Assetto Corsa Performance Optimization Guide
Why Performance Matters in Sim Racing
In sim racing, smooth performance isn't just about pretty graphics—it directly affects your driving consistency, lap times, and overall experience. Low FPS causes input lag, missed braking points, and inconsistent handling. This guide will help you achieve 60+ FPS with the best possible visual quality for your hardware, whether you're on a budget PC or a high-end rig.
Understanding Your Hardware
Before optimizing settings, let's understand what hardware components affect AC performance and how:
GPU (Graphics Card)
Most Important for: Resolution, anti-aliasing, post-processing, shadows, reflections, texture quality
If your GPU usage is at 99-100%, you're GPU-limited. Lower graphics settings to improve FPS.
CPU (Processor)
Most Important for: Physics simulation, AI opponents, number of cars on track, draw calls
If CPU usage is maxed on one core, reduce AI count, lower world detail, or upgrade CPU.
RAM (Memory)
Most Important for: Loading times, texture streaming, preventing stutters with many mods
16GB is recommended for modded AC. 8GB works but may cause stuttering with CSP and many mods.
Storage (SSD/HDD)
Most Important for: Initial loading times, track/car loading, eliminating loading stutters
SSD recommended for AC installation. Reduces load times from 30-60 seconds to 5-10 seconds.
Monitoring Performance
Before optimizing, enable FPS and hardware monitoring to identify bottlenecks:
- In-game FPS: Content Manager has built-in FPS counter (enable in settings)
- MSI Afterburner + RivaTuner: Shows GPU/CPU usage, temps, FPS, frame times
- Windows Game Bar: Press Win+G for quick performance widget
- HWiNFO64: Detailed hardware monitoring for deep analysis
In-Game Graphics Settings
Let's go through every graphics setting in Assetto Corsa and its performance impact. Access these in Content Manager under Settings → Assetto Corsa → Video.
Resolution & Display Settings
Resolution
Performance Impact: EXTREME
1920×1080 (1080p): Standard. 60+ FPS achievable on mid-range GPUs
2560×1440 (1440p): 77% more pixels. Needs GTX 1070/RX 5700 or better
3840×2160 (4K): 4x more pixels than 1080p. Needs RTX 3080/RX 6800 XT+
Tip: If struggling with FPS, drop to 1080p before lowering other settings. Resolution has the biggest impact.
Fullscreen vs Windowed
Performance Impact: MEDIUM
- Fullscreen: +5-10% FPS, lower input lag, recommended
- Windowed: Easier alt-tabbing but worse performance
- Borderless: Convenience of windowed, slight perf hit
Always use Fullscreen for competitive racing and best performance.
VSync (Vertical Sync)
Performance Impact: VARIES
OFF: Lowest input lag, best for sim racing. May cause screen tearing.
ON: Caps FPS to monitor refresh (60Hz/144Hz). Eliminates tearing but adds input lag.
Recommendation: OFF for best responsiveness. If tearing bothers you, use VSync or cap FPS at refresh rate.
Anti-Aliasing (AA)
Anti-aliasing smooths jagged edges but has significant performance cost.
OFF (No AA)
FPS Impact: +20-30% vs 8x MSAA
Jagged edges visible, especially on distant objects. Only use if desperate for FPS.
2x MSAA
FPS Impact: -5-10%
Slight improvement over no AA. Good for low-end systems.
4x MSAA (Recommended)
FPS Impact: -15-20%
Sweet spot between quality and performance. Smooth edges without major FPS hit.
8x MSAA
FPS Impact: -30-40%
Minimal visual improvement over 4x. Only for high-end GPUs with FPS to spare.
Pro Tip: Use 4x MSAA at 1080p, or drop to 2x at 1440p/4K for best balance.
Anisotropic Filtering (AF)
Performance Impact: VERY LOW
Anisotropic Filtering sharpens textures at oblique angles (roads, distant buildings). It has minimal FPS impact on modern GPUs.
Recommendation: Always use 16x AF. The visual improvement is huge and the performance cost is negligible (1-2 FPS).
World Detail & View Distance
World Detail
Performance Impact: MEDIUM (CPU-bound)
- Minimum: Far objects simplified. +15-20 FPS on weak CPUs
- Low: Reduced detail for distant tracks. Noticeable pop-in.
- Medium: Balanced setting. Good for most mid-range systems.
- High: Detailed distant geometry. Minimal pop-in.
