What Sim Racing Rig Under €400 Makes Sense?

A budget of €400 is enough for a proper aluminium-profile cockpit rather than a temporary wheel stand or folding frame. The two most relevant SimXPro options are the GT-RS and the X80. Both provide a rigid connection between the wheelbase, pedals and seat, but they are designed around slightly different priorities.

The GT-RS is the more compact and complete package. It includes a profile pedal deck and shifter mounting profile, while supporting stronger direct-drive wheelbases. The X80 uses a wider, more traditional profile layout that offers greater positioning freedom, particularly for slightly taller drivers or users who need more space around the seat and wheel uprights.

At the current listed prices, both models fit within or directly at the €400 budget: the GT-RS is listed at €379, while the X80 starts at €399.

Why choose an aluminium rig?
SimXPro GT-RS
SimXPro X80
Which cockpit offers better value?
FAQ

Why Choose an Aluminium Rig Under €400?

At this budget, buying a full profile cockpit usually makes more sense than spending less on a structure that may need to be replaced after the first hardware upgrade.

An aluminium-profile rig provides:

A fixed relationship between the seat, pedals and wheel
Better braking stability
Adjustable component positions
Compatibility with future accessories
Replaceable and expandable mounting parts

This becomes important with direct-drive wheelbases and load-cell pedals. Even moderate hardware can expose movement in folding joints, light pedal plates or a separate office chair.

SimXPro GT-RS: Compact and Upgrade-Ready

The SimXPro GT-RS is the stronger choice when compact dimensions and future hardware upgrades are the priorities.

Its 40x80 mm profile construction supports direct-drive wheelbases up to 20 Nm and load-cell forces up to 200 kg. The frame remains narrow, with a footprint of approximately 125 x 51 cm excluding the seat.

The GT-RS includes:

A profile pedal deck
A shifter mounting profile
Flat wheelbase mounting
Optional front-mount support
Wheel height and tilt adjustment
Pedal height, reach and angle adjustment

It also supports motion systems and the dedicated GT-RS Triple Monitor Mount.

The GT-RS makes the most sense when you want the maximum hardware capacity available below €400 without moving to a significantly larger cockpit.

SimXPro X80: More Space and Adjustment Freedom

The SimXPro X80 also uses 40x80 mm profiles, but its layout is wider and less compact than the GT-RS.

The frame measures approximately 125 x 64 cm excluding the seat and provides 58 cm between the wheel uprights. This creates more room when positioning the wheelbase, seat and pedals. It can be especially useful for slightly taller drivers, wider seats or users with longer legs.

The X80 supports wheelbases up to 14 Nm and load-cell forces up to 150 kg. It is compatible with integrated monitor mounts, triple-monitor configurations, motion systems and the wider SimXPro X-series accessory ecosystem.

The pedal deck can be selected in different configurations, while the shifter support is optional. These choices should be considered when comparing the final price with the GT-RS.

GT-RS or X80: Which Offers Better Value?

Choose the GT-RS when:

You want support for wheelbases up to 20 Nm
Compact dimensions are important
You want the profile pedal deck and shifter support included
Optional front mounting may be needed
You plan to add integrated triples or motion

Choose the X80 when:

You need more adjustment space
You are slightly taller or use a wider seat
A traditional open-profile cockpit layout is preferred
Your wheelbase will remain at or below 14 Nm
You want to configure the pedal deck and accessories individually

For most buyers focused on hardware capacity and included equipment, the GT-RS offers the stronger package below €400. The X80 becomes the better choice when driver fit and additional positioning space matter more than maximum torque support.

Conclusion

A €400 budget is enough for a serious aluminium-profile cockpit.

The GT-RS provides greater torque capacity, a compact footprint and more included mounting components. The X80 offers a wider structure and greater adjustment freedom for drivers who need more physical space around the controls.

Neither is a temporary beginner frame. Both can support a complete simulator and expand with monitor mounts, trays, haptics and other accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GT-RS stronger than the X80?

Yes. The GT-RS supports wheelbases up to 20 Nm, while the X80 is rated up to 14 Nm.

Which cockpit is better for taller drivers?

The X80 generally provides more adjustment room because of its wider layout and greater space between the uprights.

Does the price include a seat?

No. The seat and compatible mounting hardware are selected separately.

Which cockpit includes more equipment?

The GT-RS includes both a profile pedal deck and shifter mounting profile. The final X80 configuration depends on the options selected.

Choose the Rig Around Your Priorities

Select the SimXPro GT-RS for greater rigidity, compact dimensions and stronger upgrade potential. Choose the SimXPro X80 when additional adjustment space and a wider cockpit layout better suit the driver.