Fanatec · wheel base · 2021
Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm)
Entry-level direct drive base: 5 Nm stock, 8 Nm with the Boost Kit 180 power supply.
The CSL DD with the Boost Kit 180 power supply, which raises peak torque to 8 Nm. This is the setup people usually mean when they recommend the CSL DD: enough force for GT and road cars, still compact enough for a desk or wheel stand.
AI rating
- Force feedback detail
- 8
- Strength
- 7
- Smoothness
- 8
- Ecosystem
- 9
- Quietness
- 8
- Value
- 7
Who it suits
- First rig
- 8
- Console racing
- 5
- Competitive racing
- 8
- Small rooms
- 8
- Tight budgets
- 7
- Enthusiasts
- 6
Scores are AI analysis of public information (specs, manuals, published reviews and owner reports), not a hands-on test. How we rate
Pros and cons
- 8 Nm is the sweet spot for a first DD: strong enough for GT3, manageable on a desk or wheel stand
- Compact 3.3 kg body clamps to a desk or bolts to any wheel stand
- Largest rim and accessory ecosystem on the market, with resale demand to match
- Xbox needs an Xbox-licensed rim, and PlayStation isn't supported
- Costs more than Moza's 9–12 Nm bases; the premium buys Fanatec's rim range and Xbox route, not torque
- Fanatec's parent went through insolvency proceedings in 2024 before Corsair bought the brand; support and stock were uneven through that period
Watch out: No PlayStation support. For Xbox, budget for an Xbox-licensed rim such as the McLaren GT3 V2, because the P1 V2 that ships in many bundles is PC-only.
What it feels like
- Strength
- Detail
- Smoothness
- Noise
- Heat
At 8 Nm it holds firm weight in GT cars without wearing your arms out.
Small road details come through clearly, and it is quieter than a belt wheel.
On a desk clamp the whole setup flexes when you turn hard.
Like a good power-steering car: firm, with clear feedback, but not a race-car workout.
What the CSL DD + Boost Kit 180 works with
- Works on Xbox Series and PC. On Xbox it needs an Xbox-licensed wheel.
- Sold as a base only: you also need a wheel and pedals.
- Wheels attach with the Fanatec QR.
- Pedals plug into the base, which is what lets them work on console.
Wheels that fit the Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm)
Platforms show where each pairing works.
| Part | Works on | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X | PS5XboxPC | 80 |
| Fanatec CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2 | PS5XboxPC | 79 |
| Fanatec CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC | PS5XboxPC | 73 |
| Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2Not Xbox-licensed | PS5XboxPC | 68 |
Pedals that plug into it
These connect through the base's pedal port, so they work on every platform the base supports.
| Part | Works on | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3Plugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 79 |
| Fanatec CSL Pedals with Load Cell KitPlugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 76 |
| Fanatec CSL PedalsPlugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 60 |
USB pedals that work with it on PC
These run beside the base over USB. They don't work on console.
- Heusinkveld Ultimate+ (3-pedal) · USB to the PC88
- Asetek Invicta Pedals (2-pedal, hydraulic) · USB to the PC84
- Heusinkveld Sprint (3-pedal) · USB to the PC84
- Moza CRP2 Load Cell Pedals (Throttle + Brake) · USB to the PC82
- Simagic P1000 (3-pedal) · USB to the PC80
- Logitech G PRO Racing Pedals · USB to the PC80
- Asetek Forte Pedals (2-pedal) · USB to the PC79
- Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals · USB to the PC77
- Logitech G RS Pedals · USB to the PC76
- Asetek La Prima Pedals (2-pedal) · USB to the PC74
Shifters and handbrakes
Plugged into the base where noted; the rest connect to a PC by USB.
| Part | Works on | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5Plugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 78 |
| Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2Plugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 72 |
| Heusinkveld Sim Shifter SequentialUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 83 |
| Simagic DS-8X ShifterUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 80 |
| Thrustmaster TH8A ShifterUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 76 |
| Moza SGP Sequential ShifterUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 74 |
| Moza HGP H-Pattern ShifterUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 71 |
| Thrustmaster TH8S Shifter Add-OnUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 63 |
| Heusinkveld Sim HandbrakeUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 82 |
| Simagic TB-1 HandbrakeUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 76 |
| Moza HBP HandbrakeUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 72 |
| Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod+USB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 72 |
Cockpits and stands
With 8 Nm of torque, a frame rated below that flexes and one rated far below it shakes.
Rigs that use it
- Stealth VRPC · $1,857
- Gravel GoldPC · $3,503
Tech facts
| Drive type | Direct |
|---|---|
| Torque | 8 Nm |
| Rotation | 2520° |
| Wheel included | No |
| Pedals included | No |
| Mounting | Desk clamp or bolted to a rig |
| Power supply | External 90W (5 Nm) or 180W Boost Kit 180 (8 Nm) |
| Power draw | 180 W |
| Connection | USB to PC/Xbox; pedals plug into the base |
| Software | Fanatec Control Panel |
| Quick release | Fanatec QR |
| Size (W × D × H) | 6 × 9 × 6 in (14 × 23 × 14 cm) |
| Weight | 7 lb (3.3 kg) |
| Materials | Aluminum, steel and plastic |
| Released | 2021 |
| Platforms | PS5XboxPC |
Our take
AI analysis of public information, not a hands-on review.
The CSL DD is the cheapest way into Fanatec's direct-drive line, and for a first rig it's a big step up from belt or gear wheels. Out of the box it makes 5 Nm on a 90W supply. The Boost Kit 180 swaps in a 180W supply and unlocks 8 Nm, so the price in this entry assumes you buy both. Fanatec lists the base around $350 and the kit around $60–120 depending on sales, so check the current total before paying $529. The base has no rim or pedals, so budget for a Fanatec-compatible rim and pedals. It uses Fanatec's quick release, and Xbox use needs a licensed rim. Pedals plug into the base. The base clamps to a desk or bolts to a rig. A desk clamp is fine at 5 Nm, but at 8 Nm a rigid rig is much better. The main trade-off is the ecosystem: you're tied to Fanatec rims and pedals, and the app and firmware are more fiddly than some rivals. Without the Boost Kit it's still a sound choice for casual racers, while 8 Nm suits people who want stronger weight in GT and formula cars.
Questions buyers ask
Do I need the Boost Kit 180?
No. The CSL DD makes 5 Nm with the included 90W supply. The Boost Kit 180 replaces it with a 180W supply and raises peak torque to 8 Nm. It's a plug-in swap with no other changes.
Does it come with a wheel or pedals?
No. It is the base only. You need a compatible Fanatec rim on the quick release and a set of pedals, which plug into the base.
Does it work on Xbox and PlayStation?
It works on PC and Xbox. On Xbox you need a licensed rim. Fanatec sells a separate Gran Turismo DD Pro for PlayStation, and the CSL DD is not a PlayStation base.