The Fanatec CSL DD steering wheel was a revolution when it came out. Quite simply, it was the first Direct Drive at a truly affordable price for the general public, and it profoundly changed the simracing market at the time of its release. But is it still worth it in 2025? I’ve had this base for almost 4 years, and it was my main base at the time. I rode it for several hundred hours before moving on to high-end models. But it’s high time I reinstalled it on my chassis to bring you a third, completely updated edition of the test!
![Fanatec CSL DD : Complete and updated Test & Review [2025 edition]](https://simrace-her.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Capture-decran-2025-04-22-161313-199x150.png)
Deliveries (which were bumpy in 2023 and 2024) are now delivered in 4 to 7 business days via UPS, and customer service has also significantly reduced its processing time, so all the lights are green.
![Fanatec CSL DD : Complete and updated Test & Review [2025 edition]](https://simrace-her.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Capture-decran-2025-04-22-161301-274x150.png)
Fanatec CSL DD technical specifications
| Compatibility | PC, Xbox (if linked to an XBox-compatible Fanatec steering wheel). |
| Dimensions | 16 x 16 x 14.5 cm, |
| Motor | Direct Drive Servo Motor designed by Fanatec. |
| Torque | Constant : Not communicated. Peak: 5 or 8Nm with Booster Kit. Slew Rate : Not communicated. |
| Encoder | Not communicated |
| Turning range | 180° to 1080° Adjustable via Fanalab software. |
| Connections | Power supply, USB-C to console or PC, USB-C Data (not yet exploited by the brand) 2 connectors for shifters, 1 connector for pedalset, 1 connector for handbrake |
| Wheel mounting | Fanatec QR2 Lite Wheel base side model (inspired by the Krontec models used on genuine GT bikes) |
| Prices and options | 5Nm version: €349.95 8Nm version: €449.95 CSL table clamp: €54.95 180W booster kit to increase power from 5 to 8Nm: 159,95€ (French only) Complete pedal-base flywheel bundles from 399.95€. |
Design and ergonomics
- In the box:
- Fanatec CSL DD base,
- Power supply (90W or 180W if you’ve purchased the booster kit),
- 4 T-nuts for chassis mounting,
- USB-C USB-A cable,
- Instructions,
The base shell is made of a cast aluminum block onto which metal inserts slide for cockpit mounting. The front and rear panels are made of plastic. Speaking of the aluminum case, here’s some good news! Say goodbye to noise and broken fans, the HDD doesn’t need to be artificially cooled thanks to the shape of its chassis, which includes large heat-dissipating vents.
The only button on the base serves as a power switch, but also as a compatibility mode switch. I’ll come back to this in a few paragraphs.
The size of the base may surprise you! At just 16cm long, as wide and 14.5cm long, it’s compact and will quickly find its place under a screen, hidden behind your steering wheel.
The Quick Release system has evolved since my first tests. Previously fitted with aluminum QR1s, CSL DD bases now come with QR2 Lite Wheel Base sides. These new models, directly inspired by the Krontec models found on the GT3 and 4 among others, are much more efficient than the old QR1s.
The steering shaft, the part that connects the steering wheel to the base, is made from a plastic composite containing glass and carbon fiber. The advantage is that it’s lightweight, delivering greater responsiveness, precision and power directly to the rider.
The rear panel
Moving on to the rear of the base, in terms of connectivity, there’s 1 socket for the pedalset, 1 for the handbrake and 2 sockets for connecting your gearboxes (H and Sequential).
There’s also a USB-C port for connecting to your console or PC, and another USB-C “DATA” socket whose function has not been announced by the brand, but is indicated on the Fanatec website as “allowing you to connect new equipment in the future”.
Fanatec CSL DD for PC and XBox compatibility
The CSL DD is of course compatible with Xbox and PC. To enjoy direct drive on Playstation , you’ll need to choose the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro. This bundle includes the Playstation-compatible CSL DD base, a steering wheel in Polyphony Digital’s signature design, a CSL Pedals 2-pedal pedalset and a table clamp. The motor and its performance are identical, the only difference being PlayStation compatibility.
To switch on the base, I press the power button on the bottom right of the front panel. To switch it off, I do a long click. Then, with a short click on the same button, you can change the operating mode:
| PC Mode 1 (Red) | This is the main PC mode. When you use it, your base is recognized as a CSL DD base and receives the force feedback adapted to its motor. |
| PC Mode 2 (Orange) | Compatibility mode allows you to convert your CSL DD base into a ClubSport V2.5 base (old belt-driven model). This mode can be useful if you want to run older games that don’t recognize newer models. |
| XBox mode (Green) | XBox mode is simply the mode you’ll need to select if you want to run your Fanatec hardware on Xbox. |
Compatible steering wheels, pedalboards and other Fanatec peripherals
Of course, the CSL DD is compatible with the entire Fanatec ecosystem. Pedals, handbrakes, shifters and even table clamps. As far as steering wheels are concerned, all Fanatec steering wheels now come with a QR2, so you won’t have any problems on the new market.
