Forza Horizon 6 pushes PC visuals to the next level with its new Extreme RT preset. This mode introduces Ray-Traced Global Illumination (RTGI) and full environmental reflections, making every street in Japan feel alive—but it also raises the bar for hardware. If you’re aiming for a smooth 4K upscaled experience at 60+ FPS, careful benchmarking and tuning are essential.



Extreme RT Hardware Requirements



To run Extreme RT comfortably, you’ll need top-tier components:



GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT

CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 7700X

RAM: 32 GB system memory

Storage: NVMe SSD is mandatory



Even on these high-end specs, proper settings adjustments are crucial for avoiding dips and stutters during fast-paced races.



PC Benchmarking Tips

1. Use the In-Game Benchmark



Before hitting free roam, run the Benchmark Mode from the main menu. This provides a consistent race scenario to accurately measure average FPS and 1% lows, helping you spot potential issues before they ruin gameplay.



2. Leverage Live Preview & Memory Tracking



Forza Horizon 6 now allows real-time tweaks without restarting the game. Use the Live Preview alongside the System/Video Memory usage monitor to see how Extreme RT settings affect VRAM. This helps prevent unexpected stutters caused by memory spikes.



3. Identify Bottlenecks

CPU Limitations: If you’re targeting 120Hz+ refresh rates, the CPU can become the primary limiter, especially in dense city sections.

VRAM Usage: Extreme RT is VRAM-heavy. Keep an eye on the in-game tracker to ensure you aren’t exceeding your GPU’s memory capacity.

4. Optimize Ray Tracing Impact



Ray Traced Shadows often take the biggest toll on performance. If you notice dips, try disabling Shadows while keeping RTGI and Reflections active. This maintains most of the visual fidelity with a smaller performance hit.



5. Upscaling & Anti-Aliasing



Use modern upscalers to balance performance and clarity:



DLSS 4 (NVIDIA RTX 50 series) or FSR 4 keeps FPS stable at Extreme RT.

For ultimate clarity on high-end rigs, consider DLAA instead of standard TAA, giving sharper edges and smoother reflections.



Running Extreme RT at 4K is a serious test of your hardware, but with careful benchmarking and these tweaks, you can experience Forza Horizon 6 at its most visually impressive without sacrificing smooth gameplay.