quickxotica

Hi Kevin,

I'll take you up on that offer: As far a GFX cards go, assuming I want the ability to run iracing across 3 screen in the future, does the game run better on a 2-card nvidia SLI setup, or a higher-end ATI single card (e.g. 6950 or 6970) eyefinity setup, or perhaps even a 2-card ATI setup? Does the game have any inherent preference?

Also, what is the sweet-spot (best compromise between detail & FPS) as far as screen resolutions on a 3-monitor setup? Knowing the target screen rez would help me choose monitors & GFX card.

More broadly, with the next generation of GFX cards due out this fall, do you think it make sense to wait till year-end?

Sorry for all the Q's. Thanks in advance!

CXC Simulations

Well, until Kevin has a chance to reply, I can throw my 2 cents in:

ATI cards are what we use. Love 'em. For iRacing 3 screen setups, they work really well. A 6970 is your best bet for now because of the extra VRAM (newer cards will always be a little better, but current gen cards should last a while).

Don't neglect the CPU though. This is really important with iRacing specifically due to it's physics engine taxing the CPU so much.

A good target would be 60+ FPS when running three screens at 1920x1080 each. Different cars and tracks will greatly affect frame rate though. The new tracks with the new cars (new tire model) will hammer your hardware. They have been making small fixes here and there that have been improving this though.

You can make great strides by tuning the GFX settings in iRacing and the AMD drivers. We literally spend days tuning machines before delivery and continue to do so remotely for our customers as updates become available. Don't even get me started on monitor calibrations!

kevin135

Hi John,
Sorry for the delay in response. You are in way deeper than I dare venture PC/video card specs are not my area of expertise.

I can tell you on our three screen setups we run NVIDIA cards (2-cards) and everything looks great. Our current members seem to base their recommendations on what they have personally but I'll send your questions to one of our engineers and get back to you.
Kevin

kevin135

Here is the response from our lead engineer:

"For multi-GPU systems, 2 GPUs is the sweet spot. Quad SLI doesn’t work at all with iRacing. Currently AMD Crossfire with their higher end GPU’s can actually result in a performance decrease for iRacing, which is something we are working on, but this issue hasn’t been reolved yet. Therefore, for 3 screen setups I’d currently recommend an nVidia Surround setup (dual SLI, not quad!)."

Let me know if you have further questions.
Kevin

quickxotica

Thanks Chris & Kevin.

So, to summarize, for a three-screen setup, use either two nVidia cards in SLI, or a single ATI 6970 card. And avoid trying multiple ATI cards in crossfire. Got it. Thanks.

CXC Simulations

Yep. Also, AMD cards play nicer with TV's in 3 screen format. We have lots of trouble with Nvidia cards with TV's in triples.

BTW, the multiple card issue with AMD's is local to iRacing only really. All other simulations and games we use seem to play nice with multiple AMD cards.

goforwand

Would working in a 3 monitor environment be more immerse than using a HD projector at a distance? We have a 120" diag. screen with a Panny PT-AE900 HD PJ in a dedicated room (which would solve the "why is that thing in the living room!" issue ) but with decent monitors so inexpensive today it's not a huge investment....

CXC Simulations

If you are talking about 3 computer monitors (27" and smaller), then yes. But for large TV's like we use, no. Our TV's are large enough and bent at angles that actually wrap around you providing a really immersive environment. You actually turn your head as you would in a real car to look to sharp apexes and cars along side.

CXC Simulations

You guys are welcome to join us today for our F-Chat league if you like. It's pretty loose knit and just for fun.

This week Patrick Long is joining us again.


Race Details:

Car: HPD ARX-01C

Track: Road Atlanta

Setup: Open



Here is how you join:

Sign in the Hosted Section of iRacing's website.


Session Name: F-Chat Racing League

Password: mrroblay

Day: Every Thursday

Practice: 7:30 pm EST (4:30 PST)

Qualifying: 8:30 pm EST (5:30 PST)

Race: 9:00 pm EST (6:00 PST)

JustinL

Damn I'm going to miss this one! Looks like a great combo. I'm going to make a big effort this season to get back in there with you F-Chat guys.

CXC Simulations

This Week's F-Chat Race

Race Details:

Car: Ford GT

Track: Watkins Glen International - Boot

Setup: Open



Here is how you join:

Sign in the Hosted Section of iRacing's website.


Session Name: F-Chat Racing League

Password: mrroblay

Day: Every Thursday

Practice: 7:30 pm EST (4:30 PST)

Qualifying: 8:30 pm EST (5:30 PST)

Race: 9:00 pm EST (6:00 PST)

CXC Simulations

For those of you looking for a good OEM PC for iRacing, this is a decent starting setup and a good deal to boot: http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/271930

ProCoach

Having put multiple triples together (I don't mind the smaller monitors, but the triple screen is a must for the level of training I do), I agree with Chris. The HD6870 is a nice solution.

I do understand the relationship between NVidia and iRacing, but the AMD Eyefinity is an easier, more consumer-friendly solution. Lots of folks on the iRacing forums really like 'em.

And this one has one in it. Thanks, Chris, just bought one for a budget build!

ProCoach

I think you're in good shape. You will have some good kit at this budget.

I have and have sold both the Fanatec Rennsport Cockpit and the VisionRacer VR3. Rennsport Cockpit here: http://nsa07.casimages.com/img/2009/...1830790882.jpg

I like each of the frames and seats. A LOT. Delivery on Fanatec is very long and quite frustrating, but it's good stuff. Need some floor space.

The VR3 with a shifter extension cable for the G25 is less than$1100 shipped in their new black finish. They've just come out with a triple screen mounting that works well with 24" Dell or ViewSonics. Single screen looks like this: http://www.gtpla.net/wp-content/uplo...er-vr3-g25.jpg Obviously you would mount your G25 on it.

Again, agree hugely with Chris. I love the Todd Cannon pedals, but delivery and cost are challenges.

No need to toss the G25, just upgrade to a hydraulic load cell in your existing pedal box by using Gary Gibson's Perfect Pedal, illustrated here: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...109_642280.jpg

My favorite budget buy OEM, and I have used several, is the Gateway FX 6860 here: http://us.gateway.com/gw/en/US/conte...l/PT.GCEP2.001

Uses a Sandy Bridge Core i7, comes with a HD6750 and is available at Tigerdirect (and Compusa) for $799. Right now. For another $180, you can install an HD 6870 and be cooking with gas for $1K.

CXC Simulations

Today's Race Details:

Car: Dallara IndyCar

Track: Okayama International Circuit - Full Course

Setup: Open



Here is how you join:

Sign in the Hosted Section of iRacing's website.


Session Name: F-Chat Racing League

Password: mrroblay

Day: Every Thursday

Practice: 7:30 pm EST (4:30 PST)

Qualifying: 8:30 pm EST (5:30 PST)

Race: 9:00 pm EST (6:00 PST)