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Moza R9 vs Fanatec CSL DD: Which 8-9 Nm Base?

Moza R9 vs Fanatec CSL DD compared on torque, Xbox support, quick release, rims, pedal ports and mounting, with a clear verdict on which base to buy.

By David Martini Jr

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The Moza R9 V3 and Fanatec CSL DD are the two direct drive bases most people cross-shop at 8-9 Nm, and on PC they’re closer than their scores suggest. Buy the R9 if you race only on PC and want 9 Nm plus the most peripheral ports for the money. Buy the CSL DD if you want the option of Xbox, which the R9 doesn’t support.

SpecMOZA R9 V3 direct drive wheel base, three-quarter viewMOZA R9 V3Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm)
Score5.86.7
Drive typedirect-drivedirect-drive
Peak torque9 Nm8 Nm
Platform supportpcpc, xbox
Mounting optionsbottom, desk-clampbottom, desk-clamp
Pedal portYesYes
Launch MSRP$349$479.95

Both bases run through our wheelbase rubric, which weighs drive type most heavily, then peak torque, platform support, mounting options and whether the base has a pedal port. The CSL DD (8 Nm) lands at 6.7 and the R9 V3 at 5.8. Here’s where that gap actually comes from, and why it may not matter to you.

Moza R9 vs CSL DD: the verdict

These two bases share more than they differ. Both are direct drive, both take pedals through a port on the base, both bolt down through the bottom or clamp to a desk. Each is the entry point to a large rim ecosystem.

The split is about where you race. The CSL DD is listed for PC and for Xbox One and Series X|S with an Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel. The R9 is a PC base. If there’s any chance an Xbox enters your setup, that decides it before torque does.

If you’re PC-only, the R9 gives you 1 Nm more peak torque, a 21-bit encoder and ports for pedals, shifter, handbrake, dash and E-stop. It launched at $349, $130.95 less than the CSL DD (8 Nm) at $479.95.

How do the specs compare?

Spec Moza R9 V3 Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm)
Drive type Direct drive Direct drive
Peak torque 9 Nm 8 Nm (Boost Kit 180 included)
Platforms PC PC, Xbox (with a licensed Fanatec wheel)
PlayStation No No, and can’t be upgraded for it
Quick release Moza QR Fanatec QR2 Lite
Mounting Four-hole bottom; optional table clamp Bottom; table clamp sold separately
Ports Pedals, shifter, handbrake, dash, E-stop Pedals, shifter, handbrake, DataPort-C
Wheel included No No
Launch MSRP $349 $479.95
Our score 5.8 6.7

The score breakdown is simple. Both earn full marks for drive type and pedal port and the same half-marks for two mounting options. The R9’s 9 Nm earns slightly more on torque than the CSL DD’s 8 Nm. Then the CSL DD’s second platform adds 0.75 weighted points out of a possible 7.5, which is a full point on our 10-point scale. The R9 claws back 0.1 on torque, leaving the 0.9 gap.

Does the Moza R9 work on Xbox like the CSL DD?

No, and this is the decisive difference. Moza’s wheel base FAQ says its bases are officially supported only on Windows PCs and that simply connecting a Moza base to a console won’t work. Moza does say its Xbox-licensed ESX wheel can be used with a Moza base on Xbox, but the ESX page itself points buyers to the Moza R3 Racing Bundle or future officially supported bases for full console compatibility. Our compatibility engine follows Moza’s base page, which lists PC only, so it marks the R9 as not compatible on Xbox.

The CSL DD’s Xbox support comes with its own condition: you need an Xbox-licensed Fanatec steering wheel. The base itself doesn’t carry the licence, the rim does. Our console compatibility guide explains why, and our platform matrix shows the CSL DD as “With a licensed wheel” on Xbox, and four rims in our database qualify:

PlayStation is off the table for both. Moza states its products don’t support PS4 or PS5. Fanatec states the CSL DD isn’t compatible with any PlayStation console and can’t be upgraded to be. If you’re on PS5 and want this torque class, the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is the 8 Nm sibling that’s licensed for PS5 and PS4.

Which rims fit each base?

Buying a base means buying into its quick release, so this is the long-term decision. Our quick release standards guide explains each coupling.

Moza R9: Moza’s own chart lists every current Moza wheel as compatible, and our engine agrees. All nine Moza rims in our database fit on PC, from the 300 mm KS (shift and dual clutch paddles, launch MSRP $279) to the CS Pro with its 2.99-inch screen (launch MSRP $329) and the FSR2 formula wheel with a 4.3-inch touchscreen. The one caveat is the GS V2P, which needs a wired slip-ring Moza base. Nothing from Fanatec, Simagic, Thrustmaster or Asetek fits the Moza QR.

