Sim Racing Upgrade Order – What to Buy First (and What to Skip)
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The guide argues that upgrade order matters more than individual product quality. It recommends prioritizing a rigid aluminum-profile rig first (Trak Racer TR80, GT Omega Prime Lite) as the foundation, then load-cell pedals (Fanatec CSL, Simagic SRP), before moving to wheels and accessories. The author emphasizes identifying a specific performance gap before upgrading and tailoring purchases to your platform (PC vs console) and long-term goals, rather than upgrading for its own sake.
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Introduction Some upgrades significantly change how you drive. Others offer marginal improvements. And some simply allow you to continue progressing. After reviewing sim racing equipment across a wide range of price points, this guide outlines a practical upgrade order — focusing on where to spend and where to hold back. Before getting into it, there are a few things worth considering. Key Considerations Before Upgrading First, consider whether upgrading actually solves a problem. If you can’t clearly identify what your current hardware is preventing you from doing, an upgrade is unlikely to deliver meaningful improvement. It’s easy to fall into the habit of upgrading for its own sake rather than for a defined purpose. Second, define your budget and objectives. Sim racing can become expensive quickly. Understanding what you want from your setup — whether it’s immersion, performance, or flexibility — will influence where your money should go. Finally, platform matters. A PC setup offers significantly more flexibility than console, which will affect compatibility and upgrade paths. 1. Chassis (or Rig) – The Foundation The most important upgrade is the chassis. Your rig determines: What hardware you can use
How much force you can realistically apply
Long-term expandability
Using high-end pedals or a powerful wheelbase on a desk or unstable wheel stand is not an efficient use of money. In many cases, it limits performance and can even introduce instability. What to look for Aluminium extrusion rigs are generally the most versatile. Examples include: Trak Racer TR80
GT Omega Prime Lite
Key features to prioritise: Dual-rail structure
Rigid pedal deck
Expandability
These rigs allow for: Motion systems
Haptics (e.g. Buttkickers)
Triple monitors or VR setups
Accessories like keyboard trays or mounts
Spending beyond a certain point (e.g. thicker profiles like 160mm) offers minimal real-world benefit. Alternative designs (tubular frames, wood rigs like the RSR21) can work, but should be evaluated carefully, as rigidity varies significantly. 2. Pedals – Performance Gains After the chassis, the next priority is the pedal set. Pedals are one of the main contributors to consistency and lap time. Minimum requirements Load cell brake
Software calibration
Physical adjustability (springs, elastomers, dampers)
Even entry-level options like: Fanatec CSL Load Cell Pedals
Simagic SRP Pedals
can perform well, but often lack adjustability. Moving up the…
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