- Maximum: Full detail everywhere. Only for high-end CPUs.
Recommendation: High if FPS allows, Medium if CPU-limited.
Smoke Generation
Performance Impact: MEDIUM-HIGH
- OFF: No tire smoke. +10-15 FPS in multi-car battles
- Low: Minimal smoke, less dense
- High: Realistic thick smoke. Can tank FPS in drifting
Recommendation: Low for racing, High for drifting (if FPS allows).
Shadow Quality
Performance Impact: HIGH
Shadows are one of the most demanding settings. Two factors matter: resolution and quality.
Shadow Resolution
1024: Blocky, pixelated shadows. Only for very low-end GPUs.
2048: Acceptable quality. Good for budget systems. -5 FPS vs 1024.
4096 (Recommended): Clean shadows. Sweet spot. -15 FPS vs 1024.
8192: Marginal improvement over 4096. -30 FPS vs 1024.
Shadow Quality
Low: Hard-edged shadows. Looks dated but performs well.
Medium: Soft shadows. Balanced option.
High: Very soft, realistic shadows. GPU intensive.
Optimal Settings: 4096 resolution with Medium quality gives the best visual-to-performance ratio.
Post-Processing & Effects
Post-Processing Quality
Performance Impact: LOW-MEDIUM
Applies filters like bloom, lens flares, motion blur, glare effects. With CSP, you'll use CSP filters instead.
Recommendation: Low with CSP installed (CSP filters are better). Medium-High without CSP.
Glare Quality
Performance Impact: LOW
Simulates lens flare from sun/lights. Slight GPU cost but adds realism.
Recommendation: Low or OFF. CSP handles this better.
Motion Blur
Performance Impact: MEDIUM
Blurs the image when moving fast. Divisive feature—some love it, many hate it.
Recommendation: OFF. Causes eye strain for many users and reduces visual clarity.
Mirrors & Reflections
Performance Impact: VERY HIGH
Mirrors render the scene multiple times—once for each mirror. This can halve your FPS.
Mirror Settings
Mirror Mode: Virtual
3D mirrors showing actual cars. Most realistic but very demanding. Can reduce FPS by 30-50%.
Mirror Mode: Real
True reflections on car's physical mirrors. Slightly less demanding than Virtual. -20-30% FPS.
Number of Mirror Faces
How many mirrors render. Each additional mirror multiplies performance cost.
- 0: No mirrors. +40% FPS. Not recommended (unsafe racing).
- 1 (Recommended): Center mirror only. Good compromise.
- 2: Center + one side. -10% FPS vs 1.
- 3: All mirrors. -20-30% FPS vs 1.
Mirror Resolution
Quality of mirror rendering. Lower = more pixelated but faster.
- 512: Very pixelated. For extreme low-end.
- 1024 (Recommended): Acceptable quality, good performance.
- 2048: Clear mirrors. High-end GPUs only.
Pro Tip: Virtual mirrors with 1 face at 1024 resolution gives best balance. Turn off side mirrors for maximum FPS.
Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) Settings
If you have CSP installed (see our CSP guide), you have access to many more graphics options. Here's how to optimize them:
CSP Graphics Presets
Minimum
Target Hardware: GT 1030, RX 550, integrated graphics
- • Basic CSP features only
- • No extra FX, minimal lighting
- • 720p-1080p, 30-45 FPS
- • Keeps vanilla AC features
Medium (Recommended)
Target Hardware: GTX 1060, RX 580, GTX 970
- • Most CSP features enabled
- • SSAO, basic weather FX
- • 1080p, 60+ FPS
- • Best bang for buck
Maximum
Target Hardware: RTX 3070+, RX 6800+
- • All CSP features maxed
- • Full weather, god rays, SSGI
- • 1440p-4K, 60+ FPS
- • Showcase quality
Key CSP Performance Settings
SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion)
Impact: MEDIUM | Adds realistic shadows in corners and crevices
- OFF: +15 FPS, flat lighting
- Low Quality: Subtle AO, minimal cost
- High Quality: Obvious improvement, -10 FPS
Weather FX
Impact: HIGH | Enables rain, wet surfaces, realistic weather
- Disabled: +20-30 FPS, no weather effects
- Enabled (Low): Basic rain effects
- Enabled (High): Full puddles, spray, reflections
Tip: Disable if not actively driving in rain to save FPS.
