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Iracing Vsync on or Off

Confused about iracing vsync on or off? This guide for iRacing drivers shows when to use it, fix tearing, cut input lag, and get smooth, fast frames today.

If you’re deciding on iracing vsync on or off, here’s the short answer: leave VSync Off for most setups, enable G‑Sync/FreeSync if your monitor supports it, and cap FPS just below your refresh rate. Turn VSync On only if you see obvious screen tearing and don’t have a variable‑refresh display.

Quick Answer: iracing vsync on or off

  • Best for most drivers: VSync Off + G‑Sync/FreeSync On + FPS cap slightly under your monitor’s Hz (for smooth visuals with minimal input delay).
  • No VRR monitor and tearing bothers you: VSync On, but only if your PC can hold a steady 60/120/144+ FPS.
  • If you can’t keep up: VSync Off and cap to a number your system can sustain.

What’s Really Going On

VSync matches the game’s frames to your monitor’s refresh. It removes “tearing” (horizontal split lines), but can add input lag (a delay between your steering/braking and what you see). Variable refresh tech (VRR), like NVIDIA G‑Sync and AMD FreeSync, syncs the monitor to the game instead—so you get less tearing with much lower lag.

iRacing feels best when frame times are consistent. Choppy FPS or big drops make the car feel vague. The goal is smooth, stable frames with as little delay as possible.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Identify your display
  • If your monitor says G‑Sync, FreeSync, or “VRR,” you’re in good shape. If not, you have a standard display.
  1. iRacing settings (Options > Graphics)
  • Turn VSync Off.
  • Set Max Frame Rate to 2–3 FPS below your monitor’s refresh (e.g., 141 for 144 Hz, 117 for 120 Hz). If the exact number isn’t listed, pick the closest lower option or set a custom cap via app.ini or your GPU software.
  1. Enable VRR (if supported)
  • NVIDIA: In the NVIDIA Control Panel, enable G‑Sync/G‑Sync Compatible for full-screen (and windowed if you use it). Keep VSync Off in iRacing. Optionally set VSync On in the driver to act as a safety net at the very top end.
  • AMD: Enable FreeSync in Radeon Software and your monitor’s OSD. Keep VSync Off in iRacing.
  1. No VRR? Choose based on your FPS
  • Can you hold a steady 60/120/144 FPS? Turn VSync On to kill tearing.
  • If your FPS dips below refresh, leave VSync Off and cap FPS to a stable number you can maintain.
  1. Reduce stutter sources
  • Lower heavy settings: shadows, number of cars, mirror detail/distance, and particle effects. Aim for consistent FPS, not just a high peak.
  1. Test on track
  • Run a practice or time trial. If you feel delay in inputs, try lowering graphics and raising the FPS cap. If tearing bothers you, consider VSync On (no VRR) or a slightly lower cap (with VRR).

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Full-screen exclusive often works best for VRR and lowest latency.
  • Use a small FPS headroom: cap 2–3 FPS below refresh to avoid hitting the top edge.
  • NVIDIA “Fast Sync” or AMD “Enhanced Sync” can reduce tearing with less lag than VSync, but behavior varies—test it.
  • CPU-heavy tracks (big grids, rain when available) may need lower settings to keep frame times steady.
  • Don’t chase max graphics. Stable FPS = better car feel and better results.

FAQs

Q: Does VSync increase input lag in iRacing? A: Yes. Traditional VSync adds delay. That’s why most drivers prefer VSync Off with a proper FPS cap, or VRR if available.

Q: Should I use VSync with G‑Sync/FreeSync? A: In-game VSync Off. Enable G‑Sync/FreeSync. Optional: turn VSync On in the GPU driver as a top-end limiter, and cap FPS a few below refresh.

Q: What FPS cap should I use on a 144 Hz monitor? A: Cap around 141–142 FPS. The idea is to stay just under the refresh rate for smooth VRR and minimal latency.

Q: Why do I still see tearing with VSync On? A: If your FPS drops below the refresh rate, VSync can cause stutter, and you may notice artifacts. Lower settings to hold refresh, or turn VSync Off and use a cap.

Short Wrap-Up

For most iRacing setups, VSync Off + VRR On + a tight FPS cap gives the smoothest view with the least delay. If you don’t have VRR and tearing is obvious, try VSync On—but only if you can hold a steady refresh. Test, adjust, and lock in a stable setup before race night.