How to Show FPS on CS2
Need to check your computer's performance while playing CS2? Here's how to view your FPS in-game.
Being able to see the frames per second (FPS) in a game like CS2 is a great way of checking the performance of your PC while playing. If your FPS drops, you know that there may be issues with your PC or your game. But in order to see the FPS, you’ll need to turn the FPS counter on, which doesn’t appear by default. Here’s how to show FPS in CS2.
How to show FPS on CS2
To show FPS in CS2, all you need to do is load up the game and open the console. First, make sure you've enabled the developer console in the options. To do this, click the gear icon in the top right of the screen and select “Game.” The first option at the top will be Enable Developer Console.
The console can then be opened using the special character key above the TAB key. Depending on the make and model of your keyboard, this could be labeled with “`~” or “`¬.” Once you’ve press the button the console should appear. You can do this in the menu or in-game. You can also modify this in the “UI Keys” section of the Keyboard/Mouse settings.
Once you’ve opened the console, type the command "cl_showfps 1" without quotation marks, and press Enter. This will allow you to see the in-game FPS counter in the top left corner of your game.
You can disable the FPS counter again using the command “cl_showfps 0.” Additional information can be found by using the same command with the numbers two to five.
What’s a good FPS count for CS2?
In general 60 FPS is the count that most people will suggest is a playable FPS. 60 FPS isn’t particularly good, but it’s manageable. The lowest you’d want to play the game on is around 30 FPS, and anything below that will be choppy and hard to play.
Ideally, FPS of around 100+ is what you should be aiming for, and generally it’s thought that the higher the FPS the better in CS2. It's also suggested that your framerate should generally match the refresh rate of your monitor. So if you have a 144hz (hertz) monitor, you'll ideally want over 144 FPS, so you're not experiencing stuttering or other issues.
How to improve FPS in CS2
You can improve your FPS in CS2 by lowering the graphical settings and optimizing your PC’s performance. However, as you lower your graphical settings, you might find that things in-game become harder to distinguish. Ideally, you need to find a good balance between graphical fidelity and FPS performance, one that you’re happy with and are satisfied with.
Is 120 FPS enough for CS2?
For most regular players, 120 FPS is enough in CS2. The game runs smoothly at this level, and it matches well with monitors that use 120 Hz refresh rates. Players who enjoy the game casually or play ranked matches without aiming for a professional level should find this performance satisfying. The response feels quick, and gameplay does not feel delayed. However, competitive players often want more than 120 FPS. At higher levels, extra frames help with faster reactions and lower input lag. Professional players usually use setups that deliver over 200 FPS, paired with 240 Hz or even 360 Hz monitors.
Why are CS2 frames so low?
There are a few reasons why CS2 can run with low FPS:
- Graphics settings: High graphics options can overload the system and drop performance. Lowering them usually helps increase frames.
- CPU limits: If the processor cannot handle the game, it slows down even if the graphics card is strong. This happens often in demanding matches.
- Memory issues: Systems with low RAM or single-channel memory struggle with the game and lose performance. Upgrading memory improves stability and FPS.
These issues are the most common reasons for low FPS. Players can usually fix them by adjusting settings or upgrading their hardware.
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