iRacing, being a demanding simulator, requires efficient utilization of GPU memory to ensure smooth gameplay and optimal performance.
By manually adjusting certain settings, you can maximize the utilization of available GPU memory, thereby enhancing your overall gaming experience. Follow these steps to optimize iRacing for optimal GPU memory usage:
Table of Contents
Step 1: Locate the iRacing Folder
Begin by navigating to the iRacing directory on your computer. You can find this folder within your Documents directory. The complete file path typically looks like this: C:\Users\< your user >\Documents\iRacing.
Step 2: Open the Renderer INI File
Within the iRacing folder, locate the renderer INI file corresponding to your display mode. If you launch iRacing from the UI with monitor display mode selected, open the rendererDX11Monitor.ini file. For VR runtime display mode, open the rendererDX11< VR runtime >.ini file.
Step 3: Modify Graphics Options
Once you’ve opened the renderer INI file, navigate to the [Graphics Options] section. Here, you’ll find various settings related to GPU memory allocation. Look for the following lines: SysMemToUseMB=12220 ; (64-bit) 1024 to 32768 MB
Step 4: Adjust Memory Allocation
To optimize GPU memory usage, adjust the values for SysMemToUseMB and VidMemToUseMB.
It’s recommended to allocate approximately 20% below your system’s maximum available memory for both system and video memory.
By doing so, you ensure that iRacing efficiently utilizes the available resources without overwhelming your system.
Step 5: Save and Restart
After making the necessary adjustments to the memory allocation settings, save the changes to the renderer INI file.
Ensure that you save the file without altering its filename or location. Once saved, restart the iRacing simulator to apply the updated GPU memory settings effectively.
Troubleshooting GPU Memory Issues
While optimizing GPU memory usage in iRacing, you may encounter certain issues related to memory allocation. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:
Issue 1: Blurry Display
If you notice that in-sim elements such as the steering wheel display, car paints, or trackside advertisements appear blurry, it’s likely due to insufficient GPU memory allocation.
To address this, adjust the MaxWorkingSetMB_64Bit and VidMemMB settings in the Graphics Options menu. Increasing these settings or reducing graphics quality can help resolve blurriness.
Issue 2: Session Load Failures
In cases where iRacing sessions fail to launch, particularly when the load reaches 90%, incorrect memory allocation may be the culprit.
Ensure that your PC meets the system requirements outlined in the iRacing membership system requirements guide.
Additionally, verify that the MaxWorkingSetMB_64Bit and VidMemMB settings are appropriately configured for your hardware.
Issue 3: Blurry Graphics or Launch Failures
If you continue to experience blurry graphics or encounter launch failures despite adjusting memory settings, other applications running on your PC may be competing for system resources.
To address this, use the Windows Task Manager to identify and stop unnecessary background tasks and applications.
You can also manage startup applications in the Windows Settings to prevent resource conflicts during PC bootup.
By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you can ensure that iRacing effectively utilizes all available GPU memory, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