On the other hand, if you want to buy second-hand, be careful. Make sure it comes with a QR2 (lite, normal or pro) and not a QR1. On the vast majority of models, you can easily change the QR if needed, but not on all!
To see: The Fanatec ecosystem, latest updates!
What equipment did I test the base with?
My little CSL DD has seen a lot of gear since 2021. But for the most part, I’ve used a Clubsport V3 pedalset, Porsche 918 steering wheels (no longer on the market, replaced by the ClubSport RS) and the Clubsport Formula V2.5 steering wheel.
Installing the CSL DD on a desk/table or chassis
When it comes to installing the base, you have a choice of three options, and in practice it’s a real piece of cake. Why is that? Because Fanatec had the brilliant idea of using rails into which T-nuts slide. The result is that, for chassis mounting, all you have to do is place your nuts and screws on the support plate, then slide the base into place and secure by tightening!
This not only makes it easy to install the base, but also allows you to adjust the depth at which you wish to mount it.
- From below, thanks to 4 T-nuts that slide into 3 rails spaced 4cm apart along the width. Rails are 8cm long.
- From the sides, with two 8cm-long rails spaced 7cm apart on each side.
- On a desk with the optional table clamp.
Finally, for all simracing chassis mounting, the vast majority (if not all) of chassis are Fanatec compatible. No need to get out the drill!
Force feedback settings with Fanalab and on your Fanatec steering wheel
One of the very practical advantages of Fanatec is that you can modify all your force feedback settings directly from your steering wheel, without having to leave the game, but also via Fanalab. The settings are very comprehensive and allow you to completely customize your gaming experience according to your force feedback needs.
If you decide to use the steering wheel and its screen, you’ll need to press the little button next to the screen and then navigate the settings menus with your funky switches (7-position switches). To exit the menu, simply click on the button again. You can create 5 different profiles to adapt your FFB to each game.
On PC, you can also use the Fanalab software to create independent settings for each vehicle, if you like! By the way, if you’d like somehelp with your Fanatec force feedback settings, I’ve prepared a complete article for you via the button below:
Want to get the most out of your Fanatec steering wheel on Assetto Corsa Competizione?
Setting guide for Fanatec CSL DD on ACC
On-track testing
Ahhh, the pleasure of having a DD in your hands… It’s something every simracer should know. Once you’ve had a taste of it, there’s simply no turning back. Movements are fluid, healthy and precise. On the track, there’s a smoothness only available to Direct Drives. And the transmission of information such as grip, wheel irregularities and mass transfers ensures a much better “connection” between driver and virtual vehicle.
I do have one reservation, however, regarding the 5Nm verision. Yes, it’s cheap, yes, it’s fluid and precise. But it still leaves out two massive advantages of Direct Drives, namely responsiveness and fine detail. 5Nm is fine for replacing a T300 or CSL Elite, for example. You’ll always get a better feel than with these two models. Goodbye robotic jerks, belt noises and inaccuracies… But going up to 8Nm is highly recommended precisely to gain in responsiveness, which will enable you to catch up with the vehicle much more naturally and healthily in the event of a swerve, for example. And in fine detail, for an even better feel of the contact between the track and the rubber.
I opted for the Boost Kit, a power supply that delivers 8Nm of torque instead of the 5Nm of the basic version.
I highly recommend the 8Nm version. Below that, the limited power won’t allow you to get all the road details the base is capable of.
In any case, even in 2025, the CSL DD still has a power feedback that allows you to really enjoy yourself on the track. And I’m telling you this as my “daily” base is a massive Asetek Invicta 27Nm!
In the 8Nm version, the force is sufficient to satisfy 90% of players without feeling a lack of torque. It’s powerful without being brutal or too sporty. We’re really on a force that’s all finesse, precision and feel. Anyway, did a pebble get stuck in the right rear tire? You’ll find out 😉
Engine warm-up management
The CSL DD is not equipped with a fan; its cooling is passive. It relies both on its software management and on the shape of the base, which acts as a heat sink. The heat test enables me to determine whether a base will hold up over very long sessions (endurance races, for example).
The result? The base (8Nm) reached its “intensive” operating temperature in 45 minutes, then began to stabilize. After 60 minutes, the heat reached its plateau and there was no point in continuing the test beyond 90 minutes. The final value was 40.1°C , a long way from the 80°C needed to overheat and lose torque. So there’s nothing to worry about here!
Why do a heat test?
To put it simply, a Direct Drive base is generally able to climb to around 80° without any problems. But if the temperature rises above the limit set by the brand, and to avoid frying the electronic board inside the base, the latter will restrict the torque sent to the steering shaft. By limiting the torque for a few minutes, the base will have time to cool down to an optimal temperature, BUT if you’re in the middle of a race, you’ll experience a big difference in feel, something you absolutely want to avoid if you want to perform well on the track.
