Join the Discord! →

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


How to Build a Computer for Iracing

Practical guide answering how to build a computer for iRacing. For iRacing drivers: pick parts, assemble, and tune settings to get smooth FPS and low latency fast.

If you need to know how to build a computer for iracing, short answer: pick a balanced CPU + GPU for your target resolution, use fast RAM and an NVMe SSD, and tune Windows and iRacing settings. You’re in the right place to pick parts, assemble them, and fix common performance issues fast.

Quick Answer — how to build a computer for iracing

Build for your target FPS and resolution. For 1080p/144Hz choose a mid-high GPU (e.g., RTX 3060/4060) and a 6–8 core CPU (e.g., Ryzen 5 / Core i5). For 1440p/ultrawide or VR, step up GPU and CPU. Always use an NVMe SSD, 16GB+ RAM, a quality PSU, and enable XMP in BIOS.

What’s really going on

iRacing needs consistent frame rates and low latency more than flashy ray tracing. CPU strength matters for physics and CPU-bound frames (how many calculations the sim must run). GPU strength matters for rendering high resolutions and refresh rates. If one part is too weak you get stutters, low FPS, or micro-stutter. Your goal is balance: no big bottleneck, good cooling, and clean USB/wheel connections.

Step-by-step fix (build and tune)

  1. Choose your target: decide resolution (1080p/1440p/VR) and target FPS (60, 144, 200+). That guides parts.
  2. Pick parts (quick examples): 16–32GB DDR4/DDR5 RAM; NVMe SSD 500GB+; PSU 650–750W 80+ Gold; mid/high GPU (RTX 3060–4070 class); 6–8 core modern CPU (Ryzen 5/Intel i5 or better).
  3. Assemble basics: mount CPU, apply cooler, install RAM and M.2 SSD, bolt motherboard into case, install GPU, connect PSU cables. Ground yourself, follow motherboard manual.
  4. BIOS and Windows: enable XMP/DOCP for RAM, set SATA/NVMe mode to AHCI, update BIOS if needed. Install Windows 10/11, set power plan to High Performance or Balanced, disable unnecessary background apps.
  5. Drivers and iRacing settings: install latest GPU drivers, set GPU power mode to prefer performance. In iRacing, start with medium presets then raise AA and shadows according to FPS. Use triple buffering off; set graphics to maintain consistent FPS over peak FPS.
  6. Test and monitor: run a practice session, watch FPS and CPU/GPU use with HWInfo or MSI Afterburner. If GPU 100% and CPU low, GPU is the limiter — lower resolution/preset. If CPU high and GPU low, consider faster CPU or lower car detail/AI.

Extra tips / checklist

  • Prioritize GPU for higher resolution; prioritize CPU for high-refresh 1080p and VR.
  • 16GB RAM is minimum; 32GB helps if you run crew, streaming, or many background apps.
  • Use an NVMe SSD for load times and texture streaming.
  • Keep PSU headroom (20–30% above peak draw). Cheap PSUs cause crashes.
  • For wheel latency: use direct USB ports (rear I/O), avoid USB hubs, and update wheel firmware.

FAQs

Q: What’s the cheapest build that runs iRacing well?
A: For 1080p/60–144Hz, aim for Ryzen 5 / Core i5 + RTX 3050/3060 and 16GB RAM. Expect medium-high settings.

Q: Is a gaming laptop OK for iRacing?
A: Yes for casual use. For VR or max settings you’ll get better value and temps from a desktop.

Q: Should I buy DDR4 or DDR5 RAM?
A: DDR4 gives better value now; DDR5 helps in newer CPUs but isn’t essential for iRacing.

Q: Do I need a high-end CPU for VR?
A: VR needs both CPU and GPU. A 6–8 core modern CPU with a strong GPU is the sweet spot.

Short wrap-up

Build around your target resolution and refresh rate, balance CPU and GPU, use NVMe and 16–32GB RAM, then tune BIOS/Windows and iRacing settings. Next step: pick a parts list and run a test session to spot the bottleneck.