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How Do I Get the Most Fps in Iracing

Practical guide for iRacing beginners and those new to iRacing - simple settings, software and hardware tips to boost FPS, reduce stutter, and get smoother races.

If you’ve ever loaded iRacing, felt the frame rate dip mid-corner, and wondered why it all looks choppy — you’re not alone. Here I’ll explain clearly what affects FPS, what to change first, and a confident next step so you can race without being held back by performance.

how do i get the most fps in iracing (Quick Answer)

Lower your render load: update drivers, run iRacing in exclusive fullscreen, reduce resolution or render scale, pick a lower graphics preset and turn off heavy effects (shadows, reflections, post-process). Close background apps, set Windows/GPU to high performance, and disable overlays.

Why this matters for beginners

Smooth FPS keeps your inputs predictable and reduces stutter that confuses new drivers. As someone new to iRacing, you’re learning lines and braking — not troubleshooting graphics. Understanding how iRacing works with your PC (CPU, GPU, resolution, and settings) gets you back on track faster and makes practicing feel productive.

Common mistakes (and easy fixes)

Mistake: Keeping maxed presets. Fix: Switch to a medium/low preset and only increase one setting at a time.
Mistake: Running windowed or borderless mode. Fix: Use exclusive fullscreen for better GPU priority.
Mistake: Too many overlays and background apps (Discord, browser, OBS). Fix: Close or disable overlays and unnecessary programs while racing.

Simple step-by-step guide

Update GPU drivers and restart your PC. Fresh drivers fix performance issues fast.
In iRacing, set fullscreen, choose a lower preset (Medium/Low) and reduce resolution if needed.
Turn off or lower shadows, reflections, and post-processing effects — they cost the most FPS.
Close overlays (Discord/Steam), set Windows power plan to High Performance, and set your GPU power mode to Prefer Maximum Performance.
Test on-track for 5 minutes and adjust one setting at a time until you find a smooth balance.

Quick pro tips

Cap your FPS to your monitor’s refresh when stable — unlimited can cause fluctuation.
Reduce mirror count or use a single rear-view mirror to save GPU.
Lower track and car detail before changing resolution for clearer gains.
Turn off V-Sync if you want the highest FPS and lower input latency (use frame cap to avoid tearing).
If unsure, record your changes in a simple note so you can roll back settings that don’t help.
If you’re stuck, friendly iRacing Discord communities can often spot hardware or setting issues quickly.

FAQs

Q: Will lowering resolution make me slower on track?
A: It can reduce visual clarity, but a stable higher FPS usually improves reaction and consistency; prioritize smoothness over ultra-high fidelity when learning.

Q: Do I need an expensive GPU for good FPS?
A: Not always. Proper settings, current drivers, and closing background apps often give big FPS gains on mid-range systems.

Q: Should I turn off dynamic track or shadows completely?
A: Try reducing them first. Shadows and reflections are heavy on FPS; if needed, turn them off for the best frame rate.

Q: How often should I update drivers and settings?
A: Update GPU drivers monthly or when a problem appears. Re-check settings after major iRacing updates.

Final takeaways Start with driver updates, fullscreen, and a medium graphics preset — then lower shadows/reflections and close overlays. Try these changes in one practice session and tune from there. If you need help, post your PC specs and settings in an iRacing Discord or forum for targeted advice.