If you’re looking for the Best csgo settings and optimization guide, Samiz1337 has complied a complete guide in increasing your FPS and performance!
All credit to this best csgo settings guide goes to Steam user and CS:GO player samiz1337, he put in a ton of effort into making this and helping the CS:GO player base all achieve better gameplay.
First of all, I’m not paid or sponsored by the developers of any of the applications that will be mentioned in the guide, it’s my own personal preferences (or from feedback from other users) because they’re either easy to use or gave me the best results. I also put my full trust in them that they do not contain any sort of malicious software. All the download links goes directly to their official websites.
But why do I need more FPS?
Source Engine (CS:GO game engine) input lag is based on the number of frames per second you have.
The higher frames you are able to get, the lower input lag on your screen. Other games work in a different way because with other, modern, advanced-tech game engines the input lag is not connected to frames per second.
When you are a well-experienced player, you can really start to feel a difference between lower and higher FPS. High FPS will not make you a better player, BUT it can make a crucial difference in certain scenarios where you need a correct representation of whats happening on your screen (tracking heads, fast flicks – clutch moments).
Good aim and game sense comes from very good muscle memory, ingame experience (good & bad), learning to work as a team (trust is very important) and lots of repetitive training, nothing else. If you are a natural talent, you might become better faster than some others, but you still have to put in the work.
You should always close down your browser/any other demanding background apps/processes when playing CS if you want maximum FPS. Also make sure to disable any unnecessary start-up programs in Task Manager > Start-up (right click app > Disable)
Best CSGO Settings
Install CS:GO on a SSD
This is HIGHLY recommended. It’s worth to get Samsung 850 EVO or better. Much faster loading speeds and better stability compared to mechanical harddrives, ultimately resulting in the best csgo settings.
Disable full-screen optimizations (Windows 10)
Full-screen optimization in Windows 10 forces the game to run in an optimized borderless full-screen mode and can cause variable or even locked framerates. It is recommended you disable it.
UPDATE: I went back and tried enabling it again and got an FPS increase! (GTX1080)
Use the benchmark linked in this guide to compare enabled/disabled. (big thx dim4)
Right click csgo.exe > Properties > Compatibility tab > tick the “Disable full-screen optimisations” box. (Enabled by default)
You can find csgo.exe in C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonCounter-Strike Global Offensive
Strandner Autofixer (Windows 10)
It’s a great one-click tool for deactivating unneccessary windows background tasks like Superfetch, XBOX DVR and more through windows registry. It is 100% safe and the source code is public if you want to take a deeper look.
Developed by one of the main admins of Swerigs Techsupport (biggest techsupport hub in Sweden). Link here
Run Auto Mode, requires a computer restart
Get rid of all old “performance” launch options
Such launch options such as -threads -high. They’re outdated and it has been confirmed by CS:GO devs on a recent reddit thread that the game is optimized to run better without them on modern setups.
These are the launch options I’m currently using
-novid -no-browser -nojoy +fps_max 500 -tickrate 128
- -novid: disables Valve / CS:GO startup screen (saves you a couple of seconds)
- -no-browser: disables “motd” browser, used by servers for video ads (does not work with CEVO)
- -freq: sets the frequency depending on your monitor refresh rate (-refresh works also)
- -nojoy: disables joypad support (frees up some RAM usage)
- +fps_max XXX (1-999): max FPS cap (main menu will be capped at 120fps, maps load faster this way)
- -tickrate 128: forces 128 tick on private servers (playing against bots, with friends, training maps etc)
- -nod3d9ex: disables d3d9ex, can improve FPS and faster alt-tabbing
- -console: brings up console when you start the game
Autoexec/config commands
snd_menumusic_volume “0” // (disables menu music)
snd_mix_async “1” // (allows for shorter lookahead buffer (snd_mixahead), improves performance)
snd_mixahead “0.025” // (low audio latency, makes CS audio feel more insync with screen)
snd_stream “1” // (new command. Streams audio from harddrive rather than your RAM cache, will be set as default for all users in the future. Can cause temporary stutters when used for the first time. Reported to fix some FPS drop issues)cl_lagcompensation “1” // (activates client-side lag compensation)