God Rays & Extra FX
Impact: MEDIUM-HIGH | Volumetric lighting, fog, atmospheric effects
- OFF: Cleaner image, +10-15 FPS
- ON: Cinematic lighting, minor FPS hit
Screen Space Reflections (SSR)
Impact: HIGH | Real-time reflections on cars and wet surfaces
- OFF: Static reflections, +20 FPS
- Low Quality: Basic reflections, -5 FPS
- High Quality: Detailed reflections, -20 FPS
Windows & System Optimization
Graphics settings aren't everything. Your Windows configuration significantly impacts performance.
Power Plan Settings
Windows power plans limit CPU/GPU performance to save energy. For gaming, always use High Performance.
How to Change Power Plan:
- 1. Open Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Power Options
- 2. Select "High Performance" (if not visible, click "Show additional plans")
- 3. Or create "Ultimate Performance" plan (Windows 10/11 Pro)
FPS Gain: 10-20% on laptops, 5-10% on desktops
Background Applications
Applications to Close Before Racing
- • Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) — RAM and CPU hogs
- • Discord/communication apps — Use mobile app instead
- • Spotify/music players — Use in-game music or lightweight player
- • RGB control software (iCUE, Aura) — Set and close
- • Recording software (OBS, Shadowplay) if not actively recording
- • Torrent clients, download managers
- • Any software with "updater" or "helper" in task manager
Safe to Keep Running
- • Steam (required for AC)
- • Content Manager (AC launcher)
- • Windows essential services
- • GPU monitoring (MSI Afterburner) — minimal impact
- • Wheel/controller drivers (Logitech G Hub, SimuCube)
GPU Driver Settings
NVIDIA Users (GeForce Experience / Control Panel)
Open NVIDIA Control Panel → Manage 3D Settings → Program Settings → Add Assetto Corsa (acs.exe)
Power Management Mode: Prefer Maximum Performance
Low Latency Mode: Ultra (reduces input lag)
Texture Filtering - Quality: High Performance
Threaded Optimization: On
VSync: Off (control in-game)
Max Frame Rate: Off or = your monitor refresh rate
Anisotropic Filtering: Application-controlled
AMD Users (Radeon Software)
Open Radeon Software → Gaming → Assetto Corsa (add if needed)
Radeon Anti-Lag: Enabled (reduces input lag)
Radeon Chill: Disabled (can cause FPS fluctuations)
Radeon Boost: Disabled (lowers resolution dynamically)
Texture Filtering Quality: Performance
Tessellation Mode: AMD Optimized
Wait for Vertical Refresh: Off
Frame Rate Target Control: Disabled or = monitor Hz
Storage Optimization
Move AC to SSD
If Assetto Corsa is on a hard drive, moving it to an SSD provides massive improvements:
- • Loading times: 60 seconds → 5-10 seconds
- • Eliminates texture pop-in and stuttering
- • Faster car/track switching
- • Smoother replay loading
How to Move AC to Different Drive:
- 1. Open Steam → Library → Right-click Assetto Corsa → Properties
- 2. Local Files → Move Install Folder
- 3. Select your SSD location
- 4. Steam handles the move automatically
Race Configuration Optimization
Your race setup dramatically affects performance. Here's how to optimize:
Number of AI Opponents
Impact: VERY HIGH (CPU)
- 5-10 AI: Minimal impact, good for practice
- 15-20 AI: Moderate CPU load, realistic grid
- 25-30 AI: High CPU usage, can cause stuttering on weak CPUs
- 40+ AI: Extreme load, only for high-end CPUs (i7-9700K+)
Tip: If FPS drops in the first lap (many cars visible), reduce AI count by 5-10.
