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New Rig Build

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Fellow Sim Racers, the TR160 is coming together nicely.  It’s been a slow process.  Working from home with two little ones during the day, leaves me with a few hours before bed, to assemble.  After a few weeks, here’s what I’ve learned. 

#1 Get a tape measurer

#2 A level is very handy

#3 Blue 3M painters tape is really nice to help line up profile to get the measurements just right. Tape off the ends of the profile during assembly so you don’t rake your leg across the sharp edge.  I did this once.  Very painful/big band-aid.

#4 A quality set of Ball End Allen Wrenches comes in handy, and makes the process much easier

#5 Order some extra M8x16 & 20 bolts.  About 20 for each.  You’ll thank me later. Tnutz.com is great place to get them at, and they’re reasonably priced and ship quickly.

I followed the directions till I was at step 6, with the seat, then I kind of off tracked my own direction.  I’ve assembled the new rig, parallel to my old RSeat RS1.  Mostly so I could have a better measurement of seat position compared to where the wheel deck lines up for comfort and functionality. 

I’m using a wheel deck from a Sim-Lab P1-X.  Why? You may ask.  Well, it’s a solid once piece unit that has angle adjustability built into it.  Main reason though is so I can swap my DD2 and SC2 Pro back and forth with ease.  3-4 bolts from the bottom and they’re off, and I can place the other base right on. 

At this point in the build process I can unbiasedly say, the TR160 is built like a rock.  It’s solid.  No flex.  Which is what you want in a 80/20 profile rig. 

Next step is to finish up the peripheral device attachments such as, keyboard tray (swivel version), mouse pad, button box holder, and shifter mount.  Then comes the daunting task of disassembly of the RS1 and removing it from the office, so we can slide the TR160 over to its final place.   

Update 2:

I have the rig assembled now to where I’m able to use it. I’ve been working on cable management and peripheral device placement. Minor setback. The Sim-Lab wheel-deck is unfortunately not drilled for an SC2 mount. I realize I could have it drilled, however I felt the best option would be to go with a 580 mm profile and mount it that way. I ordered the https://www.trakracer.com/product/full-slide-and-angle-adjustment/?ref=10 This way I’ll still be able to swap the DD2 and SC2 Pro back and forth with relative ease.

Once the new wheel deck arrives, I’ll give an update on installation and how it’s adjustability comes into play. I’ll also be replacing the standard keyboard tray with the new swivel keyboard tray, when it arrives with the profile wheel deck.

After a weeks use of the new TR160. One word still comes to mine “solid”. It does not move. I’ve had both the DD2 and SC2 Pro on the current wheel deck, and had the torque set up as high 16 newton meters. After scrubbing across the turtles at the Charlotte Roval in the Australian SuperCars, I can attest it does not rattle, shake or vibrate. Same can be said for hitting the tire barrier (intentionally) in turn 1 (Heartburn turn). Really solid build so far. The guys at TR should be proud.

If you’d like to order your own TR160 or any Trak Racer product for that matter, head over to https://www.trakracer.com/?ref=10 affiliate link, and enter code sksimracing to save yourself 5% off the purchase of any order.

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Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit: Ultimate Sim Racing Experience with Unmatched Performance

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Fanatec has introduced the ClubSport GT Cockpit, a revolutionary sim racing rig designed to deliver comfort, versatility, and performance for both seasoned racers and beginners. Its innovative design, premium materials, and broad compatibility make it an unbeatable value for sim racing enthusiasts.


Key Features of the ClubSport GT Cockpit

Racing for All

Whether you’re a veteran driver or just starting out, this cockpit caters to every level of experience. Its highly adjustable design allows you to enjoy an immersive racing experience at a competitive price point.

Broad Peripheral Compatibility

Engineered to pair perfectly with most Fanatec products, the cockpit also supports a wide range of third-party sim racing peripherals, making it versatile and adaptable for any setup.

Quick, Tool-Free Adjustable Seating

Effortlessly adjust your seating position to suit your driving style. Transition from an upright road-car position to a semi-reclined Formula-style posture with ease, enabling optimal comfort and control for various racing scenarios.