cl_predict “1” // (activates client-side prediction, predicts physics, movement, firing etc)
cl_predictweapons “1” // (activates client-side weapon effects prediction)
cl_interp “0” // (interpolation, should always be set to “0”)
cl_interp_ratio “1” // (interpolation ratio, “1” = low ping, “2” = higher ping)
cl_cmdrate “128” // (for -tickrate 128 launch option)
cl_updaterate “128” // (for -tickrate 128 launch option)
rate “786432” // (max bandwidth rate)cl_autohelp “0” // (disables ingame tips, can improve FPS)
cl_disablehtmlmotd “0” // (for use with -no-browser in launch options)
cl_downloadfilter “nosounds” // (stops servers from downloading annoying custom sounds)
cl_showhelp “0” // (disables ingame tips, similar to cl_autohelp)cl_forcepreload “1” // (preloads map assets automatically when you enter a map instead of loading it into memory when the map demands it, improves FPS)
r_dynamic “0” // (disables dynamic lightning effects which can be a disadvantage, improves FPS slightly on lower spec PCs but I recommend using “1” instead)
m_rawinput “1” // (enables raw hardware input for mouse, disables all software filtering, acceleration, post-processing etc)
joystick “0” // (disables joystick support, mandatory for playing on faceit servers)
Bandwidth rates (for “rate” command)
0.5 Mbps – rate 62500
1.0 Mbps – rate 125000
1.5 Mbps – rate 187500
1.57 Mbps – rate 196608 (default rate)
2.0 Mbps – rate 250000
2.5 Mbps – rate 312500
3.0 Mbps – rate 375000
3.5 Mbps – rate 437500
4.0 Mbps – rate 500000
4.5 Mbps – rate 562500
5.0 Mbps – rate 625000
5.5 Mbps – rate 687500
6.0 Mbps – rate 750000
6.2 Mbps and above – rate 786432 (max rate)
Why do I only have 60 FPS with GTX1080Ti?
Make sure the monitor is connected to the GPU… and not the motherboard (this happens way too often).
Download the latest GPU drivers for your graphics card
Nvidia | AMD
If you are having trouble with your current drivers, you should do a clean uninstall using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller)
DDU v17.0.8.3
Optimal Nvidia 3D settings inside Nvidia Control Panel
A Detailed Guide on Nvidia 3D Settings for Best CS:GO Performance (credits to /u/ImThour)
AMD Optimization Settings
(thx crwbr)
Disable HPET (High Precision Event Timer) in BIOS
HPET is a hardware timer featured in modern Windows versions. Since the timer continuously counts upwards it can cause interruptions, giving you a “sluggish” feel when playing games. It is recommended you disable it in BIOS for better latency and FPS!
Disable Hardware Acceleration in Discord
If you use Discord overlay, turn off hardware acceleration by clicking the cogwheel ⚙ (App Settings) > Appearance > Hardware Acceleration
In-game Graphics Settings
Color Mode: “Television mode” has a limited dynamic range and looks brighter with lesser darks compared to “Computer mode”, its a matter of preference.
Resolution/Aspect Ratio: Preference, if you are new to the game you should probably use your native resolution
Display Mode: “Fullscreen”
Laptop Power Savings: “Disabled”
Global Shadows: “High”, gives you better detailed shadows as you can see enemies around corners and such, using low shadows is a lot less detailed and gives you a disadvantage
Model/Texture Detail: “Low”
Shader: “Low” if you want to gain some FPS, “Very High” if you want dem shiny guns
Multicore Rendering: “Enabled”
Multisampling Anti-Aliasing Mode: Preference, some like playing with clear pixels and MSAA off, I use x8 MSAA because of the smooth edges and to push my graphics card some more for better performance
Texture Filtering Mode: “Bilinear” if you need that 1 extra frame, “Trilinear” for better visuals
FXAA Anti-Aliasing: “Disabled” (artificial smoothening of edges, MSAA does it much much better)
Wait for Vertical Sync: “Disabled”
Motion Blur: “Disabled”
Extras For The Best CSGO Settings
Dusty CPU Fans
Dust can cause the CPU fans to run at low speeds and make your CPU to throttle (drastically degrades its performance when it reaches high temperatures). Make sure all the fans inside your computer are clean of dust. Use a can of gas duster to clean your computer.
DO NOT use a vaccum cleaner, it can cause electrostatic discharge and destroy your computer components!! ⚡????
VibranceGUI
VibranceGUI is based on Nvidias digital vibrance API/AMD Saturation and gives CS:GO more life with some lovely color ????
Also gives an advantage with visibility, it’s commonly used by CS:GO pros.
Benchmarking
You can use micronn‘s benchmarking method for trying out new commands and settings. Its a proven, reliable and super-quick way of doing it! It will give you an average and a difference FPS, which is very useful. Much more efficient and stable than using the FPS benchmark map.
