The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →A sim-racing enthusiast has built an open-source PC VR headset for a reported parts cost of a little over $150. That 2025 figure is not a current, all-in shopping price: it excludes the creator’s personal 3D-printing equipment, and the headset requires hands-on assembly and setup. Its appeal is a custom, tinkerer-friendly build—not a plug-and-play alternative to a retail headset.
What the $150 figure does—and doesn’t—cover
PC Gamer reported on 9 October 2025 that creator CNCDan’s build cost a little over $150 before counting his personal 3D-printing equipment. Treat that as a reported parts cost for the project, not a guaranteed budget: it is not a current retailer quote or an independently audited bill of materials. Printer access, changed or incompatible parts, and other build needs can affect what someone else spends. PC Gamer’s report and Notebookcheck’s coverage describe the project and its cost.
How the headset is put together
Reports describe two 2.9-inch LCD panels with a combined resolution of 2,880 × 1,440, Fresnel lenses, an IMU for motion sensing, an Arduino Pro Micro, a custom circuit board, and a 3D-printed body. Each display can be adjusted independently for interpupillary distance (IPD), the spacing between the lenses. TechSpot reports that the lenses are derived from Google Cardboard optics and have a stated 4.5 mm focal distance. TechSpot’s 2025 report identifies the sensor as a GY-9250 and notes Relativty software and SteamVR compatibility.
The Relativty project’s documentation lists the broad component categories needed for its DIY headset: an ATmega32U4 microcontroller such as an Arduino Pro Micro, a supported IMU, a small PC display and driver board, lenses, a printable housing, a strap, and a facial interface. It recommends buying the display together with its driver board when possible to reduce compatibility risk. The repository’s recommended build is marked as of May 2023, so use it as build guidance, not as a current parts quote or proof that every CNCDan build version is identical. Relativty’s repository includes hardware and printable-part documentation.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What sim racers get—and what they give up
A project you assemble and configure
This is a DIY project, not a finished consumer product. The work involves finding compatible components, printing the chassis, assembling the electronics, and configuring PC VR software. Relativty’s documentation assumes familiarity with electronics and programming. A compatible Arduino Pro Micro board is one documented component, not a complete headset kit; check its compatibility against the project materials before buying. You also need access to a 3D printer or a way to have the parts printed, but no particular printer model is specified.
Three degrees of freedom, not room-scale tracking
The documented tracking is 3DoF: the headset tracks rotational orientation, rather than the full position tracking associated with 6DoF room-scale VR. Relativty says its headset has no built-in controller support. The sources therefore do not establish room-scale positional tracking, hand tracking, or a controller-equipped experience. That simpler feature set may be acceptable for a seated racing setup, but it is a significant limitation for games that rely on walking around or tracked hands. Relativty’s documentation describes the project’s tracking and controller support.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Full resolution comes with a reported refresh-rate tradeoff
PC Gamer reports that the displays’ 90 Hz capability drops to 60 Hz at full resolution through SteamVR; Notebookcheck likewise reports a 60 Hz limit at full resolution. CNCDan reportedly found the result choppy. These are reports about this build and configuration, not independent benchmarks across different PCs or games, so they do not establish how every sim-racing setup will perform. PC Gamer’s report describes the drop and the creator’s reaction.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should consider building it?
The headset makes most sense for a sim racer who values an open, customizable project and is comfortable with fabrication, electronics, and software setup. Its reported low parts cost is only one part of that decision; compatibility work, printer access, tracking, controller support, and the full-resolution refresh tradeoff matter too.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If you need reliable setup out of the box, built-in controllers, or broader tracking capabilities, compare retail headsets on those specific points rather than treating this build as an equivalent consumer headset. For any alternative, compare total cost including fabrication and replacement parts, resolution and refresh rate at the setting you would actually use, tracking degrees of freedom, controller support, software compatibility, and the state of its documentation and community. The available reports do not establish a measured value comparison or current retail prices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
