Triple Screen vs Ultrawide vs VR
A complete comparison between triple-screen, ultrawide, and VR setups for sim racing, including FOV, immersion, performance, realism, and practicality.
Overview
Triple screens, ultrawides, and VR each offer unique strengths for sim racing. Choosing between them depends on your goals: immersion, competitive awareness, performance, comfort, and available space.
Field of View (FOV)
Triple Screens
- Provides the widest physical FOV available (170°–210° depending on angle).
- Allows true situational awareness—see mirrors, side windows, and apexes naturally.
- Best option for competitive sim racers who rely on visual cues.
Ultrawide / Super Ultrawide
- Wider than a standard monitor but still limited compared to triple screens.
- Side visibility is minimal, requiring more camera movement.
- Good FOV for immersion but not optimal for competitive awareness.
VR
- FOV ranges from 90° to 130° depending on headset.
- Feels natural because the screen moves with your head.
- Less total FOV than triples but more immersive due to depth perception.
Immersion & Experience
Triple Screens
- Highly immersive when angled correctly.
- Depth perception is simulated but not true 3D.
- Consistent and comfortable for long races.
Ultrawide
- Immersive center image with minimal distortion.
- Not as enveloping as triples or VR.
- Great for casual racers and content creators.
VR
- The most immersive experience—true 3D depth, scale, and presence.
- Perfect sense of speed and car placement.
- Some users may experience motion sickness or eye fatigue.
Performance Requirements
Triple Screens
- Requires rendering 3 viewports simultaneously.
- Very GPU-demanding—ideal with RTX 4080/4090.
- Higher VRAM usage and more complex setup in some sims.
Ultrawide
- Easiest to run—only one viewport.
- Higher FPS on mid-range GPUs.
- Most stable performance in ACC, iRacing, and AC.
VR
- Requires extremely high framerates (72–120Hz) to avoid motion sickness.
- Very heavy on both GPU and CPU.
- Consistency is more important than peak FPS.
Comfort & Practicality
Triple Screens
- Large physical space required.
- Monitor alignment and GPU settings take time to configure.
- Very comfortable for long racing sessions.
Ultrawide
- Minimal setup effort—plug and play.
- Works on desks and full rigs.
- Most practical option for mixed-use (gaming + work).
VR
- Requires wearing a headset, which may cause heat or discomfort.
- Harder to use button boxes, stream decks, or real hardware.
- Not ideal for long endurance races (comfort varies by headset).
Cost Comparison
Triple Screens
- 3 monitors + heavy-duty mounts.
- More cables, more space, more accessories.
- Usually the most expensive setup.
Ultrawide
- Only one monitor required.
- Balanced cost-to-performance ratio.
- Cheaper and simpler than triples or VR.
VR
- Headset prices vary widely (€300–€1500+).
- May require accessories (face gasket, straps, fans).
- PC hardware must be strong to maintain high framerates.
Who Should Choose What?
Choose Triple Screens If:
- You race competitively (iRacing, ACC, rF2).
- You want maximum FOV and situational awareness.
- You have plenty of space and a powerful GPU.
Choose Ultrawide If:
- You want immersion without complexity.
- You prefer a clean, simple, compact setup.
- You play multiple game genres, not just racing.
Choose VR If:
- You want the most immersive, realistic sensation possible.
- You prioritize depth perception and natural head movement.
- You can handle wearing a headset for long sessions.