The warm-up test enables me to determine whether the baseplate is likely to overheat under intensive use conditions, and thus cause a drop in torque. To do this, I always use the same protocol
Heating test conditions
Closed, unventilated room.
Ambient temperature 20-21°C.
Torque set to maximum on base software.
FFB in play set at saturation limit.
Test: Temperature measurement every 15 minutes. Minimum duration of 100 revolutions in Indycar on oval until overheating or temperature stabilization.
Fanatec CSL DD bundle Ready2Race (best value for money for the CSL DD)
If you’re looking for the best value for money for the CSL DD, it’s quite simple: ready2race bundles. These packs enable you to get a Base Wheel Pedal assembly for as little as €399.95 for the WHOLE package. Yes, all of it!
Discover the options : Ready2Race bundles
The CSL DD 8Nm versus its direct competitors
If you only play on console (PS4 and PS5) the T598 is an excellent choice in terms of quality/price ratio.
The engine’s ability to make itself appear more torquey than it is through overshoot.
Lowest price for a Direct Drive on PlayStation.
Harmony technology for adding in-track effects.
Tuning software is still untapped and not very comprehensive.
The undisputed master until now. In terms of quality/performance/price ratio, it is still a given to this day..
Very comprehensive and effective force feedback settings.
Ready 2 Race bundles at very attractive prices.
Access to the very complete Fanatec ecosystem.
If you’re buying used wheels or have old Fanatec wheels at home, you’ll need to check if they’re equipped with QR2s and not the older QR1 models. The part can be easily replaced, but it will cost around a hundred euros per wheel, which isn’t cost-effective on entry-level and mid-range models.
Peak: 8Nm
It could be suitable for a child starting out in simracing. However, be careful of its very low torque which does not allow you to fully access the real advantages of Direct Drives.
Complete and efficient tuning software.
Not a very good price.
Peak: 3,9Nm
Looking for the best steering wheel for a particular console? Check out our comparison guides:
Where to buy a Fanatec CSL DD?
The brand itself handles deliveries and sales of equipment directly via the Fanatec website by following this link!
Beware of the scam sites that are currently proliferating on the Internet (thanks to AI…) and which would have you believe that they are resellers of Fanatec equipment. The brand has not and does not intend to open its distribution to third-party companies in Europe to date.
My conclusions on the Fanatec Direct Drive after 4 years
Deliveries (which were bumpy in 2023 and 2024) are now delivered in 4 to 7 business days via UPS, and customer service has also significantly reduced its processing time, so all the lights are green.
Where can I buy a Fanatec CSL DD?
The brand itself handles deliveries and sales of equipment directly via the Fanatec website by following this link!
Beware of the scam sites that are currently proliferating on the Internet (thanks to AI…) and which would have you believe that they are resellers of Fanatec equipment. The brand has not and does not intend to open its distribution to third-party companies in Europe at this time.
Fanatec CSL DD FAQ
A Direct Drive gives access to a more precise, fluid and responsive force feedback than belt or gear bases.
Their reliability and durability are also superior, as there are very few mechanical parts in motion.
They are much quieter than belt and gear bases.
Let’s be clear, the Direct Drive of the new Fanatec is night and day with what these Logitech and Thrustmaster models offer. The CSL DD is more precise, smoother and more powerful. It’s also quieter, since it doesn’t need a fan.
With the T-GT 2, Thrustmaster has got itself into trouble… Releasing a simple evolution of the T-GT when Fanatec came out with a real direct drive wasn’t the idea of the century. Clearly, yes, the CSL DD is better in every way.
Engine power without Booster Kit is 5Nm for the CSL DD versus 6Nm for the CSL Elite. On the other hand, sensations are far superior on the Direct Drive. With Booster, the CSL DD increases to 8Nm, 2 more than the CSL Elite. In every respect, the CSL DD puts the CSL Elite to shame!
If you don’t take the booster, no. But if you want to switch to a Direct Drive and find a buyer for your Clubsport, then it could be worth it.
The details of the force feedback feel are better on the CSL DD, but it’s not a revolution compared with what you’ve already got.
It depends… In fact, the 5NM of the basic version already gives you the same power as all the older-generation Logitech and Thrustmaster models. Like the G923 or the T300RS, for example. With the Booster Kit, you’ll certainly have more power, but don’t forget that the option comes at a cost. If you buy it at the same time as your CSL DD base, it will cost you €100 instead of €159.99.
![Fanatec CSL DD : Complete and updated Test & Review [2025 edition]](https://simrace-her.com/wp-content/uploads/thumbs_dir/Capture-decran-2025-01-27-121030-r3blc6qv0z67nkpkryxnn8zhlk58oxcryk34m7gc3g.png)
![Fanatec CSL DD : Complete and updated Test & Review [2025 edition]](https://simrace-her.com/wp-content/uploads/thumbs_dir/Capture-decran-2025-03-13-095608-r55vnlzlstyioddurfd5kb6gnne1tevcstq1ldnscc.png)
