rec.autos.simulators

First I want to thank everyone for the constructive and valuable
advice on Wheel/Pedal set-ups for racing simulators. I think we are
getting there for what will be best for our application. You posts and
comments, along with the e-mails have been terrific and exactly what
we were looking for.

My next question for the group is somewhat more complex, and I hope it
will garner considerable response and discussion.

What is the best computer configuration for high-end, realistic racing
simulations (i.e. GPL, etc.) ???

I would appreciate finding out what actual system some of you use that
work well and reliably, along with opinons about what you would build
if you could have your "dream" simulator system ...

Processor, RAM, video, sound, HDD, CD-ROM, game card, etc. ...

The more complete information, the better, and URL or sources for
purchases would great, too.

Thanks,

Allan

-Abit BH-6

-SB Live Value
-128 meg of Ram
-VooDoo3 3000
-13.0 gig ATA-66 hard drive

My dream PC, using parts available now or in the future:

-Abit BE-6 ATA-66
-P-III 733b
-SB Live X-Treme ( or is it X-Gamer ? )
-256 meg of Ram
-VooDoo 5
-same hard drive

I only have one game.  GPL. Thats all I need.

Robert

=:-D

Of course I would have my own staff who maintained the puters with me
looking over their shoulders...

/Chrille

the P2 450 :o)), Voodoo Banshee, PDPI joystick card (I cant remember when I
recalibrated last :o)). That config makes me run GPL online at max fps at
800*600.

/Chrille
Currently leading Eric Cote's F2 online league :o)

1.  State of the art Wintel machine, 700MHz Pentium, as available from
Gateway, Dell, Micron.  Other systems risk compatibility glitches for
little or no performance gain, so why use them?.  The CDROM and HDD
are pretty noncritical.  A DVD to show racing movies would be a nice
touch.

2.  3DFx video card, necessary for top performance in some sims like
GPL, fine for other sims.  Voodoo 3 3500 is the best for right now.

3.  Soundblaster Live soundcard.  Others may have very slightly better
sound, but have more framerate hit.  Hire an audio pro to design a
custom amplifier/ speaker system, the key part.  A really good audio
subwoofer, not available with off the shelf computer speakers, is a
must.

4.  Assuming you're using Force Feedback (you're not state of the art
if you're not), no gamecard at all will work.

5.  Try comparing the absolute biggest monitor you can buy versus a
projection TV running off the 3500 video output.  The monitor will be
much sharper, but the projection setup will be bigger and more
involving.

        Cost will be driven by the audio/video output systems, the
rest is only about 3K, less than one third the total if you do the
audio/video right.  This stuff will be bulletproof and have the fewest
setup problems.

                bob