PC Sim Racing: Hardware That Actually Matters

As a SimRacer, I know that building or upgrading your rig isn’t just about spending more it’s about spending smart.

Today I want to share something direct and unfiltered: we’re going to bust seven common myths about PC Sim Racing hardware that might make you waste money or make the wrong decision for your next setup.

1. “More CPU cores = more FPS”… Not quite

You’ve probably heard it before: “If you’re going to use a high-end GPU, you need a top-tier CPU with 12, 16, or more cores.” But here’s the truth: for gaming — and especially in Sim Racing — more than 8 cores is not only unnecessary, it’s overkill.

Even the most demanding games like iRacing or Assetto Corsa Competizione rarely use more than 6-8 cores. What really matters is IPC (Instructions Per Clock), clock speed, and cache memory — not core count. It’s like buying a bus just to drive yourself to work… unnecessary.

So if you want a smooth experience in demanding titles, you’re better off with a Ryzen 5 or 7, or an i5/i7 with high IPC and solid cache, rather than a 24-core monster doing nothing during gameplay.

2. “More VRAM = better GPU”… It depends

Yes, VRAM does matter, especially for textures, high resolutions, and Ray Tracing. But that doesn’t mean more VRAM always equals better performance.

Take this example: a RTX 5060 Ti with 16 GB is outperformed by a 5070 with 12 GB. Why? Because the 5070 has a more powerful chip, more CUDA cores, better bandwidth, and newer architecture.

Here’s my recommendation for Sim Racing:

• 1080p: At least 8 GB VRAM
• 1440p: 12 GB
• 4K: 16 GB or more

But if you have to choose between more VRAM or a better GPU, always go with the better GPU. A slightly lower VRAM card with a stronger chip will perform better in real-world gameplay.

3. “You should always avoid bottlenecks”

This is a huge misconception. The goal isn’t to have zero bottleneck — it’s to get the best performance for your budget.

A small 10–15% bottleneck is completely normal and doesn’t harm gameplay. The real issue arises when you’re above 30–40%, where performance drops and stutters can appear.

Here’s a practical example: If you have a €800 budget, it’s better to pair a 5070 with a Ryzen 5 7600 than to use a weaker GPU with a top-tier CPU. The GPU will give you more FPS and better in-game quality, which matters most in Sim Racing.

4. “80 Plus certified means high-quality PSU”… Not always

Many people think a PSU with 80 Plus Gold or Platinum is automatically good. But that certification only refers to energy efficiency, not build quality.

In a Sim Racing rig with direct drive motors, triple screens, and future upgrades, electrical stability is everything. Choose reliable brands like Corsair, Seasonic, or EVGA, and look for Japanese capacitors, strong voltage regulation, and protections like OVP, OCP, and SCP.

Spending a little more on a good PSU is a smart investment — it protects your entire setup and improves system longevity.

5. “Building a PC is too hard”… Not anymore

Nowadays, building a PC is almost like building with LEGO. Everything is modular and designed to fit easily. If you’re patient and curious, you can build a professional-level rig yourself.

The hardest part is usually troubleshooting. But once you learn to handle it, you’ll gain valuable skills and confidence for the future. If you’d rather skip the stress, it’s also perfectly fine to pay a store to assemble it — both options are valid!

6. “If your CPU or GPU hits 80ºC, it’s going to die”… Relax

Modern components are designed to handle high temperatures. A Ryzen CPU can reach 90–95ºC under full load without issues. The same goes for GPUs — they’re built for it.

Sure, keeping temps low is great for performance and noise, but don’t panic if you see 75–80ºC during gaming or stress tests. You’re still far from thermal throttling, which is when the hardware lowers performance to avoid damage.

Focus on real-world temps during actual racing sessions — not unrealistic stress scenarios. And most importantly: don’t let temperature charts ruin your fun.

7. “The more expensive the part, the better it is”… Not necessarily

This last one wasn’t on the original list, but it needs to be said. Many people buy hardware based on hype, not actual performance needs.

In Sim Racing, you don’t need the absolute fastest CPU to enjoy smooth races. But you do need a decent GPU, a stable power supply, and a good low-latency monitor.

Buy smart, not big. That money you save can be better spent on meaningful upgrades like a load-cell pedal, a rock-solid cockpit, or a direct drive wheel that elevates your racing experience.

I hope this article helped clear up some common hardware myths and gave you a better idea of how to build your Sim Racing PC with confidence. Remember: you don’t need the most expensive parts — just the most balanced ones for your needs.

And above all else, enjoy the ride. Hardware is a tool — but the real magic happens on the track.

Here is our selection of GPU’s for this month.

• Gigabyte RTX 5070 Ti
• Gigabyte RTX 5080
• PNY RTX 5090
• MSI RTX 5060 Ti
• Gigabyte AMD 9070 XT
• Gigabyte RTX 5070

See you on the track!