Which GPU suits best for CS2? GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon?

The more frames per second (FPS) you get in Counter-Strike 2, the better. The game becomes smoother, more responsive, and carrying matches just feels more enjoyable. Your processor (CPU) and graphics card (GPU) are responsible for delivering high FPS. Today, CS.MONEY Blog dives into which graphics card you need for CS2 and why sometimes even good hardware falls short on FPS.

Wanna know which GPU to buy for CS2? Well, it’s up to you in the end. But anyways, you can find thousands of different skins at low prices are already waiting for you on our website!

Which graphics card is best suited for CS2?

Before answering this question, let’s establish three key selection criteria. Here they are:

• The game must run at 1080p resolution
• The average FPS must exceed 150
• Using FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) settings is not allowed

Good news: even relatively older and less powerful graphics chips meet these criteria. For example, the RTX 3050 can easily run CS2 at 1080p and deliver nearly 200 FPS. The same applies to budget GPUs from AMD, like Radeon RX 6600 which is also capable of pushing past 150 FPS.

That said, if we’re talking about the graphics cards that are best suited for CS2, you should look at the current lineups from manufacturers. For instance, the RTX 4060 and RTX 4070. Both cards are relatively popular among Steam users and effortlessly deliver over 300 FPS in CS2.

How important is the graphics card in CS2?

Compared to other games, the graphics card doesn’t have as big an impact on performance in Counter-Strike 2. The CPU and RAM also play significant roles. However, very weak graphics cards will lead to a host of problems—primarily low FPS or constant frame rate stuttering. Both issues can make CS2 nearly unplayable.

Another key detail is NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency technology. In simple terms, here’s what it does: when enabled in CS2 settings, it syncs the CPU and GPU during frame rendering. In practice, this slightly reduces input lag. For competitive gaming, any advantage is a plus, so a graphics card that supports NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency is a great choice.

Is the RTX 3060 enough for CS2?

According to Steam stats, the RTX 3060 is the most popular graphics card among players. Does it suffice for CS2? Absolutely. The RTX 3060 offers high performance, easily surpassing 144 FPS at 1080p regardless of settings—assuming it’s paired with a modern CPU and a properly configured system.

What’s the minimum graphics card needed for CS2?

Pinpointing the lowest-end graphics card for CS2 is tricky. If you look at CS2’s minimum system requirements, the graphics card specification is vague: “a GPU with 1 GB or more, compatible with DirectX 11, and supporting Shader Model 5.0.” This description fits GPUs from a decade ago! Obviously, those aren’t suitable for gaming, as they’d struggle to even hit 60 FPS.

To answer the question—almost any gaming graphics card from the last 3-4 years will do. Even the relatively modest RTX 3050 can confidently render over 150 FPS, though not at max settings.

Why is my FPS low in CS2? How can I boost it?

Even with powerful hardware, your FPS might still be low. There are several reasons for this. Let’s look at the most common ones:

• Outdated drivers: Keep your graphics card drivers up to date.
• Weak CPU: An underpowered processor can bottleneck your FPS. Upgrading might be your only fix.
• Game settings: If you’re using an old or weak GPU, lower all settings to minimum. For competitive play, performance trumps visuals.
• Overheating: Overheating can throttle your GPU or CPU performance. Clean your PC of dust and ensure proper airflow.

To increase FPS, you might need to upgrade your hardware. First, identify the “bottleneck.” It could be your CPU holding back your GPU, or vice versa.

Here’s an easy check: lower all settings and resolution to minimum, measure your FPS, then crank everything to max. If the FPS barely changes, the CPU is the culprit. If performance drops significantly, it’s time to upgrade or tweak your graphics card—overclocking is an option, but proceed at your own risk.

Conclusion

For comfortable CS2 gameplay, you don’t need the latest or most expensive graphics card. Achieving 150, 200, or even 300 FPS is possible with mid-tier hardware. What’s more important is maintaining a balance between your GPU and CPU, as CS2’s performance heavily relies on the latter. To answer the question from the start— What GPU do you need for comfortable CS2? — at least an RTX 3060, but an RTX 4070 or better is ideal.

And skins? Skins are cheap on CS.MONEY!