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How to Adjust Graphics Settings in Iracing

Need how to adjust graphics settings in iRacing? This quick guide for iRacing drivers gives clear steps and tips to boost FPS, cut stutter, and fix it fast.

If you’re searching for how to adjust graphics settings in iracing, the fix is to open Options > Graphics in-sim and tune a few heavy hitters: frame rate cap, shadows, mirrors, and number of cars. You’re in the right place—below are the exact steps and simple iRacing tips to get smooth, clean visuals fast.

Quick Answer: how to adjust graphics settings in iracing

Open a test session, press Esc > Options > Graphics. Set your monitor’s refresh rate, cap your FPS just below it, turn off V-Sync (use G‑Sync/FreeSync if available), and lower expensive options first: shadows, mirrors, reflections, and visible cars. Save a preset, then fine‑tune per track.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing’s graphics load comes from two places: your graphics card (GPU) and your processor (CPU). Big shadows, anti‑aliasing, and reflections hit the GPU. Lots of visible cars, mirrors, and objects hit the CPU. If one of them is maxed out, you’ll see low FPS, stutter, or tearing. Fixing it means matching your settings to your hardware and your display.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Start in a safe place
   Launch a Test or Time Trial. Press Esc > Options > Graphics. Set Fullscreen or Borderless, pick your native resolution, and set the correct refresh rate (60/120/144 Hz).

2. Cap your frame rate
   Set “Max Frame Rate” to a number just below your refresh (e.g., 141 for 144 Hz, 117 for 120 Hz, 58 for 60 Hz). This keeps frame times stable and reduces input lag.

3. Use the FPS meter
   Press Ctrl+F in-sim. Drive 1–2 laps. If FPS is unstable or drops below your cap, lower settings. The meter shows if you’re bottlenecked—use it after each change.

4. Drop the heavy hitters first
   Lower Shadow Quality, turn down Reflections, and reduce Anti‑Aliasing samples. These are big GPU wins. If needed, disable crowds, heat haze, and extra effects.

5. Cut CPU load in traffic
   Reduce “Max Cars” and “Visible Cars.” Shorten mirror distance or lower mirror quality. These changes help most in races, especially with big grids.

6. Save presets
   Click Save Graphics Preset (bottom of the Graphics tab). Make two: “Race” (faster, fewer visuals) and “Practice” (prettier). Load the right one per session.

Extra Tips / Checklist

• V‑Sync off; use G‑Sync/FreeSync if your monitor supports it. Keep the in‑game cap a few FPS under refresh.
• Triples/ultrawide/VR cost more. Start with Medium, then raise selectively.
• Night/rain and laser‑dense tracks are heavier—use your “Race” preset there.
• Mirrors: lowering distance gives big gains with little visual loss.
• Replays can be higher quality than racing. Save a “Replay” preset if you like pretty replays.

FAQs

Q: What FPS should I aim for?
A: Match your display: 60 for 60 Hz, 120 for 120 Hz, 144 for 144 Hz. If you can’t hold it in races, cap a bit lower and favor stability.

Q: How do I stop tearing or stutter?
A: Turn off V‑Sync, enable G‑Sync/FreeSync in your drivers and monitor, and cap FPS a few frames below refresh. Keep background apps closed.

Q: Best settings to lower first?
A: Shadows, reflections, and anti‑aliasing for GPU. Visible cars, mirror distance, and objects/crowds for CPU. Tweak in that order.

Q: Can iRacing auto‑detect my setup?
A: It doesn’t auto‑tune like some games. Save your own presets once dialed in. It’s quick and more accurate for your hardware.

Short Wrap-Up

You fix performance by capping FPS to your display and trimming the biggest drains: shadows, mirrors, reflections, and visible cars. Save a “Race” preset now and try it in your next hosted or official session for a smoother, more consistent drive.