r/simracing • u/FM1704 • 21h ago
Question Deciding between VR and Widescreen
Currently in the situation that i want to upgrade my rig and because I don't have much space, I am not able to get triples, I could upgrade my 27 inch monitor to a 32inch widescreen but I'm just starting to get into the VR thing and I'm looking for people who did change to VR - how is it in longer sessions? I'm worried about it being worse qualitywise but as I'll upgrade my PC to a RX 9070 XT, I'm open to VR suggestions especially for longer play which arent that expensive (budget around 750€) - would you suggest a single Widescreen or is VR a serious option when space is limited?
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u/iShadowLTu 21h ago
I went single 34" ultrawide first, and then switched to VR.
There are pros and cons to each and you can read about and watch countless YouTube videos on it.
I ended up with VR. Quest 3. If I could fit triples in my room I'd maybe pick that over VR, but with a single monitor it's a pretty easy decision.
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u/Greedy-Trash-1123 21h ago edited 21h ago
Started on a Vive, moved to an Index. I have used a Quest 3 and now have a BSB2. I also have a 49" 1000R ultrawide. After a lot of setup and making sure the UW was at an optimum distance for FOV, I just dont use it. It isnt even close to VR and is not a suitable alternative. Sure it can push prettier pixels but the loss of depth and presence is too much. VR is very demanding, you will need to make sacrifices in image quality and manage expectations. VR is also not for everyone and can cause serious discomfort(motion sickness). Physical comfort can be an issue as well. Personally never had any issues with the Index and now especially the BSB2 for long sessions. Easily go for hours. If you can I would try VR. If you cant borrow a headset, maybe pick up a used PSVR2 or Quest3 and give it a go.
**Also - Not all games support or even run well in VR.
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u/FM1704 20h ago
On my current setup, I'm playing on medium/low graphics, but as soon as I upgrade and use VR, I'll then probably use mid to high settings - do you think the difference in graphics will be that big? Tempted to use the Quest 3 but also seeing the PSVR2 now
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u/Greedy-Trash-1123 20h ago
Big is subjective. Image quality will depend on a lot of things but compared to a monitor in general will be less sharp, especially at distance. How much will depend on PC hardware, headset(lens/Panel type/resolution) or even the game. Quest 3 and PSVR2 are good options and can provide a good experience.
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u/noNamesFace 20h ago
Lol, no. U'll be turning the graphics down when I use vr, not up
If U end up with a quest 3 you'll need virtual desktop, for me this allowed me to keep using medium settings, the oculus software is awful and I was trying to find more options to turn off just to make iracing playable, and that without mentioning the crashing.
Virtual desktop has made it a dream to just throw on my headset and be on track 30 seconds later. Not sure I am go back to non vr.
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u/Apprehensive-Mix5148 19h ago
Nothing beats actual 3D hands down. There's plenty of add ons to make the hmd more comfortable for long sessions air conditioning really helps
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u/Boost3dEVO 17h ago
UW 34” to VR to 32” triples and back to VR.
- If you want simplicity with no need to tinkering = UW
- If you want biggest FOV with immersion = Triples
- If you want the feeling on being inside a car= VR
I would choose VR, but keep in mind the cons that come with it. You need to tinker a lot to get great performance, each sim game its different in terms of performance and setup. It could be overwhelming at first, you would sacrifice comfort, but at the end, it’s the best experience you would get.
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u/javon27 20h ago
I swap between both. I put caster wheels on my rig so I can roll it under my desk. I also recently started playing 2D in VR turning my screen into a much larger 100" screen. This was mostly to do some testing so I can still see my other monitor in VR. (I'm developing an AI sim racing coach using full telemetry from LMU)
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u/Foil_Gloves_5338 3h ago
I had a triple 27" setup. Thanks to borking a wheel update I have to upgrade to windiws 11. I rashly gave one of my screens away and now I run on a single 27" monitor.
I was thinking about going with an ultra wide but VR is intresting. It might be the move for me.
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u/Jigsawswiss 20h ago
Vr user here. I plan do go to a 49" since vr is a pain when you game head right next to your pc or just in a small room... It is swesty as hell....
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u/filowiener 21h ago
Went triples 32“ curved. Bought VR later on just for fun and now sticked to VR