What would I need for iRacing?

[scooter1265]

So I just watched some videos from InsideSimRacing.com, and I really, really want to play iRacing. I don't have a computer for myself now, and I don't have a computer capable of running it smoothely.

Now don't get me wrong, Gran Turismo 5 is still awesome, but the appeal of iRacing is that people make custom cars, tracks, mods, races. The list goes on and on. The only thing, so far, custom in GT5 is the track maker, and it's only stages.

I know I'll need a beefy computer, but a laptop is more usefull for me.
What I want my computer to have:

HDMI Output
Decent sized screen
Great processor
Great graphics card
Great memory
Great HDD
Price not a real issue

This is just to see if I want to get started, not "I'm going to Staples to buy a computer" list.

Thanks,
scooter1265

 

[cmpinberkeley]

Have you ever seen the broadcasted races at PSRtv.com? Professional production of broadcasts for the top level races. Here is the archive of races.
http://www.psrtv.com/archive/index.php

From the iRacing website, here is what is needed for your computer. In general, you will pay a fortune if you want a laptop to run iRacing, but a desktop for $800 will get you everything you need! http://www.iracing.com/membership/system-requirements/

Computer

Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
Hyperthreaded Intel CPU, AMD Athlon 64 CPU, or any dual-core CPU
128MB Pixel Shader 2.0 (ATI 9700Pro or nVidia 6600 or better); 256 MB Pixel Shader 3.0 (ATI X1600 or nVidia 6800 GT/GS or better) graphics adapter recommended
1 GB system RAM
3Gb free hard disk space
Microphone optional, required for voice chat
Controller

Steering wheel, analog gamepad, or joystick.
Internet Browser Requirements

Firefox 1.5, Internet Explorer 7, Google Chrome 2.0 or newer
Javascript enabled
Cookies enabled
Flash Player
Internet Connection Speed

56K dial-up at a minimum, Broadband (DSL or Cable) highly recommended. Satellite broadband excluded.

 

[NapoleonMikey]

Now don't get me wrong, Gran Turismo 5 is still awesome, but the appeal of iRacing is that people make custom cars, tracks, mods, races. The list goes on and on. The only thing, so far, custom in GT5 is the track maker, and it's only stages.

Hold up before you buy all this stuff and get disapointed I should clear this up first. iRacing doesn't allow Mods. All of the tracks and cars are made by iRacing and that is why all of the content for iRacing is top notch. Because all the tracks are laser scanned and accurately detailed and not user made off blue prints and photos.

If your looking for a racing sim with mod ability I would recommend rFactor. All of the content for that is 99% user made and the physics, while a little older then iRacings they are still good. As for what you will need for rFactor is basically the same as iRacing.

 

[scooter1265]

Yeah, I'm not going out to buy a new tower anytime soon, but I just wanted to see how much all of that would cost.

Thanks for the info,
scooter1265

 

[scooter1265]

Yeah, I'm not going out to buy a new tower anytime soon, but I just wanted to see how much all of that would cost.

Thanks for the info,
scooter1265

 

[Gabkicks]

it sounds like you are describin the features of rfactor, but the graphics in that game are a bit dated. rFactor 2 is supposed to be out hefore 2011. iRacing allows you to make custom paintjobs for your car, but if you make them outside of the iracing editor, nobody will be able to see them unless you email them the skin 1st. Live For Speed is the only racing sim know of that auto downloads skins of people and nobody knows when the major update for that is going to come out. 👎


the longer you wait to build your rig, the lower prices will be for parts, amd/ati, and intel will be releasing new stuff in the next few months, nvidia too so prices will drop on the current stuff they have for sell.

 

[Masi_23]

Shouldn't be too expensive. Requirements are not that high.

Built my desktop pretty cheap about a year ago.
Core 2 Duo at 1.8Ghz
8800 GT
4GB Ram

Minus the OS and the 24" Asus LCD (220USD!), it cost me about 500-550USD all in all.

No problems with me and i even have all settings maxed out (i think)