CSL DD: It ships with a QR2 Lite base-side. QR2 Lite rims like the CSL GT3 and CSL Elite WRC fit directly. Full QR2 rims (the ClubSport and Podium wheels) fit too, even though they ship with a QR2 wheel-side. Fanatec’s CSL DD listing says the QR2 Lite base-side works with QR2 Lite, QR2 and QR2 Pro wheel-sides without torque restriction, so there’s no upgrade part to buy.

What works with the Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm)

Derived from each product's quick release, platform licences, pedal connections and mounting, plus the caveats manufacturers publish. Amber means it can work with an adapter or needs confirming on the manufacturer's chart.

Steering wheels

Compatible9 wheels
Check manufacturer chart1 wheel
  • MOZA KS Steering WheelPCNot on XboxNot on PlayStation

    Works with third-party bases via the Universal Hub Kit (per MOZA), but we have no record of the Fanatec QR2 Lite taking it. Check the manufacturer chart.

Not compatible: 21 wheels

Asetek SimSports Forte Formula Steering Wheel, Asetek SimSports La Prima GT Steering Wheel, MOZA CS Pro Steering Wheel, MOZA CS V2P Steering Wheel, MOZA ESX Steering Wheel for PC & Xbox, MOZA FSR2 Formula Wheel, MOZA GS V2P GT Wheel, MOZA KS Pro Steering Wheel, MOZA RS V2 Steering Wheel, MOZA TSW Truck Wheel, Simagic FX Pro, Simagic GT Neo, Simagic GT1, Simagic GTS (GT Sport), Simagic Zeus Formula, Simagic Zeus GT, Simagic Zeus Sport, Thrustmaster EVO Racing 32R Leather, Thrustmaster Ferrari 488 GT3 Wheel Add-On, Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On, Thrustmaster Formula Wheel Add-On Ferrari SF1000 Edition

Pedals

Compatible5 pedal sets
  • Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3PCXboxNot on PlayStation

    Connects through the Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm)'s pedal port on Xbox.

    Works on consoles only when connected through a Fanatec wheel base or racing wheel. The direct USB connection is PC only.

  • Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3 InvertedPCXboxNot on PlayStation

    Connects through the Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm)'s pedal port on Xbox.

    Fanatec states PS4/PS5 use requires a compatible wheel base, and Xbox use requires a Fanatec wheel base with a compatible steering wheel. USB standalone is for PC.

  • Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals V2PCXboxNot on PlayStation

    Connects through the Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm)'s pedal port on Xbox.

    PS4/PS5 use requires a PlayStation-licensed Fanatec wheel base; Xbox One/Series use requires a compatible Fanatec wheel base with an Xbox-licensed Fanatec steering wheel. Standalone USB mode is PC only.

  • Fanatec CSL PedalsPCXboxNot on PlayStation

    Connects through the Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm)'s pedal port on Xbox.

    Connects to a Fanatec wheel base over RJ12. Works on consoles only when connected through a Fanatec wheel base or racing wheel, not via the ClubSport USB Adapter.

  • Fanatec CSL Pedals LCPCXboxNot on PlayStation

    Connects through the Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm)'s pedal port on Xbox.

    USB standalone mode is for PC. On consoles the set works when connected through a Fanatec wheel base or racing wheel.

14 other USB pedal sets work with it on PC (not on console)

Heusinkveld Sprint 2-Pedal Set, Heusinkveld Sprint 3-Pedal Set, Heusinkveld Ultimate+ 2-Pedal Set, Heusinkveld Ultimate+ 3-Pedal Set, Logitech G PRO Racing Pedals, Logitech G RS Pedals, MOZA CRP2 Load Cell Pedals, MOZA mBooster Pedal Set with CRP2 Throttle, MOZA SRP2 Pedals, Simagic P1000 Modular Pedals, Simagic P1000i Inverted Pedals, Simagic P2000-R Hydraulic Pedals, Thrustmaster Raceline Pedals III LC, Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals

Cockpits and stands

Compatible21 cockpits
Check manufacturer chart2 cockpits
Not compatible: 1 cockpits

Trak Racer FS3 V2 Wheel Stand

Check a full setup with the Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm) in the compatibility checker

Our compatibility checker runs the same rules for any rim and base pairing, so test a specific combination before you order.

Pedals and ports: which is more expandable?

Both bases have a pedal port, which matters most on console: on Xbox, pedals must connect through the base. Every Fanatec pedal set in our database, from the two-pedal Hall-sensor CSL Pedals to the 90 kg ClubSport Pedals V3, plugs into the CSL DD and works on Xbox that way.

The R9’s port list is longer: pedals, shifter, handbrake, dash and E-stop. The CSL DD lists pedals, shifter and handbrake plus Fanatec’s DataPort-C. If you plan to build out with a Moza shifter, handbrake and dash, the R9’s ports keep it all on the base.

