭赛车模拟器设置足以训练您参加大联盟，现在触手可及。
赛车模拟器(Racing Simulator Setup)设置的组件(Components)
没有一种通用装备可以算作赛车模拟器。如果您使用带有游戏手柄的普通游戏电脑玩游戏，那仍然很重要！但是，当“家庭赛车模拟”一词被抛出时，它通常意味着以下内容：
- 具有正确规格的计算机（稍后会详细介绍）。
- 赛车模拟框架或驾驶舱。
- 方向盘、变速杆和踏板。
- 一个或多个显示器。
- 运动模拟器（可选和高端）。
您不必一次全部购买。如前所述，您可以从一台 PC 和一个游戏手柄开始。然后添加一个轮子和踏板，只需将它们安装到您的办公桌上。当您准备好购买框架（或驾驶舱）时，您可以转移该装备。
使用这种零碎的方法，您可以确保购买赛车模拟器设置的正确子组件，而不是先购买便宜的组件，然后再更换。再说一次，如果您只想试一试，这也是构建预算整体解决方案的有效方法。这就是开放赛车模拟生态系统的美妙之处，您可以根据需要混合和匹配组件。
框架是关键
家庭赛车模拟游戏的核心无疑是车架或驾驶舱。有什么不同？
赛车模拟框架是更简单的解决方案。它们为您的车轮、变速杆和踏板提供安装点。在某些情况下，它们可能还有一个显示器支架，但这些框架背后的想法是，您可以在需要时将它们移动到位，并在不需要时将它们移到一边。
您将使用现有的电视或显示器以及（当然）现有的椅子。在为您的赛车模拟器设置提供专用空间和能够与您的普通计算机游戏或工作空间共享它之间，这是一个很好的折衷方案。
赛车模拟驾驶舱是另一个层次的承诺。除了赛车驾驶舱的轻型折叠版本外，标准设计不是您可以轻松移动的设计。因此，您必须选择一个地点并将其献给赛车之神，以获得更加身临其境的体验。一些驾驶舱可能包括一个电脑显示器支架，但您也可能需要为该特定驾驶舱购买一个显示器支架作为额外的额外配件。
挑选你的电脑
尽管有所有花哨的装备，但你用来运行赛车模拟的计算机是决定体验有多好的关键组成部分。人们容易犯的一个常见错误是强调他们的 sim 计算机的GPU功能。对于主流视频游戏，这是一种明智的做法。
然而，模拟软件在根本上不同于视频游戏软件。电子(Video)游戏创造了现实的幻觉，但顾名思义，模拟人生试图准确地模拟现实。这意味着要高度重视物理模拟和人工智能。
因此，您的赛车模拟计算机需要先强调RAM和CPU 内核(CPU cores)，然后再考虑其他因素。当然，您的主要指路明灯应该是您感兴趣的特定赛车模拟软件的推荐要求，但无论何时预算您的构建都应牢记CPU功率和内存这一重点。
运动模拟(Motion Simulation)全力以赴
如果您真的想达到家庭赛车模拟技术的上层梯队，那么您将不得不考虑购买运动模拟器，也称为运动平台。但是，这些设备的价格标签不适合胆小的人！此外，如果您确实想为未来的运动平台留出选择余地，您需要从一开始就投资于兼容的驾驶舱。
那么这些运动平台有什么作用呢？确切的功能因一个模型而异，但通常它们会在细节上重新创建：
- 车身运动
- 道路振动和纹理
- 碰撞
- 换档(Gear)、加速和制动
这些系统可以创造的幻觉就像数字巫术，但结合正确的驾驶舱和软件具有变革性。如果(If)您可以忍受在这一个组件上花费数千美元。
VR 正在改变一切
长期以来，家用赛车模拟器的黄金标准是连接到显示器支架的三显示器设置。曲面显示器(curved monitors)进入市场后，超宽 LCD 屏幕(ultrawide LCD screens)提供了与三显示器设置相同的宽视野，但没有令人分心的边框。
现在，终极赛车模拟显示解决方案是 VR 耳机。在您的赛车模拟设置中使用 VR 耳机可以让您完成幻觉。现在可以实现完全、逼真的沉浸感，而且无需花费一条胳膊和一条腿。虽然高端 VR 头显可能要花费 1000 美元或更多，但Oculus Quest 2等入门级头显是一种经济实惠的入门方式，只需 299 美元。
事实上，有一个强有力的论据表明，带有 VR 耳机的桌面安装轮子和踏板可以比使用安装屏幕的驾驶舱更身临其境。这显然是个人意见的问题，但VR 耳机(VR headsets)在赛车模拟世界中开辟了一套全新的选择，你不能忽视爱好中的技术。
顶级赛车模拟软件
赛车模拟器软件有各种风格，并具有不同级别的模拟保真度。例如，在游戏机方面，您会发现诸如Gran Turismo (PlayStation) 和Forza (Xbox) 之类的游戏，它们提供强大的赛车模拟，并支持与游戏机一起使用的有限赛车轮组。您绝对可以将这些基于控制台的模拟游戏与驾驶舱、踏板和车轮结合起来，以获得绝佳的体验。这通过诸如Gran Turismo Academy之类的举措得到了很好的展示。
在 PC 方面，它变得更加严重。现在最大的名字很可能是iRacing。它不仅仅是一个模拟器，它还是一个完整的在线赛车社区和一个竞技联盟。许多人会说 iRacing 是真实的，但还有其他严肃和半严肃的游戏可供选择。
Assetto Corsa Competizione是一个经常出现在谈话中的名字，但你也可以在 PC 上玩Forza Motorsport 7 之(Forza Motorsport 7)类的游戏。因为它是一个多平台版本。
Project Cars 2应该在候选名单上，不要忘记官方的 F1 赛车游戏。并非所有人都支持 VR，但由于其越来越受欢迎，它正迅速被包含在严肃的赛车模拟软件中。
