Looking to get a PC gaming controller

[XR-7]

Also looking for thoughts from you guys. I currently have an old ratty Windows 7 laptop, which holds all my Steam games. I can't really use them much because the computer starts trying to melt itself after playing for 5-10 minutes. At this point, I probably need to move my Steam stuff over to a newer but still crappy Windows 8 laptop.

Anyway, I'm really looking to start getting more new racing games (The Crew, Project Cars, NASCAR, F1, perhaps Drive Club) because those are my favorite genres. However, using computer keys to drive is absolute hell. All or most of the games I'd prefer to play on a PlayStation 4, but I don't have one and it's not in the realm of consideration for a long while. So I think I may try to get games for the PC and use a gaming controller for better control over vehicles. Anyone else have experience with controllers or have suggestions?

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[phflack]

from a full keyboard/mouse even for driving things, I'm considering a steam controller because I think it could be neat
but that has a long wait

[blockguy™]

if you're driving use a wheel

it feels so much better

[Regulith]

For the overheating problem, have you tried a laptop cooling fan? I used to exclusively use a laptop that got really hot (to the point that it fried some wiring in the keyboard one time when it overheated) but I got a $30 cooling pad and it put a stop to that

I can't speak on steering wheels, but when it comes to gamepads most people favor either Xbox or Dualshock controllers, it just depends on what you like holding and your preference on button/stick positions

[MoltenKitten]

Judging by the way you described those laptops neither will ever be able to run the crew.

If you have an Xbox 360 though I am pretty sure you can plug a wired controller in and use that. Xbox controllers are better for racing games in my opinion than playstation.

[Lego lad]

nintendo power glove

[Jubel]

Either an Xbox controller or Logitech F310 (if you like the dualshock style controller)

[XR-7]

For the overheating problem, have you tried a laptop cooling fan? I used to exclusively use a laptop that got really hot (to the point that it fried some wiring in the keyboard one time when it overheated) but I got a $30 cooling pad and it put a stop to that

Yeah I have a USB cooling pad and I even had a separate external cooling fan (my brother misplaced it, but it made little difference). Just yesterday though, I was playing Garry's Mod and had an idea. I used the cooling pad and pulled an actual fan (you know, that are used for cooling rooms) right up to the edge of the table and it worked surprisingly well lol

Either an Xbox controller or Logitech F310 (if you like the dualshock style controller)

I do prefer dualshock and was eyeing a Logitech F310 at Best Buy for $14.99. I'm trying to see if my nearby walmart has them since I have a gift card and may be able to get it without spending anything.

Edit: my Wal-Mart doesn't have them and they're $25+ for their online availability. Always low prices!

[ThatDarkNinja778]

You could find a wired Xbox 360 Controller for cheap if you look in the right places. Using the triggers and brown townog sticks to drive feels like a dream on that controller. You could always go for the Logitech F310, I never tried it, but I heard good things about it. I never been a fan of the older dualshock design it had though.

[ChexGuy331]

F310 is a great deal for its price, but its triggers aren't ideal for racing games since they're much more tense than a DualShock 3's or a 360 controller's. The brown townog sticks are also stiffer and feel like their deadzones are a bit larger than they need to be.

[Yin Yang]

a wired Xbox 360 Controller for cheap.

[Lockebox]

The Wired Xbox360 controller covers a huge assortment of released games and in most cases is plug n' play without any hassle. I'd recommend that just for sake of ease.

[Deus Ex]

An xbox controller is the way to go. Everything else is just meh.

[·:Taboo:·]

PS4 controller.

[DJ Charizard]

Steam controller if you're willing to wait.