Stay Cool Under Pressure

The Fanatec ClubSport Seat (sold separately) provides ultimate comfort with ultra-breathable fabric, which is four times more ventilated than the competition. It ensures you remain comfortable even during long endurance races.

VESA-Compatible Onboard Monitor Mount

Compatible with 100x100mm VESA monitors, this mount supports screens from 32″ to 49″, including ultra-wide options, for an unparalleled immersive experience.

Sturdy, Flex-Resistant Steel Frame

Constructed with 50mm diameter round steel tubes, the frame minimizes flex and withstands the forces of high-torque wheelbases and heavy-duty pedal sets, ensuring stability during intense racing sessions.

Fast Self-Assembly

Spend less time assembling and more time racing. The quick and clear assembly process is designed for simplicity, letting you hit the track in no time.

Built by Sim Racers for Sim Racers

Designed with decades of experience, the cockpit offers maximum adjustability, comfort, and strength, ensuring hours of uninterrupted racing enjoyment.

Integrated Cable Management

Keep your setup clean and sleek with cable management openings and a ventilated power brick holder built into the heel plate.

Customizable

Add optional accessories like multi-monitor stands, shifter mounts, and more to tailor your cockpit to your specific needs and preferences.


Specifications

  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 1675mm
    • Width: 775mm
    • Height: 725mm
  • Available Finishes: White or Matte Black
  • Compatibility:
    • Supports most Fanatec and third-party racing wheels, pedals, shifters, and handbrakes.
    • VESA mount supports 100x100mm screens.

What’s Included

  • ClubSport GT Cockpit
  • Tools and Hardware for Assembly
  • PDF QuickStart Guide

Optional Accessories

  • PC Tray
  • Upper Accessory Mounts
  • Shifter Mount Kit
  • Keyboard Tray
  • DD Front Mount Bracket
  • Inverted Pedal Mount Brackets
  • Monitor Stands (single, overhead, or triple expansion kits)

Pricing and Availability

Priced competitively, the Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit is positioned to provide exceptional value for its feature set. Customers should check Fanatec’s website for pricing in their region and availability. Additional costs may include taxes and duties based on your location.


Why Choose the Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit?

The ClubSport GT Cockpit stands out due to its balance of quality, adjustability, and affordability. With features like tool-free seating adjustment, integrated cable management, and exceptional compatibility, it’s a worthy investment for any sim racing enthusiast.

Thanks for taking the time to read our article. Throughout the text, you’ll find links to the ClubSport GT Cockpit. If you decide to purchase via these links we’ll make a small commission from it. Thank you again, and Happy Sim Racing!

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NVIDIA RTX 50 Series Unleashed: AI Powerhouse Redefining Gaming and Creation

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NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 50 Series, powered by the revolutionary Blackwell architecture, has ushered in a new era of computing with unparalleled advancements in AI-driven neural rendering, performance efficiency, and graphical fidelity. Unveiled at CES 2025, these GPUs and laptops promise to transform gaming, creative workflows, and AI applications.

Key Features of the RTX 50 Series

  • Neural Rendering with DLSS 4: Delivers up to 8X faster frame rates through Multi Frame Generation and superior image quality that surpasses native rendering.
  • Blackwell Tensor Cores: FP4 precision enables faster AI model processing with reduced memory usage.
  • RTX Neural Shaders: Enhance lighting, textures, and compression with neural networks embedded in programmable shaders.
  • Ray Tracing Enhancements: New RT Cores double ray-triangle intersection rates and improve memory compression for unprecedented realism.
  • Next-Gen Connectivity: PCIe Gen5 and DisplayPort 2.1b support up to 8K 165Hz displays.
  • GDDR7 Memory: Achieves 30 Gbps speeds, providing up to 1.8 TB/s of memory bandwidth.

