The Thermaltake GR300 fits you if you want a complete steel cockpit with a seat in one box and you drive a light wheel. The SIMGASM Hobby fits you if you want an adjustable aluminium profile frame that handles direct drive and a load cell brake. The GR300 is rated for a 100 kg load capacity, while the Hobby pedal deck is rated for a braking load of 150 kg.
Both are entry level frames, but they are built in a very different way. Here is a fair comparison on frame, size, fit and upgrade path.
Two entry cockpits, two philosophies
Both frames target new sim racers, yet they start from opposite ideas.
The GR300 in short
Thermaltake launched the GR300 in the autumn of 2025. According to Thermaltake, it uses a reinforced steel frame with a powder coat finish, a fixed frame design and an adjustable PVC racing seat. The listed size is 1363 x 1088 x 710 mm, the load capacity is 100 kg and the frame suits drivers from 170 to 190 cm. Pre drilled holes fit wheels from Thermaltake, Logitech, Fanatec and Thrustmaster.
The SIMGASM Hobby in short
The Hobby is the entry tier of the SIMGASM range. It uses a 40 x 40 mm aluminium profile and measures 500 x 1270 x 580 mm. The pedal deck is rated for a braking load of 150 kg. You choose a bottom, front, side or Asetek front mount at checkout, and you add a seat separately. It comes in nine colours, plus the MARINI livery.
Frame and stiffness
Stiffness decides how clean your force feedback and braking feel.
Steel frame with fixed points
A steel frame is strong for its weight class, and the GR300 suits a gear or belt driven wheel well. The mounting points sit where the factory placed them. So the wheel deck height and pedal distance only adjust within the range Thermaltake designed. Read our guide on aluminium vs steel sim racing cockpits for the full material comparison.
Slotted aluminium profile
The Hobby uses slotted profiles, so every bracket slides along the bar and locks with T nuts. That means you place the wheel and pedals exactly where your body needs them. With a direct drive base of around 5 to 9 Nm, the bolted profile frame keeps the wheel deck calm. See our tips on the best cockpit for the MOZA R5 for a real example.
SIMGASM | Hobby Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Orange
Size and space at home
Footprint matters in most homes, so compare the numbers closely.
Width makes the difference
Thermaltake lists the GR300 at 1363 x 1088 x 710 mm, seat included. The Hobby frame is only 500 mm wide and 1270 mm long. Your seat adds some width, but the Hobby still fits a narrow spot next to a desk or bed.
Seat included or seat by choice
The GR300 includes its PVC seat, which is easy for a first setup. The Hobby leaves the seat to you. That costs one extra choice, but you pick a bucket or reclining seat that fits your back and your racing style. It also means a better seat later does not need a new frame.
Upgrade path and support
Most sim racers upgrade their wheel within two years, so plan for that day.
Room to grow
On a fixed steel frame, a stronger wheelbase or a load cell brake quickly reaches the 100 kg rating. On the Hobby you add a shifter arm, a monitor stand or a keyboard tray along the same profiles. When you outgrow the 40 x 40 mm frame, the Club with 40 x 80 mm profile is the next step. Our comparison of the SIMGASM Hobby or Club explains when that jump makes sense.
Who designs the frame
SIMGASM founder Johan Akkerman is a 2019 Project CARS 2 world team champion and a former automotive technician. He designs every SIMGASM cockpit, leads prototype evaluation and does the final inspection of materials and finishes. Each Hobby carries a standard 2 year warranty, and the Dutch team replies within one business day.
SIMGASM | Hobby Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Silver
Which one should you pick?
The answer comes down to your wheel today and your plans for tomorrow.
Pick the GR300 when
You drive a Logitech or Thrustmaster gear or belt driven wheel, you want a seat in the same box and you do not plan big upgrades. Then a fixed steel frame does the job.
Pick the Hobby when
You own or plan a direct drive base, you want exact adjustment or you care about colour and personal style. Browse the Hobby sim racing cockpits, compare them with the full racing simulator cockpit range, and read why cheap Temu sim cockpits rarely last as long.
SIMGASM | Club Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Black
Questions and answers
Short answers to the most common questions about these two cockpits.
Is the Thermaltake GR300 good for direct drive?
It suits light wheels best. With its 100 kg load capacity and fixed frame, a strong direct drive base and load cell brake push it to its limit.
Does the SIMGASM Hobby come with a seat?
No. You choose a seat separately, which lets you match it to your body and racing style.
Which is smaller, the GR300 or the Hobby?
The Hobby frame is narrower at 500 mm wide. The GR300 is listed at 1363 x 1088 mm including its seat.
Which wheelbases fit the Hobby?
Supported models from Logitech, Fanatec, MOZA, Thrustmaster, SIMAGIC, Simucube, Asetek, VRS and more, depending on the mount you pick.
Want to learn more? The SIMGASM experts are happy to help.
