Not sure which sim racing dashboard project is right for you? We break down the B5-DDU, B7-DDU, NOVA Evo, and P8W-DDU by size, mounting, and use case to help you choose.
Introduction
A sim racing dashboard (also called a DDU) is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your sim rig. It add to the immersion and also puts critical race data right in front of you such as lap times, gear, speed, fuel, tyre temps, and much more. But with different sizes and form factors available, how do you choose the right one?
At Velocitas Imperium we offer four DDU projects: the B5-DDU, B7-DDU, NOVA Evo, and the P8W-DDU, each designed for a different type of sim racer. Here's how to pick the right one for your setup.
The 5" Option: B5-DDU Essential Info, Minimal Footprint
The B5-DDU features a 5" standard aspect ratio screen, making it the most compact option in our lineup. Its smaller size means it sits comfortably in front of your monitor without blocking your view or interfering with your immersion.
This is the ideal choice if:
- You want the essential race data without clutter
- You have a single monitor setup and screen real estate matters
- You prefer a clean, minimal cockpit aesthetic
- You're new to DDUs and want to start with something manageable
The B5-DDU is the perfect entry point, compact, functional, and easy to build.
The 6.8" Option: B7-DDU & NOVA Evo Maximum Data, Companion Display
The B7-DDU and NOVA Evo both feature a 6.8" standard aspect ratio screen. This makes them significantly taller than the other options, which is both their strength and their main consideration.
Because of their height, we don't recommend mounting them directly in front of your monitor. Instead, they shine as a companion display, placed to the side of your screen, or on top of a button box. This setup keeps your main view unobstructed while giving you a large, highly readable dashboard packed with data.
This is the ideal choice if:
- You want maximum information displayed at once
- You already have (or plan to build) a button box to pair it with
- You're building a full cockpit or multi screen setup
- You want the most immersive, professional looking rig
B7-DDU or NOVA Evo Which One?
Both units share the same 6.8" screen and port expansion functions, so performance-wise they are identical. The difference is purely in design and aesthetics, it really comes down to which one you like the look of most. Pick the one that fits your build style and you won't go wrong with either.
The 7.8" Ultrawide Option: P8W-DDU Good immersion and Low profile
The P8W-DDU is our most unique offering: a 7.8" ultrawide screen. Its wide format means it's physically shorter than the 6.8" standard screens, while still offering more screen area on the sides for additional data channels.
This makes it a great middle ground, it can be mounted in front of your monitor like the B5-DDU, but with more data real estate. The slight trade off is that it will interfere a little more with your monitor view than the 5", so it suits sim racers who want more immersion and data without going full companion-display.
This is the ideal choice if:
- You want more data than the B5-DDU but still want it in front of your screen
- You love the ultrawide aesthetic
- You want a unique, eye catching build
SimHub Compatible wiht All of Them
All four DDU projects are fully SimHub compatible, the most popular sim racing dashboard software. We also officially support two of the most loved dashboard template and led profile communities:
- ATSR beautiful, highly detailed LED profiles.
- Lovely Dashboard by lovelysimracing, clean and elegant templates loved by the community.
Whatever template style you prefer, our DDUs will run them flawlessly.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Best Mounting | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5-DDU | 5" | Standard | In front of monitor | Essential data, minimal setup |
| B7-DDU | 6.8" | Standard | Companion / side display | Maximum data, full cockpit |
| NOVA Evo | 6.8" | Standard | Companion / side display | Maximum data, full cockpit |
| P8W-DDU | 7.8" | Ultrawide | In front of monitor | More data, immersive look |
Which One Should You Choose?
Here's a simple way to decide:
- Just want the essentials and a clean setup? → B5-DDU
- Want maximum data and have a button box or multi-screen rig? → B7-DDU or NOVA Evo
- Want more than the B5 but still in front of your screen? → P8W-DDU
All four are available as DIY projects with full production files, PCB files, CNC and 3D printable parts, and a comprehensive build guide. Ready to start your build? Browse our Dashboard / DDU Projects and pick your next project.
