Building the Ultimate PC for an Immersive Sim Racing Experience

Your Very Own PC For Sim Racing

Though it might be tempting to drop a fortune on a 5000 series graphics card, don’t be swayed by the hype. You can get by just fine with a well-balanced and affordable PC setup tailored for racing simulator games! Whether you prefer iRacing, Assetto Corsa, or rFactor2, my picks for CPU components will work across the board.

If you're reading this, you're probably well aware of the craze surrounding the 5000 series, which has led to a massive backlog in graphics card orders. The good news is that you don’t need one of those to get good at sim racing!

In this blog post, I’ll go over my optimal specs for sim racing and even share my own build with you. 

CPU: The "Brain" of the Computer

If you want the most realistic sim racing experience, it's best to go with at least a 6-core processor, like the Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7. A powerful processor is important to have because it handles complex computations, especially for demanding games like iRacing or Assetto Corsa. Anything below a 6-core can and will struggle to keep things running smoothly.

That being said, I used to run iRacing on an i5 without many complications. It didn't look the best, but the processor did the job at the time. From a sim racing blogger's perspective, I would now recommend getting either a 6-core or 8-core processor because they provide smoother gameplay and a noticeable step-up from anything below. 

Graphics Card: For Video and Image Rendering 

For the best racing experience, it's highly recommended to use a graphics card with at least 6GB of dedicated VRAM. As I mentioned earlier, you don't necessarily need a 5000 series card, but having a solid GPU is a necessity. I use a 4060 for my setup, and it's given me great results. However, you can use anything from a GTX 1060 or an AMD RX580 to a brand new RTX 5000. 

Memory/RAM: Storing Game Data

When discussing sim games like iRacing, 16GB of RAM is the bare minimum. But honestly, sim racing is one of those cases where it’s worth going all-in. Modern titles like Assetto Corsa and iRacing are increasingly becoming more memory-hungry, especially when modifying car and track textures. Enabling weather effects and driving in races with 20+ competitors are also factors to consider. 

Personally, I run 32GB of RAM in my PC, not just for sim racing, but for other demanding titles too. The upgrade from 16GB to 32GB isn’t a huge cost, and it provides more bang for your buck.

Storage: For Game Files

Please do not forget to leave extra space for updates, mods, and telementry data. Sim racing titles can grow quickly, so it’s a good idea to have at least an additional 100GB of hard drive/SSD space available to comfortably store game files and extras. 

iRacing lists its minimum HDD space as 25 GB, and Assetto Corsa lists its minimum as 15 GB, but I would highly recommend having an extra 100GB and downloading iRacing to your SSD because the recommended numbers don’t account for add-ons like custom liveries, modded tracks, car packs, or replay files, which can stack up fast. When shopping, your safest option is 2TB internal SSD. Additionally, if you're running third-party apps, installing multiple sims, or saving long race replays, the extra space is essential to have.

DirectX For Better Graphical Fidelity: 

DirectX is a downloadable collection of Application Programming Interfaces developed by Microsoft. The collection allows your sim programs to render graphics smoothly and handle complex input. DirectX 11 is recommended for all sim racing programs because the programs heavily rely on realistic graphics and responsive input handling. 

Additional Components

Steering (Because Using an Xbox Controller Sucks!)

While it’s not technically a PC component, a quality steering wheel and pedal set is a game-changer for sim racing. I’ve mentioned this before, but I used an Xbox controller when I was a broke college student. That all changed when my boss surprised me with a Cammus C5 Bundle, which completely transformed my experience and made racing genuinely fun.

If you’re a casual sim racer like me, I highly recommend checking out the MOZA Racing R5 Bundle or the R3 PC Bundle. They’re solid entry-level setups that deliver great force feedback and immersion without breaking the bank.

Monitor

For the most immersive sim racing experience, a curved monitor is needed. I use a 27-inch curved MSI gaming monitor, and it makes a huge difference in how connected I feel to the track. That said, some serious racers opt for an ultra-wide curved monitor or run a triple-monitor setup to fully surround themselves with the action. It’s all about maximizing visibility and realism.

Operating System and Internet Browser

The minimum operating system requirements for all sim racing programs are Windows 10 and Windows 11. Everyone and their mother has either of these operating systems, so I don't feel like I need to elaborate further. Additionally, you're going to need either the latest version of Google Chrome, Firefox, or Edge desktop browsers. 

Gaming Seat or Cockpit

While it's not entirely necessary to buy an entire cockpit setup, you're going to want to get a comfortable gaming chair because of the long hours spent at your computer. For those wanting to feel like an F1 driver, there are a couple of options for cockpit seating, such as Playseat or Sabelt. 

The Author's Build

I wanted an excuse to show off my computer, so I attached an image of my build for those looking to get on their sim racing game. My specs are:

• Intel Core i7-8700K
• MSI Z390 Gaming Edge AC LGA1151
• MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4060 8GB
• Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM 32 GB (2x16GB)
• KingSpec SSD 2TB 

While not the most high-end, my computer can run iRacing at the level I need it to be. 

Key Takeaways

At the end of the day, you don’t need a top-of-the-line PC to enjoy sim racing. I’ve been gaming on a budget for years and can confidently say that sticking to the recommended specs is more than enough to run titles like iRacing or Assetto Corsa smoothly.

With smart choices like 32GB of RAM, a solid mid-range GPU, and a reliable SSD, you can build a system that delivers a fast and immersive racing experience without over-spending. Focus on what matters most for your setup and goal, and you’ll be flying around virtual circuits in no time.

It's not about having the most expensive gear; it’s about having the right gear.