AI Detail Level
Impact: MEDIUM (GPU & CPU)
- Low: Simplified AI car models, +10-15 FPS
- Medium: Balanced quality and performance
- High: Full-detail AI cars, same as player car
Track & Car Complexity
Impact: VARIES
Not all tracks/cars perform equally:
- Performance-friendly tracks: Monza, Magione, Black Cat County
- Demanding tracks: Shuto Expressway C1, LA Canyons, Nordschleife
- Well-optimized cars: Kunos official content
- Heavy mods: High-poly models with CSP features
Recommended Settings by Hardware Tier
Low-End PC (GT 1030, RX 550, GTX 750 Ti)
Graphics
- • 1920×1080, Fullscreen
- • AA: OFF or 2x MSAA
- • AF: 8x
- • Shadows: 2048, Low Quality
- • World Detail: Low
- • Post-Process: Low
Advanced
- • Mirrors: 1 face, 512px, Virtual
- • Smoke: Low
- • CSP: Minimum preset or OFF
- • AI: Max 15 opponents
- • Target: 45-60 FPS
Mid-Range PC (GTX 1060, RX 580, GTX 1660)
Graphics
- • 1920×1080, Fullscreen
- • AA: 4x MSAA
- • AF: 16x
- • Shadows: 4096, Medium
- • World Detail: High
- • Post-Process: Medium
Advanced
- • Mirrors: 1 face, 1024px, Real
- • Smoke: Medium
- • CSP: Medium preset
- • AI: 20-25 opponents
- • Target: 60-75 FPS
High-End PC (RTX 3070, RX 6800, RTX 2080 Ti)
Graphics
- • 2560×1440 or 3840×2160
- • AA: 4x-8x MSAA
- • AF: 16x
- • Shadows: 4096-8192, High
- • World Detail: Maximum
- • Post-Process: High
Advanced
- • Mirrors: 2-3 faces, 2048px
- • Smoke: High
- • CSP: Maximum preset
- • AI: 30-40 opponents
- • Target: 90-144 FPS
Advanced Troubleshooting
Stuttering Issues
Microstutters Every Few Seconds
Likely Causes:
- • Background apps (Windows Update, Antivirus scans)
- • Insufficient RAM (8GB with many mods)
- • HDD loading textures on demand
- • GPU thermal throttling
Solutions:
- • Close all background apps
- • Move AC to SSD
- • Check GPU temperatures (should be under 80°C)
- • Add more RAM if using 8GB
FPS Drops in First Lap / Start Grid
Cause: Too many AI cars rendering at once
Solutions:
- • Reduce AI opponent count by 5-10
- • Lower AI detail level to Medium or Low
- • Reduce mirror faces to 1
- • Lower shadow quality temporarily
Input Lag / Steering Delay
Input lag makes the car feel unresponsive and ruins immersion. Solutions:
Turn Off VSync
VSync adds 16-33ms of input lag. Disable in-game and in GPU drivers.
Enable Low Latency Mode (NVIDIA)
NVIDIA Control Panel → Low Latency Mode: Ultra. Reduces input lag by pre-rendering fewer frames.
Enable Radeon Anti-Lag (AMD)
AMD Radeon Software → Gaming → Assetto Corsa → Radeon Anti-Lag: Enabled
Use Fullscreen Exclusive Mode
Borderless/Windowed modes add latency. Always use true Fullscreen.
Check Wheel USB Connection
Connect wheel directly to motherboard USB port (not hub). Update wheel firmware/drivers.
Monitoring & Testing
Benchmarking Your Setup
After optimizing, test your settings to ensure stable performance:
Test 1: Hotlap (GPU Test)
Solo practice on demanding track (Nordschleife). Drive 3-5 laps monitoring FPS.
Goal: Consistent 60+ FPS with no drops below 55.
Test 2: AI Race (CPU Test)
Race with 20-30 AI on Monza or Spa. Monitor FPS during first lap (many cars).
Goal: 60 FPS minimum during T1 chaos.
Test 3: Weather Test (CSP Test)
Drive 10-15 minutes in rain with WeatherFX enabled. Check for FPS consistency.
Goal: Stable 50+ FPS in wet conditions.
Conclusion
Optimizing Assetto Corsa is about finding the right balance between visual quality and performance for your hardware. Start with our recommended settings for your PC tier, then fine-tune based on your specific needs. Remember: consistent 60+ FPS is more important than maxed graphics—smooth performance directly improves your driving consistency and lap times.
Quick Wins Recap
Biggest FPS Gains:
- • Lower resolution (1440p → 1080p)
- • Reduce mirror faces (3 → 1)
- • Lower shadow resolution
- • Reduce AI opponent count
- • Disable Weather FX if not needed
System Optimizations:
- • Move AC to SSD
- • High Performance power plan
- • Close background apps
- • Update GPU drivers
- • Enable Low Latency Mode (NVIDIA)
Optimize CSP Settings
Learn how to configure Custom Shaders Patch for best performance while keeping advanced features.
Content Manager Guide
Master Content Manager settings and features for streamlined AC experience.
Still Having Performance Issues?
If you've tried everything and AC still isn't running smoothly, reach out to our community for personalized help!