Join the Discord! →

Join hundreds of racers just like you! We love to help answer questions and race together.


How to Fix Screen Tearing Iracing

Quick, calm guide for iRacing beginners who see screen tearing. Learn simple fixes (V‑Sync, G‑Sync, frame limits) and get back to smooth racing fast.

If a jagged line splits your screen when you turn the wheel, it’s frustrating — and totally fixable. As a calm coach: you don’t need deep tech knowledge. This short guide explains what’s happening, why iRacing newbies see it, and exactly what to try next.

how to fix screen tearing iracing — Quick Answer

Screen tearing happens when your GPU sends frames at a different rate than your monitor refreshes. Fix it by syncing GPU and display: enable V‑Sync or your monitor’s G‑Sync/FreeSync, use fullscreen exclusive, and set a sensible frame limiter (usually at or just below your monitor’s refresh rate).

Why this matters for beginners

If you’re new to iRacing, screen tearing looks like stutter or bad graphics and makes learning harder. Understanding this small setup problem helps you focus on driving, not troubleshooting. It’s one of the first iRacing tips that gives big quality-of-life gains.

Simple step-by-step guide

  1. Check your monitor refresh rate: set Windows and iRacing to the monitor’s native refresh (e.g., 144Hz).
  2. Use fullscreen exclusive mode in iRacing — it reduces conflicts with the OS and drivers.
  3. Enable G‑Sync/FreeSync in your monitor + GPU driver if available (best result).
  4. If no adaptive sync, turn on V‑Sync in the iRacing graphics or your GPU control panel.
  5. Set a frame limiter in iRacing to match your refresh rate (or ~1 FPS below); avoid uncapped FPS.

Quick pro tips

  • Use DisplayPort for high refresh rates and adaptive sync (better than older HDMI versions).
  • Update GPU drivers — many tearing fixes are driver-side.
  • If you feel input lag after V‑Sync, try G‑Sync/FreeSync or a frame cap one FPS below refresh.
  • Avoid borderless windowed if you see tearing; fullscreen exclusive is usually cleaner.
  • Try DX11 mode in iRacing if you’re on an older setting; performance can differ.

When to ask for help

If you tried the steps and still see tearing or stutter, check one more time: different cables, another monitor, or another game. If it persists, ask on iRacing Discord communities or the official forums — share your GPU, monitor model, refresh rate, and exact iRacing settings. Those details help people diagnose quickly.

FAQs

Q: Will V‑Sync remove tearing entirely?
A: Often yes, but it can add slight input lag. Adaptive sync (G‑Sync/FreeSync) gives smoother results without as much lag.

Q: Is a higher refresh rate better?
A: Yes — higher refresh rates reduce the visibility of tearing and improve responsiveness, but you must sync your GPU to that rate.

Q: Should I cap FPS below my refresh rate?
A: Capping 1 FPS below your monitor’s refresh eliminates micro-tearing and is a common trick.

Q: Can a bad HDMI cable cause tearing?
A: Older or low-bandwidth HDMI cables can cause issues at high refresh/resolution. Use a certified high-speed HDMI or DisplayPort cable.

If you follow these steps, you’ll remove most tearing in minutes and be back to practicing clean lines and braking points — which is the real fun.