
Featured picture: Pimax Crystal Gentle
I’ve spent numerous hours testing the Crystal Light throughout completely different sims, and in that point, I’ve found that getting the suitable setup makes all of the distinction between a median VR expertise and one thing way more particular. I admit, I’m working a RTX 4090 setup, which provides me loads of alternatives to search out what works finest (particularly in iRacing and ACC).
With that mentioned, I initially tested the Crystal Light on an RTX 3080-powered machine, and we’ve been working this on my son’s 4070 ti. Confidently, I’ll be capable to cowl a broad vary of settings and supply some troubleshooting recommendation.
A fast notice, I exploit Steam VR for simplicity. I’m conscious that there’s some efficiency to be gained in OpenXR and there’s a very good information to using OpenXR from Pimax here.
Preliminary Setup Steps
Getting began is straightforward sufficient, however, there are just a few steps we have to take to get the setup proper first time. Right here’s what you’ll must do first:
Set up Required Software program:

Earlier than First Use:
- Run room setup in Pimax Play
- Modify bodily IPD utilizing the slider (top-right of headset)
- Join headset to DisplayPort on the again of your GPU
- Join the USB plug to a USB 3 socket

Nvidia Management Panel
Right here’s the place issues get fascinating. NVIDIA’s management panel settings make a large distinction to VR efficiency – I observed this notably when testing completely different picture sharpening values.
After attempting numerous mixtures, right here’s what I’ve discovered works finest:
Open the Nvidia Management Panel Navigate to “Handle 3D Settings” > “World Settings”

Configure these particular settings:
- Picture Sharpening: 0.25 (improves distant object readability)
- Energy Administration Mode: Choose Most Efficiency
- Low Latency Mode: Extremely
- Digital Actuality Pre-rendered Frames: 1 (relying on the ability you’ve accessible, I’ve discovered setting this to three works simply as nicely, if not barely higher).
- Vertical Sync: Off
- Shader Cache Measurement: Limitless

Click on “Apply” and restart your PC
Pimax Play Settings
One factor I’ve discovered concerning the Crystal Gentle is that the refresh charge settings make an enormous distinction to the general expertise. I’ve discovered 120Hz to be the candy spot on the 4090 (though nonetheless it appears to ask plenty of the GPU / CPU – it is a larger spec setting). In case you’re working a much less highly effective GPU, you may wish to contemplate 90Hz for higher stability:

Open Pimax Play and configure:
- Refresh Price: 120Hz (90Hz for GPUs beneath 4070 Ti)
- Render Decision: 100% (native)
- Fastened Foveated Rendering: Enabled
- Brightness: 80% (I cut back this to 70% for night time racing as I’ve talked about earlier than 100% could be very vibrant!)
iRacing Particular Settings
iRacing has been my go-to sim for testing the Crystal Gentle, and it’s the place I’ve spent most of my time perfecting these settings.
The settings themselves are extraordinarily comparable, if not the same as the OG Pimax Crystal. Right here’s what I’ve discovered works extremely nicely:

Graphics Settings Tab:
- UI Render Mode: VR
- Sharpening: Off (we’re utilizing Nvidia’s)
- HDR: Enabled
- Dynamic Objects: Enabled
- Dynamic Observe Floor: Enabled
Element Settings:
- Shader High quality: Excessive
- Shadow Maps: Observe Solely
- Shadow Element: Medium
- Pit Objects: Low (reduces CPU load)
- Crowds: Disabled
- Grandstands: Disabled (main efficiency influence)
- FXAA: Enabled
- Warmth FX: Off
Assetto Corsa Competizione Settings

- View Distance: Medium (higher efficiency with out shedding essential visibility)
- Shadows: Medium
- Antialiasing: TAA
- Submit Processing: Low
- Supplies High quality: Excessive
- Mirror High quality: Low
- Mirror Framerate: 30fps
- VR Pixel Density: 130% (lowered to 100% for GPUs beneath 4080)
For GPUs beneath the 4080, I’d advocate these further changes:
- Cut back VR Pixel Density to 100%
- Set all shadows to low
- Disable volumetric fog
- Cut back seen automobiles to 10
- Take into account a 90Hz refresh charge
Troubleshooting: Actual-World Efficiency Options
Via testing and neighborhood suggestions, I’ve hit just a few bumps within the street and managed to give you usable fixes. Hopefully these will aid you too:
Stuttering Points
In case you’re experiencing stuttering, notably in ACC, attempt these steps so as:
- First Steps:
- Disconnect further screens
- Shut background apps
- Set your Home windows energy plan to Excessive Efficiency
- If Stuttering Persists:
- Verify GPU temperatures (MSI Afterburner is nice for this)
- Confirm Steam VR decision isn’t set above 100%
- Take into account lowering refresh charge to 90Hz or decrease quickly
- Final Resort Choices:
- Decrease seen automobiles rely
- Cut back mirror high quality
- Disable volumetric fog
Visible Readability Issues
The most typical grievance I’ve heard about VR is blurriness. The Pimax Crystal Gentle is considerably delicate to facial place so it’s actually necessary to get a very good becoming when you’re carrying the gadget.
Listed here are another ideas:
- Fast Fixes:
- Clear lenses with a microfiber material
- Confirm IPD setting matches your eyes
- Verify render decision is at 100%
- Superior Options:
- Modify picture sharpening and efficiency settings in Nvidia Management Panel
- Confirm your headset is correctly seated
Warmth Administration Ideas
You get sizzling utilizing VR! Right here’s what I’ve discovered about managing it:
- Maintain your room cool – I intention for round 20°C – I go away a window open
- Use a wind simulator
- Take 5-minute breaks each hour
Consolation Modifications
After prolonged testing, I’ve discovered just a few important consolation modifications:
- The Studioform mods make an enormous distinction on this space
- Use the built-in audio system for voice chat solely
- Take into account a thicker face gasket if the lenses really feel too shut (once more, accessible through Studioform)
Remaining Ideas
The Crystal Gentle is able to delivering an unimaginable sim racing expertise, however it does require some setup work to get it perfected. In case you’re working a much less highly effective GPU than the 4090, focus first on stability quite than most visible high quality. You may at all times incrementally enhance settings as you discover efficiency headroom.
Do not forget that VR efficiency can range considerably primarily based in your particular {hardware} mixture, ambient temperature, and errors just like the mistaken USB port selection. Take time to search out your optimum setup, and don’t be afraid to experiment with completely different settings mixtures.
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Pimax Crystal Gentle Settings for Sim Racing (iRacing / ACC)
Matter: VR Headsets
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