建立一个家庭赛车模拟器设置的想法似乎令人生畏，但从在你的 PlayStation 上玩一些Gran Turismo到在你的车库里拥有一个成熟的装备，这并不是一个巨大的飞跃。不要(Don)说我们没有警告你！
What Is a Home Racing Simulator Setup?
Gaming PCs these days pack a huge amount of computing power, which is why they can run the latest video games with astounding levels of realism and quality. That same gaming horsepower can also be applied to a different job: simulation.
There are many highly realistic racing simulation applications that make full use of all that power and racing enthusiasts are combining this with a new generation of (relatively) affordable racing sim hardware to create the ultimate hobbyist toy. A full-on home racing simulator setup good enough to train you for the big leagues is now within reach.
The Components of a Racing Simulator Setup
There’s no one universal rig that counts as a racing simulator. If you play using a normal gaming computer with a gamepad, that still counts! However, when the term “home racing sim” is thrown around it usually means the following:
- A computer with the right specifications (more on this later).
- A racing sim frame or cockpit.
- A steering wheel, shifter and pedals.
- One or more displays.
- A motion simulator (optional and high-end).
You don’t have to buy it all at once. You can start off with just a PC and a gamepad as mentioned. Then add a wheel and pedals, simply mounting them to your desk. When you’re ready to buy a frame (or a cockpit) you can transfer that gear over.
Using this piecemeal approach, you can ensure you buy the right sub-components of your racing simulator setup instead of buying cheap components first, which will later have to be replaced. Then again, it’s a valid approach to build a budget total solution as well if you only want to dip your toes.That’s the beauty of an open racing sim ecosystem where you can mix and match components as you need to.
The Frame Is Key
The heart of a home racing sim is undoubtedly the frame or the cockpit. What’s the difference?
Racing sim frames are the simpler solution. They provide mounting points for your wheel, shifter and pedals. In some cases they may also have a display mount, but the idea behind these frames is that you move them into place when you need them and move them aside when you don’t.
