How to build the best PC for sim racing
Building a computer for sim racing involves a few key components that are important to consider for optimal performance and support for additional peripherals. While understanding all the intricacies of building a computer goes much deeper than what is mentioned, here are some top level steps to follow:
Processor (CPU): The CPU is the most important component for a sim racing computer. Aim for a mid to high-end processor, such as a 12th gen Intel Core i5 or i7, or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 from the 5000 or 7000-series. You can still get away with older CPUs since most of today’s sim racing titles are older, but with several new titles on the horizon, it’s best to be prepared for that new hotness.
Graphics card (GPU): The graphics card is also crucial for a sim racing computer. At this time, I wouldn’t recommend anything less than a NVIDIA GTX 1080ti or an AMD RX 6600XT. First released in 2017, the GTX 1080ti still holds up pretty well to most of today’s titles so if you cannot comfortably afford today’s overpriced GPUs, buying one used is not a bad place to start. What’s important here is that the graphics card offers at least 3 display-ports to support a triple monitor setup. As a disclaimer, we’re nearing a transitional period in graphics where 10-12GB of VRAM is consider the minimum needed for stable framerates so please keep that in mind for the sake of longevity.
Memory (RAM): Aim for at least 16GB of RAM. I would say that 16GB is the absolute bare minimum needed for today’s games so if you have 32GB or more, you’re in a good place. Populating only 2 DIMM slots is preferred for the sake of stability and speed.
Storage: A solid-state drive (SSD) is recommended. Gone are the days of slow-ass 3.5” mechanical HDDs. Sure, they offer a lot of capacity but they cannot handle the throughput needed to load resources for modern titles and the last thing you want is a bottleneck. 2.5” SSD drives are still fine but consider getting yourself a nice 1TB or 2TB m.2 NVMe SSD and your rig will look a lot cleaner too since you won’t have to run power and data cables.
Motherboard: Choose a motherboard that is compatible with your chosen CPU and has enough ports for all your peripherals. In the end, a fully built sim rig will still require the use of a USB hub so don’t let the lack of USB ports on a motherboard dissuade you. When seeking a motherboard, make sure that the socket type matches the requirements of the CPU you have chosen.
Power supply (PSU): Make sure your PSU has enough wattage to support your chosen components. When building computers, I prefer to avoid PSUs that offer less than 750watts. The higher the wattage, the quieter they will run and they can generate less heat if you’re not maxing it out. The peak efficiency of a typical 1000 watt power supply will occur when consuming between 400 and 700 watts so they are worth considering.
Cooling: Good cooling is essential for a gaming PC, so make sure you have adequate cooling in your case. This means proper intake and exhaust fans, a larger heatsink, or a larger 240mm+ AIO liquid cooling system (custom or prebuilt)
Peripherals: Don't forget to budget for a good racing wheel and pedals, as well as a high-quality monitor or VR headset for an immersive sim racing experience. If you blow the bank on your computer and have to budget on your sim racingperipherals, you will miss out on that immersion factor.
Overall, building a computer for sim racing requires a focus on processing power, graphics capability, and overall performance. With careful attention to each of these components, you can build a computer that will provide a smooth and realistic sim racing experience.