How to potentially improve CPU and GPU performance in CS2

Sometimes, players may find that their CPU and GPU performance in CS2 is inadequate. With September 27, 2024, marking the first anniversary of Counter-Strike 2, many feel that this straightforward game does not offer the perfect gaming experience. FPS issues have been common since its release, and though a year has passed, the gameplay still doesn't feel smooth.

This article will help players potentially improve CPU and GPU performance in CS2. To learn about how you can fix your FPS problems in this game, continue reading.

Note: The methods discussed are not definitive. They are suggestions could potentially fix and improve your CPU and GPU performance in CS2.

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Guide to possibly improving CPU and GPU performance in CS2

Before talking about potentially fixing your computer's performance in CS2, it's necessary to determine whether your PC is CPU or GPU-limited in the game.

Here's how you can do that:

• Launch any map of your choice in offline mode.
• Open the console using '`' and insert the following command cl_showfps 2.
• Open your settings panel and go to Video Settings. Now, locate the FSR option and set it to Disable.
• Head into the game and try playing a round with bots. Make a note of your FPS while doing so.
• Now, pause the game and go back to the Settings panel. Go to FSR Settings and set it to 'Performance.
• Play a round with bots again. Make a note of your in-game FPS during this playthrough.

Entering console commands to monitor FPS performance in CS2 (Image via Valve)

Setting FSR to Performance can increase your FPS. But this isn't always the case.

FPS increase

If the game's FPS increases after setting FSR to Performance, then your computer is likely to be GPU-limited. A simple fix for this is to reduce all the Graphics settings in-game to the lowest possible option. Here are the settings you should use:

• Boost Player Contrast: Enabled
• V-Synch: Disabled
• Global Shadow Quality: Low
• Model / Texture Detail: Low
• Texture Filtering: Disabled
• Shader Detail: Low
• Particle Detail: Low
• Ambient Occlusion: Low
• High Dynamic Range: Performance
• FidelityFX Super Resolution: Performance
• NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency: On + Boost

After implementing these settings, you may soon see a minor bump in your framerate.

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FPS doesn't increase

If your framerate stays the same after setting FSR to Performance, it is most likely that your computer is CPU-bound. This essentially means tweaking the Graphics Settings will not fix your performance issues in CS2 — you can alter these settings to your preferred levels.

When your computer is CPU-limited, the only way to improve CS2's FPS is be to opt for a better processor.

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Check out: Best CS2 console commands you need to know

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Updating Windows

Recent testing and benchmarking from @ThourCS2 also indicate that updating one's Windows 11 to the latest version yields significantly better average FPS in CS2. As seen on the embed, there's quite a boost of at least 10-20 frames for users upgrading from Windows 10 version 22H2, and Windows 11 version 23H2.

Furthermore, if you haven't already, we also urge players to update their Nvidia and AMD GPU drivers to the latest version to help their graphics card support the growing demands of this FPS title.

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That's all there is to know about potentially improving CPU and GPU performance in CS2. For more related news and guides, stay tuned to Sportskeeda's esports section.