Console VS PC, or maybe both

[jaharr01]

  Hey guys, I'm about to start a a racing cab build, and I had a couple of questions.It's not a sit down cab, its an upright.I just can't justify the space with a sit down, but I can sneak an upright in there with a 28" TV or mabe a 32". The games I would like to play are mostly modern games and Daytona USA.I have a SFF Dual core sitting around 2.8ghz PCIE 1 or 16 not sure (I think),I could use.The wheel I bought a Logitech Driving Force Pro E-UJ11 Wheel & Pedals. the games; Gran Turismo 5 and Shift 2 for PS3 games came with it. The wheel works on PC and PS3. Obviously a PS3 would be a good choice (with 2 games already). The Issue I have is having to put the DVDs in each time I want to play a game. So I was wondering is it hard to hack the PS3 to not need a DVD to be inserted? I really don't want to steal games I just want to have them on the hard drive. Not that many ,4-5 maybe. Also is there a way to switch a PS3 on without physically pressing a button on the console? Maybe a micro switch on the cabinet control panel? Is there a return to power after a failure feature with a PS3? Also, is there any customization of the PS3 start screen? Like removing all the BS stuff like netflix and etc? additionally, Is it possible to hack the buttons on the wheel and put them on the dash and possibly still use them on the wheel?
      Another option might be to use the dual core for older Mame racing games and the PS3 on different inputs. So would it be possible to not to physically remove the USB device from one machine to the other Like a USB selector or a USB splitter? Like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Tek-Republic-TUS-200-Sharing-Switch/dp/B00FEM3OKM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1423798464&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+switcher The best of both with a console and computer.
     The last option would be to build a fast PC with an SSD and do everything on the computer.
I know that is a lot of questions.I have messed with computers some but not much with consoles
Here is the wheel I bought:


Any help would be appreciated. I need to figure this out so I can know what direction to go forward
Jay

[SegaOutrun]

The issue with usb switches is u need one that cuts the power when you switch inputs, this allows the wheel to reset. My guess is that most do this but, I didnt feel like spending $15 on a switch that would not work so I went the old school way and used usb extension cable and I just lift my CP and plug my wheel into whatever I want. It takes 5 seconds but, that may not be an option for you if you Control panel does lift up easily.

The PS3 would need to be jailbroken to play without disc. I had my done by someone on craiglist for $50. Once jailbroken, you can rip your own real games onto the HDD. Game vary in size but to give you an idea how much hdd space you need, GT6 is about 20gb (one of the largest racing games) but most racing games like NFS hot pursuit, shift 2, midnight club, etc are about 6-7gb. The ps3 can be turned on by pressing the ps button your wireless controller, you can keep the ps3 hidden and just keep a wireless controller around. you can turn it off with the ps button too.

doubling the buttons is easy if you know how to solder and hard if you dont, just take wheel apart find the button circuit board and wire in new buttons. There are plenty of videos on youtube of people wiring the "O" button to a handbrake switch.

[jaharr01]

Thanks a bunch that helps a lot

[Fursphere]

A lot of software expects the USB game controller to be plugged in BEFORE you start the software.  Something to consider when using a switch like this.
 
I used one in the past and sometimes the hand shaking process would fail.  Basically leaving me to reboot the PC to get it working correctly again.  When it worked it was awesome, but sometimes a pain.