Advanced SimRacing publishes a helpful baseline footprint for several rigs: 50" x 22" (about 1270 x 559 mm). That’s the kind of detail that matters when your sim rig lives in an office, bedroom or shared space.
This guide explains how to plan a cockpit footprint, monitor distance, and seating position — and how that planning translates to SIMGASM tiers if you’re deciding between Hobby, Club, Sport or Pro.
Step 1: define your “usable rectangle”
Don’t measure the rig only. Measure the rig plus what you need around it:
- Entry/exit clearance: at least 50–60 cm on one side (more if you have broad shoulders or a fixed bucket).
- Seat travel zone: slider range adds length behind the seat.
- Monitor stand feet: a freestanding stand has its own footprint.
Step 2: decide whether monitors are integrated or freestanding
This single decision changes room planning more than wheelbase choice.
- Integrated: compact, moves as one unit. Example: Core integrated triple monitor stand.
- Freestanding: easier alignment and vibration isolation. Example: Apex freestanding triples.
Step 3: plan monitor distance backwards from FOV
Most people place monitors too far away. If you’re building triples, monitor distance affects:
- realism and speed perception,
- peripheral visibility,
- how large the car appears relative to your hands.
If you want a quick workflow, read the FOV and camera settings guide and then physically place the monitor where the FOV math wants it — even if it looks “too close” at first.
How SIMGASM tiers affect footprint planning
- Hobby is the simplest way to get a proper cockpit in a tight room.
- Club is a common “one rig forever” footprint for most people.
- Sport and Pro are often chosen when you want more space for clean routing, motion hardware, or a larger seating range.
A simple room-layout checklist
- Can you open your door with the rig in place?
- Can you access the PC and power without crawling?
- Can you remove the wheelbase quickly (for swapping wheels or maintenance)?
- Can you align triples without moving furniture?
Recommended SIMGASM gear
- Core integrated triple monitor stand if you want everything on one chassis
- Apex freestanding triple monitor stand for maximum stability and easy alignment
- Apex integrated triple monitor stand for a clean integrated look with hidden routing
- VESA mounting bracket set for VESA 75/100/200 flexibility
More Advanced SimRacing guides
- Advanced SimRacing motion ready planning: ASR Pro vs SIMGASM Sport and Pro for actuators and haptics
- Advanced SimRacing tactile mounting guide: bass shakers, isolation and avoiding rattles on aluminium rigs
- Buying a used Advanced SimRacing rig: a checklist, hidden costs and when SIMGASM is the better move
- Advanced SimRacing ASR lineup explained vs SIMGASM tiers: ASR 1, ASR 3, ASR 4 and ASR Pro