RTX 50 Series Graphics Cards Overview

ModelCUDA CoresVRAMMemory BandwidthDLSS Performance IncreasePrice (USD)
GeForce RTX 509021,76032GB GDDR71.8 TB/s2X over RTX 4090$1,999
GeForce RTX 508016,38416GB GDDR7960 GB/s2X over RTX 4080$999
GeForce RTX 5070 Ti12,28816GB GDDR7896 GB/s2X over RTX 4070 Ti$749
GeForce RTX 507010,24012GB GDDR7672 GB/s2X over RTX 4070$549

Performance Benchmarks

The RTX 5090 and 5080 demonstrate extraordinary performance gains, particularly in graphically intensive titles like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and Alan Wake 2:

Highlights:

  • The RTX 5090 achieves 4K 240 FPS with full ray tracing and max settings.
  • AI tasks such as generative image creation are completed 2X faster on the RTX 5090 compared to the RTX 4090 using FP4 precision.

AI Advancements for Creators

The RTX 50 Series revolutionizes creative workflows:

  • DLSS Ray Reconstruction and Neural Shaders: Enable cinematic-quality textures and advanced lighting.
  • 9th Gen NVENC Encoders: Boost HEVC and AV1 encoding efficiency by 5% while supporting 4:2:2 color formats.
  • Generative AI: FP4 optimization in tools like Black Forest Labs’ FLUX.1 reduces processing times by over 60%.

RTX 50 Series Laptops

The GeForce RTX 50 Series laptops debut in March, featuring:

  • Advanced Max-Q Technologies: Deliver up to 40% better battery life.
  • Slim Designs: As thin as 14.9mm while maintaining top-tier performance.
  • Model Highlights:
    • RTX 5090 Laptop GPU: 24GB GDDR7, 10,496 CUDA cores
    • RTX 5080 Laptop GPU: 16GB GDDR7, 7,680 CUDA cores
    • Starting Price: $1,499

Conclusion

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series represents a monumental leap forward in GPU technology. Whether for gamers seeking the ultimate performance or creators needing AI-accelerated workflows, these GPUs and laptops deliver unmatched capabilities. The future of immersive gaming and content creation is here, and it’s powered by NVIDIA Blackwell.

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iRacing has unveiled its 2025 Season 1 update, introducing a suite of new cars, tracks, and features that elevate the sim racing experience. Here’s a breakdown of the latest additions:

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New Cars:

  • Ferrari 499P LMH: This Le Mans Hypercar, celebrated for its back-to-back 24 Hours of Le Mans victories, brings a 3-liter V6 hybrid drivetrain to iRacing, marking the platform’s first LMH-class vehicle.
  • Acura NSX GT3 Evo 22: Featuring a 520 HP twin-turbo engine, this GT3 car enriches endurance racing series with its dynamic performance.
  • BMW M2 CSR: Designed for rookie-level racers, this car provides a balanced step up in power and handling, and is available as free base content for all iRacing members.
  • Supercars Gen 3 Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang: The latest generation of Australian Supercars debuts, offering enhanced physics modeling and graphical fidelity.

New Tracks and Updates:

  • Thruxton Circuit: Known as the fastest circuit in the UK, Thruxton is meticulously recreated using drone-captured photogrammetry, offering racers an authentic high-speed experience.
  • Huset’s Speedway: This 3/8-mile dirt oval in South Dakota adds to the dirt racing venues, reflecting its real-world revitalization.
  • Track Refreshes: As part of the “NASCAR Refresh” initiative, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway have been updated to meet current quality standards, enhancing realism and visual appeal.

New Features:

  • Debris Refresh: The dynamic track system now includes realistic debris accumulation, such as gravel and mud, affecting vehicle handling and strategy. This lays the groundwork for future features like tire puncture damage.
  • AI Behavior Enhancements: AI drivers exhibit more lifelike behaviors, including headlight flashing in multiclass racing scenarios, with plans for further individualistic actions.

These updates reflect iRacing’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive and immersive racing simulation, catering to both novice and seasoned racers. The 2025 Season 1 build is available now, inviting the community to explore and master the new content.

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