It’s also very easy to do, just follow the steps on his HLTV blog!
After you are done benchmarking (make sure you try your settings on a server with real people, the benchmark uses 9 bots which is very demanding on the CPU) you should cap your FPS to an average. fps_max 300 is a good starting point because Source Engine works best on high frames (input lag is connected to frames per second in Source). It will make your mouse movement feel smoother in-game and it will be easier to track enemies heads if you have a higher non-fluctuating FPS.
For example, if you have a 144Hz screen the optimal FPS (using the common formula for Source) would be
(Hertz*2)+1
(144*2)+1
289=(144*2)+1
289fps ~fps_max 300
Although the higher FPS cap the better if you can reach higher numbers. I use fps_max 500 as my FPS hovers around 350-450FPS on 5v5 (upwards 500 if I play less demanding aim maps).
I’d recommend capping the FPS so you don’t happen to use unnecessary processing power for nothing. Save the nature y’all ????✌
CPU Unparking
CPU unparking allows your CPU cores to be active at all times. Windows deactivates unused cores as a energy saver function. Unparking your cores for CS:GO should potentially give you an FPS increase.
Unpark CPU App direct download link
Click “Check Status”, wait a couple of seconds (30 sec), choose “Unpark All”. You will have to do it every time you restart your computer and want to play CS
parked: 289.38FPS avg 30.82FPS dif
unparked: 295.76FPS avg 25.54FPS dif
3D audio ON
Afterburner GPU Overclocking
Overclocking your graphics card with programs such as Afterburner is the easiest and safest way of overclocking. Although you might only see noticable results if you push your graphics card with higher settings inside CS:GO (high resolution, x8 MSAA, shaders HIGH etc).
Download Afterburner
Use Panjno’s guide on YouTube for a detailed and easy to follow guide on how to use Afterburner
CPU & RAM Overclocking (for experienced users)
CS:GO loves high single-core CPU and RAM clock speeds. You can easily gain 25-50% more FPS or even higher by overclocking your CPU & RAM. This is for the more advanced users (if you don’t know your way around or don’t even know what BIOS is DO NOT overclock).
There’s plenty of good guides on Google and YouTube.
RAM overclocking requires a lot more care, as if you use the wrong voltage you can easily fry your RAM. It’s easy to do once you get the hang of it.
DO NOT try to push your CPU clock speeds/voltage too high unless you have a decent CPU cooler. Always keep an eye on temperatures and do stress tests to check the stability.
Some good, commonly used CPU air-coolers for moderate/higher overclocking are
It’s important you make sure the cooler fits your case, as the NH-D15 and Dark Rock 3 are absolutely massive coolers (140mm fans).
I am personally not a big fan of AIO (all-in-one watercooling) coolers.
There’s always a slight chance they might malfunction and completely ruin your components. (It has happened to me before – AIO never again).
If you want an AIO cooler, go for a one with a good warranty that covers your damaged components if it would ever break. These are pricey though, as you would probably have to spend more than €110 for a decent one with GOOD warranty. It’s not really worth buying one for €60. You are better off with a NH-D15 or Dark Rock 3.
Follow CG Geek’s guide on YouTube for CPU overclocking for beginners
Once you get the concept of CPU overclocking you should be looking for more a detailed guide on your CPU as the safe guideline for max voltage will be different for every CPU. CG Geek also only goes through Ryzen overclocking, Intel processors has other “power-saving”, “boosting” modes which may have to be disabled for a stable overclock.
If you want to overclock your RAM there a good guide on overclockers.com. You should probably only do this if you’re an experienced user and it is recommended you overclock your CPU first.
DDR4 RAM Overclocking 101 Guide
I’m giving you the warning you right now, if you do not know your ways around BIOS and computer parts, DO NOT overclock yourself. Ask someone who has done it before.
Once you get into overclocking, you won’t stop…
Sensors Monitoring
CPUID HWMonitor is great for monitoring your CPU/GPU temps, frequencies, mainboard info etc. It’s what I’m personally using.
For AMD processors HWiNFO seem to be more accurate, so you should probably download that if you use AMD.
It also doesn’t require any install and the layout is customizable (you can even show temps in taskbar), which is great! It’s a really cool program for the advanced user.
When you click the .exe, choose “Sensors-only” to bring up the sensors screen. (big thx STAV3)
If you enjoyed this guide, consider tipping samiz1337 a skin on his steam community page as a way to say thanks!
