The 7 Best GPUs for iRacing and Assetto Corsa

One of the great things about sim racing is that you have full control over your setup, including the hardwares and the software you are using.

Everyone has their own preference when it comes to their favourite rigs, but we can all agree that there are only 2 options when it comes to the best racing simulators, Assetto Corsa and iRacing.

Released more than a decade ago in 2008, iRacing is known as the pioneer of sim racing. While countless simulations and games started emerging following iRacing, only Assetto Corsa which got released in 2013 managed to match iRacing in terms of popularity and quality.

We can go on and on about how both iRacing and Assetto Corsa separates themselves from the other racing simulators, but one thing that clearly stands out once you play in either simulation is their high quality and sophisticated graphics.

Both iRacing and Assetto Corsa have made it one of their priority to reach as many racing enthusiasts as possible, that is why their software can be purchased and downloaded easily from your PC.

As for the required specs, both simulators are not much different from any other games, requiring just a minimum of 2GB performance memory.

However, keep in mind that sim racing is different from any other games.

After all, it’s a real life simulation therefore you want it to be as immersive as possible.

Lucky for us PC users, we can always upgrade and maximize the graphics of our racing simulation by getting a new GPU.

More about GPUs

GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) is the most important piece of hardware that determines the quality of your PC’s graphics. iRacing and Assetto Corsa can only do so much to provide you the platform.

If you really want to maximize your racing experience in terms of graphic quality, simply follow the table below (valid for both iRacing and Assetto Corsa):

Minimum	2 GB performance memory
Recommended	6 GB performance memory
Maximum performance	8 GB performance memory

With that in mind, picking a GPU is not as simple as looking at its performance memory. There are other features for you to consider before buying a GPU for both iRacing and Assetto Corsa, such as the following:

• Ray tracing

Ray tracing is a technology that is used to render and enhance the graphic quality of your PC.

Most GPU is now equipped with ray tracing technology but you might want to double check and make sure that it is ready to support your PC when running iRacing or Assetto Corsa

• Performance memory

The detailed requirements are listed on the table above, but you might want to get GPU with larger memory if you are planning to run other games in your PC

• Resolution

Choosing a GPU compatible for both iRacing and Assetto Corsa is not that hard.

Most GPU will be able to perform at a minimum of 1080p, but you can always get GPU with higher resolution for maximum clarity and graphics

• Compatibility

Modifying/building your own PC is quite a complicated process.

It requires technical skills and understanding in order to come up with the best setup for simulation racing. One fundamental thing that you should always check is if you are using a G-Sync or FreeSync technology.

Most GPUs are compatible with FreeSync but we always recommend to double check

• Cooler

Overheating can be a problem even with some of the best GPU available on the market.

While you can install external coolers for your PC, it is most convenient to get a GPU with an integrated cooling system. There are different types of integrated cooler but some of the best are the liquid and active cooling method

GPUs can be relatively expensive compared to the other components of your PC, but it is not necessarily expensive compared to the other sim racing equipment.

The only problem is that demand for GPUs has been increasing as a result of the expansion of crypto miners around the world.

Yes, the price has spiked rapidly, but the more concerning problem is actually to be able to get one that is currently available.

In the following list, we have compiled the 7 best GPUs for iRacing and Assetto Corsa that you can get to upgrade your PC, keep scrolling!

ASUS ROG STRIX NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 OC Edition

 

Performance

We are starting off with one of the most best-selling GPU available in today’s market, the ASUS ROG STRIX NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 OC Edition. The fact that it keeps on selling out despite its constantly rising price tells you all you need to know about this particular GPU, it is extremely reliable and powerful for both iRacing and Assetto Corsa.

One particular feature that set this GPU apart is the 2nd generation RT cores, which is capable of delivering twice as powerful of output compared to the 1st gen RT cores.

In short, this GPU is able to bring a whole new level of ray tracing for your sim racing experience.

Check current prices here on Amazon.

 

Extra features:

• NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors for power efficiency

• 2nd generation RT cores delivers ray tracing at a whole new level

• 2.9-slot design to expand cooling surface

• 3rd generation tensor cores to boost in game resolution and performance

EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC Gaming

Performance

Both iRacing and Assetto Corsa require at least 8GB performance memory to perform at its finest.

However, we highly recommend getting a GPU with larger memory in case you need to run other games along with your racing simulation, just like the EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC with 12 GB of performance memory.

On top of its 12GB performance memory, you will also experience cutting edge graphics from its excellent real time ray tracing technology.

Check current prices here on Amazon.

 

Extra features:

• 12 GB performance memory

• Dual high performance cooling with minimum sound

• Real time ray tracing for outstanding graphics

ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 V2 OC Edition

Performance

ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 V2 OC Edition is another GPU by ASUS with 2nd generation RT cores, making it one of the fastest high-performing GPUs that you can get anywhere else.

With an addition of the 3rd generation of tensor cores, both iRacing and Assetto Corsa will give you an immaculate graphic experience.

Check current prices here on Amazon.

 

Extra features:

• 2nd generation RT cores ensures high performance

• 3rd generation tensor cores for maximum graphic quality on both racing platform

• Axial-tech fan design

MAXSUN AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB GDDR5 ITX Computer PC Gaming Video Graphics Card

Performance

You do not need a GPU with more than 8 GB performance memory to enjoy iRacing and Assetto Corsa.

As long as the GPU has higher memory than the minimum 2 GB, you will have no problem enjoying both simulations.

Thus, you can always find affordable alternatives that are much easier to get, such as the MAXSUN AMD Radeon RX 550 graphic card with a capacity of 4 GB (twice than the minimum requirement).

Check current prices here on Amazon.

 

Extra features:

• 4 GB performance memory

• Silver plated PCB and solid capacitors to maintain low temperature

• 9 cm fan that operates with minimum noise while maximizing airflow

• Memory Speed up to 1183 MHz

MAXSUN GEFORCE GT 1030 2GB GDDR5

Performance

Now that GPU is extremely hard (and expensive) to purchase, you can always look for alternatives such as the MAXSUN GEFORCE GT 1030.

Aside from its availability, this GPU is also one of the most affordable pieces that is still compatible for both iRacing and Assetto Corsa.

Check current prices here on Amazon.

 

Extra features:

• Silver plated PCB and solid capacitors to maintain low temperature

• Memory Speed up to 1468 MHz

• PhysX physics acceleration technology

• 2 GB performance memory

ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660

Performance

ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 is one of the best GPUs that is still highly available on the market.

The price itself is reasonable enough for a strong GPU with a performance memory of 6 GB (excellent for iRacing and Assetto Corsa).

Moreover, this GPU has a compact and easy to install design.

Check current prices here on Amazon.

 

Extra features:

• 6 GB performance memory

• Super compact and easy to install

• GTX 1660 SUPER TWIN FAN

• Compatible for VR (Virtual Reality)

Gigabyte GV-N1030OC

Performance

We are closing this list with one of the most compact GPUs that delivers smooth graphics for both iRacing and Assetto Corsa, the Gigabyte GV-N1030OC.

While it has only 2 GB of performance memory, this GPU is capable of providing a maximum resolution of 4096×2160.

Check current prices here on Amazon.

 

Extra features:

• 2 GB performance memory

• Compact and easy to install

• Maximum resolution of 4096X2160

• Smooth 4K video playback

Wrap up:

That is it for the 7 best GPUs for iRacing and Assetto Corsa.

Again, demand for GPUs is outstandingly high nowadays. We recommend you to quickly click on the amazon links above and get yours as fast as possible, good luck!