The Fanatec CSL DD is a direct drive base with 5 Nm, or 8 Nm with the Boost Kit. The CSL Elite is the older belt driven base with about 6 Nm. They are close in force, so in F1 2020 they share the same in game settings. The tuning menu on the base is where they differ.
With Fanatec, you do most of the work on the base. Get the tuning menu right first, then touch the game.
F1 2020 Fanatec CSL DD and CSL Elite settings
| In game setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Vibration and force feedback | On |
| Vibration and force feedback strength | 65 |
| On track effects | 15 |
| Rumble strip effects | 25 |
| Off track effects | 25 |
| Wheel damper | 5 |
| Understeer enhance | Off |
| Maximum wheel rotation (F1 and F2) | 360° |
How these compare with Logitech and Thrustmaster wheels is in my F1 2020 wheel settings guide.
CSL DD tuning menu
Set these on the wheel or in the Fanatec software before you start the game.
| Code | What it is | Value |
|---|---|---|
| SEN | Steering angle | Auto |
| FF | Total force feedback strength | 100 |
| FFS | Force feedback scaling | Peak |
| NDP | Natural damper | 25 |
| NFR | Natural friction | Off |
| NIN | Natural inertia | Off |
| INT | Interpolation (smoothing) | 4 |
| FEI | Force effect intensity | 100 |
| FOR | Force effects | 100 |
| SPR | Spring effects | 100 |
| DPR | Damper effects | 100 |
| SHO | Rim vibration motors | 100 |
| BLI | Brake level indicator | Your preference |
| BRF | Brake force (load cell pedals) | Your preference |
SEN Auto lets the game set the steering angle, so the 360° in the game is what you get.
FF 100 uses all 5 Nm. This is not a base where you hold force back. The limit comes from the in game strength instead.
NDP 25 is the one I would play with. It adds a little resistance that stops the wheel oscillating on the straights. Too much and the wheel feels like it is turning in oil.
NFR and NIN off. Friction and inertia add fake weight. An F1 car has light, fast steering. You do not want to slow it down.
INT 4 smooths the signal from the game. F1 2020 sends a rough signal, and without some smoothing a direct drive motor feels grainy.
CSL Elite tuning menu
| Code | What it is | Value |
|---|---|---|
| SEN | Steering angle | Auto |
| FF | Total force feedback strength | 100 |
| SHO | Rim vibration motors | 100 |
| BLI | Brake level indicator | Default |
| DRI | Drift mode | -02 |
| FOR | Force effects | 100 |
| SPR | Spring effects | 100 |
| DPR | Damper effects | 100 |
| BRF | Brake force (load cell pedals) | Default |
| FEI | Force effect intensity | 80 |
The CSL Elite has a shorter menu. Two values matter.
DRI -02. Drift mode makes the wheel turn more freely when it is positive. Negative values add a bit of damping, which calms a belt driven base on the straights.
FEI 80. This softens the sharp hits, like kerbs. On the belt driven base, 100 can feel harsh and noisy.
Calibration settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Steering deadzone | 0 |
| Steering linearity | 5 |
| Steering saturation | 0 |
| Throttle deadzone | 0 |
| Throttle linearity | 0 |
| Throttle saturation | 0 |
| Brake deadzone | 0 |
| Brake linearity | 0 |
| Brake saturation | 0 |
Steering linearity 5 is the only value that is not 0. It makes the first few degrees of steering a touch less sensitive. On a fast, direct base that helps you hold the car straight at 300 km/h without small corrections all the time. If you prefer a fully linear wheel, set it to 0. It is a small difference.
With load cell pedals, set the brake force on the base (BRF) so that your hardest comfortable push gives 100% in the calibration screen. Leave brake saturation at 0.
Force feedback settings, and why
Strength 65. With FF at 100 on the base, 65 in the game gives a firm wheel that does not clip in fast corners. With the Boost Kit you have more room, and I would still start here.
On track effects 15. A direct drive base sends every bump straight to your hands. You need very little of this.
Rumble strip effects 25. Clear on the kerbs, not violent.
Off track effects 25. A bit more than on other wheels. It is a warning that a wheel is on the grass before you see it.
Wheel damper 5. The base already has NDP at 25. The game damper only needs to add a touch.
Understeer enhance off. When the front tyres slide, the force drops by itself and you feel it right away on this base. The extra effect only makes it less natural.
What to change when it does not feel right
One change at a time, three laps each.
| Problem | Change | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fast corners all feel the same | In game strength down to 55 | The base is clipping |
| Wheel too light | In game strength up to 75 | More force, check for clipping after |
| Wheel shakes on the straight when you relax your hands | NDP up to 35 | More natural damping stops the oscillation |
| Wheel feels slow or sticky | NDP down to 15, game damper to 0 | Less resistance |
| Feedback feels grainy | INT up to 6 | More smoothing |
| Feedback feels dull | INT down to 2 | Less smoothing, more detail |
| Kerbs are too harsh | FEI down to 80, or rumble strip to 15 | Softer hits |
| Car twitchy around the centre | Steering linearity up to 10 | Calmer first degrees |
Next steps
- A good car setup is worth more than any wheel setting. All 22 tracks are in the F1 2020 setups hub.
- On a different wheel: Fanatec Podium DD2 and ClubSport, Logitech G29 and G920, Thrustmaster T300, TX and TMX.
- Moved to the next game? Here are my F1 2021 Fanatec settings.
- Same base in other sims: ACC Fanatec settings and Assetto Corsa CSL DD and CSL Elite settings.
- Thinking about the base itself? Read my Fanatec CSL DD review.
FAQ
What are the best F1 2020 settings for the Fanatec CSL DD?
On the base: SEN Auto, FF 100, FFS Peak, NDP 25, NFR Off, NIN Off, INT 4, FEI 100. In the game: strength 65, on track effects 15, rumble strip effects 25, off track effects 25, wheel damper 5, understeer enhance off.
Do the same settings work with the Boost Kit 180?
Yes, as a start. The Boost Kit takes the base from 5 Nm to 8 Nm, so the same numbers give you a heavier wheel. If it is too much, lower the in game strength to 55.
Do these settings work on the GT DD Pro?
The GT DD Pro uses the same motor as the CSL DD, so I would use the same values.
What steering angle should I set on a Fanatec wheel for F1 2020?
SEN on Auto, and 360° in the game for F1 and F2 cars. The game then sets the lock for you.
Why does my Fanatec wheel shake on the straights in F1 2020?
A direct drive base with no damping can oscillate when you relax your grip. Raise NDP on the base from 25 to 35, or the wheel damper in the game from 5 to 10.
Should I use Peak or Linear for FFS?
Peak. It gives you the full force of the base. Linear holds some back, and on a 5 Nm base there is nothing to spare.