You’ll use your existing TV or monitor and (of course) your existing chair. It’s a great compromise between having floor space dedicated to your racing simulator setup and being able to share it with your normal computer gaming or work space.
A racing sim cockpit is a whole other level of commitment. With the exception of lightweight folding versions of racing cockpits, the standard design isn’t one you can easily move around. So you have to choose a spot and sacrifice it to the gods of racing for a more immersive experience. Some cockpits may include a mount for a computer monitor, but it’s also possible that you’ll have to purchase a monitor stand for that particular cockpit as an additional extra.
Speccing Out Your Computer
Despite all the fancy gear, the computer that you’re using to run the racing sim is a key component when it comes to how good the experience will be. One common mistake people tend to make is to emphasize GPU power for their sim computers. When it comes to mainstream video games, that’s a sensible approach.
However, simulation software is different from video game software in fundamental ways. Video games create the illusion of reality but as the name suggests, sims try to simulate reality accurately. That means a heavy emphasis on physics simulation and artificial intelligence.
As such, your racing sim computer needs to emphasize RAM and CPU cores, before other considerations. Of course, your main guiding light should be the recommended requirements of the specific racing simulation software you’re interested in, but whenever you budget your build should keep this emphasis on CPU power and memory in mind.
Going All Out with Motion Simulation
If you really want to reach the upper echelons of home racing sim technology, then you’ll have to consider buying a motion simulator, also known as a motion platform. However, the price tag on these devices is not for the faint of heart! Also, if you do want to leave your options open for a motion platform going forward you need to invest in a compatible cockpit from the outset.
So what do these motion platforms do? The exact capabilities differ from one model to the next, but in general they recreate in fine detail:
- Car body movement
- Road vibration and texture
- Collisions
- Gear changes, acceleration and braking
The illusion these systems can create is like digital voodoo, but transformative combined with the right cockpit and software. If you can stomach spending thousands of dollars on just this one component that is.
VR Is Changing Everything
For a long time, the gold standard for home racing simulators was a triple-monitor setup hooked up to a monitor stand. After curved monitors entered the market, ultrawide LCD screens offered the same wide field of view as triple-monitor setups, but without distracting bezels.
Now the ultimate racing sim display solution is a VR headset. Using a VR headset with your racing sim setup lets you complete the illusion. Total, realistic immersion is now possible and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. While high-end VR headsets can cost a thousand dollars or more, entry-level headsets such as the Oculus Quest 2 are an affordable way to get started at only $299.
In fact, there’s a strong argument to be made that a desk mounted wheel and pedals with a VR headset can be more immersive than a cockpit using a mounted screen. That’s clearly a matter of personal opinion, but VR headsets have opened up an entirely new set of options in the racing sim world and you can’t ignore the technology within the hobby.
The Top Racing Sim Software
Racing simulator software comes in all flavors and with different levels of simulation fidelity. For example, on the console side of things you’ll find titles such as Gran Turismo (PlayStation) and Forza (Xbox) which offer robust racing simulation and support for a limited set of racing wheels for use with consoles. You can definitely combine those console-based sims with a cockpit,pedal and wheels for a great experience. This is shown off to great effect with initiatives such as the Gran Turismo Academy.
On the PC side of things, it gets much more serious. The biggest name right now is quite possibly iRacing. It’s more than just a simulator, it’s an entire online racing community and a competitive league. Many would say iRacing is as real as it gets, but there are other serious and semi-serious titles to choose from.
Assetto Corsa Competizione is a name that comes up often in conversation, but you can also play something like Forza Motorsport 7 on PC. Since it’s a multiplatform release.
Project Cars 2 should be on the shortlist and don’t forget about the official F1 racing games. Not all of them have VR support, but it’s being rapidly included in serious racing sim software thanks to its growing popularity.
The idea of building a home racing simulator setup can seem daunting, but it’s not such a huge leap from playing some Gran Turismo on your PlayStation to having a full-fledged rig in your garage. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