On PC, the brand barrier mostly disappears. Any pedal set with its own USB connection works alongside either base. Moza’s own SRP2 (hybrid brake with a 0–100 kg load cell) and CRP2 connect over USB or plug into a MOZA base’s pedal port, so on an R9 they can run either way. The Fanatec CSL Pedals LC and the Heusinkveld, Simagic and Logitech sets connect over USB too. The exception is Fanatec’s basic CSL Pedals, which have no USB connector. On an R9 they’d need Fanatec’s separately sold ClubSport USB Adapter.

How do they mount?

Both list bottom mounting and a desk clamp, and both keep the clamp as an extra. Moza calls the R9’s table clamp optional with four-hole bottom mounting as standard. Fanatec sells the CSL DD’s table clamp separately and notes its front inserts aren’t meant for front-mounting it in a cockpit.

In practice they fit the same rigs. Our engine clears both for every bottom-mount cockpit in our database except the Trak Racer FS3 V2 wheel stand, which is rated for 5 Nm. Both bases also fall inside the 13 Nm rating of foldable seats like the Next Level Racing GTLite Pro. That makes either a sensible first direct drive base for a desk or a fold-away setup.

Which should you buy?

Buy the Moza R9 V3 if you race on PC only, want the most torque in this pair (9 Nm), or plan to add a Moza shifter, handbrake, dash or E-stop through the base. It’s also the cheaper way into a rim ecosystem where every current wheel fits without adapters.

Buy the Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm) if you own an Xbox or might, or if you want a base whose QR2 Lite rims also work on a PlayStation-licensed Fanatec base later. Budget for an Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel if console is the plan, since the base alone won’t do it.

Best for PC-only rigs

MOZA R9 V3

5.8Pitwall Gear Score
Drive type
direct-drive
Peak torque
9 Nm
Platform support
pc
Mounting options
bottom, desk-clamp

A 9 Nm direct-drive wheel base with the Moza quick release and a full set of peripheral ports, aimed at PC drivers wanting a mid-range base.

Strengths

  • 9 Nm peak torque, 21-bit encoder
  • Ports for pedals, shifter, handbrake, dash and E-stop
  • Moza chart lists every current Moza wheel as compatible

Watch out for

  • Moza lists PC as the platform; no PlayStation support
  • Table clamp is optional; standard mounting is four-hole bottom

Best for Xbox and PC

Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm)

6.7Pitwall Gear Score
Drive type
direct-drive
Peak torque
8 Nm
Platform support
pc, xbox
Mounting options
bottom, desk-clamp

The CSL DD direct-drive base bundled with the Boost Kit 180 power supply for 8 Nm peak torque, with a preinstalled QR2 Lite base-side, aimed at PC and Xbox drivers.

Strengths

  • Boost Kit 180 included, giving 8 Nm peak torque
  • QR2 Lite base-side works with QR2 Lite, QR2 and QR2 Pro wheel-sides without torque restriction
  • Pedal, shifter and handbrake ports plus Fanatec DataPort-C
  • FullForce force feedback added by firmware V1.5.1.2 or later

Watch out for

  • Not compatible with any PlayStation console and cannot be upgraded for it
  • Xbox use requires an Xbox-licensed Fanatec steering wheel
  • Table clamp is sold separately; front inserts are not meant for cockpit front-mounting

If you’re tempted by the cheaper CSL DD (5 Nm), which launched at $349.95, remember it’s the same base without the Boost Kit 180, so you’d buy the kit later to reach 8 Nm. For every other option, see the full wheelbase rankings or compare the spec pages for the Moza R9 V3 and Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm).

Frequently asked questions

Is the Moza R9 better than the Fanatec CSL DD?

On PC, they're closely matched: 9 Nm vs 8 Nm, both direct drive, both with pedal ports and bottom plus desk-clamp mounting. The CSL DD scores higher (6.7 vs 5.8) because it also supports Xbox. If you'll only ever race on PC, the R9's extra torque and port count make it the stronger value, and it launched at $349 against $479.95 for the CSL DD (8 Nm).

Does the Moza R9 work on Xbox like the CSL DD?

Not by itself. Moza says its bases are officially supported only on Windows PCs, and the base alone can't run on Xbox. Moza's Xbox-licensed ESX wheel is its workaround; the CSL DD lists Xbox with any Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel.

Can I use Fanatec wheels on a Moza R9?

No. Fanatec rims use the QR2 or QR2 Lite quick release, which doesn't fit the Moza QR. Our compatibility engine marks every Fanatec rim as not compatible with the R9.

Do either of these bases work on PS5?

No. Moza states its products don't support PS4 or PS5, and Fanatec states the CSL DD isn't compatible with any PlayStation console and can't be upgraded for it.

Is the 5 Nm CSL DD worth considering instead?

Only if you plan to add the Boost Kit 180 later. It's the same base at 5 Nm; the kit, sold separately, takes it to the same 8 Nm as the bundle compared here.

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