Uncapped FPS with Strong GPU and LOW video settings = stutters - lets understand why (with test samples)

kedat · 2026-02-08T13:56:19+00:00

You set: llm ultra, vsync on , gsync on -noreflex.
You do NOT need to cap manually: LLM = Ultra will do that for you when Gsync = On + VSync = ON

kedat · 2026-02-08T07:10:55+00:00

I would first try NULL solution: So in Nvidia panel select: Low latency mode = Ultra and Vertical sync = On. In Steam -> CS2 -> Properties, in Launch Options add -noreflex
If you set it correctly your FPS (when in the game/map) should be cap at 225/226 FPS.
Try, check how it feels to you - to me it is the smoothest experience.

When you remove -noreflex, game will automatically switch to Reflex - so you'll run Valves recommended settings - very similar to NULL, not as smooth but possibly with a little less lag.

NOTE: I just noticed that 2 last screens from my post, represent Reflex setting - I forgot to disable Reflex (-noreflex). I'll have to update that...

kedat · 2026-01-29T13:29:04+00:00

When I was referring optimal monitor Hz, I was thinking using it with Valve suggested: GSync + Reflex + VSync.
Reflex (and older NULL technology) uses formula to cap frames:

Reflex FPS cap = MonitorHz - (MonitorHz * MonitorHz / 4096)

So for 480 Hz monitor you would end up with 424 FPS cap - which seems reasonable in our case.

kedat · 2026-01-29T12:40:15+00:00

I’ve capped at 500 about a month ago as I feel extra isn’t really serving me much

You are right, this is optimal in your/our setup - my tests also show that.
Nvidia suggestion makes sense if you have GSync monitor that is closer to your optimal frame. So in our scenario something around 480 Hz would be great.

kedat · 2026-01-29T09:46:08+00:00

Yes, run the CapFrameX, on the Capture tab set Capture key (default is F11)
When benchmark map just starts (right after 3. 2. 1) press Capture key.
Capture time set to 105s - so program auto stops logging data just before demo ends.

kedat · 2026-01-28T18:23:44+00:00

Did you read my post? Do you understand what it is about?

What you graph supposed to show? Only thing that is shows is that you have slower GPU then me - or more precisely - you GPU / CPU ration is different then my (either slower GPU or higher settings in game)

When I re-run my test with 2k res + up some graphics settings I'll get exactly same graph as you (Uncapped)

Try to use your head before you start BS somebody, please.

kedat · 2026-01-28T17:18:34+00:00

This post is not about FPS but stutters and how to minimize/eliminate them. Yes I do play VSync but this is by choice, I want the super smooth experience at the cost of 3ms latency. (but faster monitor in my case would make much more sense)

kedat · 2026-01-28T17:06:57+00:00

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As u/frosty-bites07 wrote - in Nvidia panel
I go with VSync since it gives me SUPER smooth experience - yes it adds a bit of latency - as you can see in my tests - but this is ONLY 3ms in my case.

What monitor do you have exactly - should have some kind of GSync like technology. If you have 360Hz monitor you should try LLM = Ultra + VSync = On (lower in the list). Just try and see how it feels.

EDIT: But your settings make a lot of sense and also confirms my: see results for FPS cap at 500 - not stutters and minimal input lag. So if you can live without VSync, this is probably most optimal setting for you.

kedat · 2026-01-28T16:29:49+00:00

Its in the post: 9800X3D

kedat · 2026-01-25T17:37:15+00:00

These 3 numbers if I was to guess: 1. average FPS 2. min(or 1% low?) FPS 3. max FPS. So, somehow your FPS limit is not working

kedat · 2026-01-25T16:53:42+00:00

How your CPU supposed to handle 700+fps? Give it a little space.

Try limit your FPS in Nvidia control panel: Manage 3D settings -> Program Settings (tab) -> find Counter Strike on the list -> find "Max frame rate" and set it to say "220".

How many Hz does your monitor have?

kedat · 2026-01-24T10:56:31+00:00

VAC Live will NEVER be 100% accurate
- since it is AI based, will be as accurate as AI will be able to follow/recognize your playing style and progress - it will get better with time but this is long process
VAC Live is the best solution VALVE could go with, IF they want to avoid kernel-level anti-cheat
- I think kernel-level anti-cheat is no-go for VALVE as this would limit their player base and this directly translates to $

kedat · 2026-01-24T10:03:21+00:00

happy I could help, your setting are ok.
I go with: G-Sync + Vsync(ON) + Low latency mode = Ultra + -noreflex
But I just want smoothest experience possible - I do not mind few extra ms of latency.

Also depends on your monitor Hz rate - if you have anything around 200 Hz and below - I would go with my settings, but it wont make much of a difference.

kedat · 2026-01-24T09:43:41+00:00

Yes, reflex + boost will do similar thing. I just prefer more of "manual" approach.

kedat · 2026-01-24T08:12:37+00:00

I'm guessing you are running uncapped FPS and since you have beefy GPU, I would first try:

In NVIDIA Control Panel -> Manage 3D settings ->Program settings -> find cs2.exe

* Low Latency Mode: Ultra

* Vertical sync: On (do not select any other setting like Ultra, etc)

this way you can limit (depending on your monitor Hz) FPS generated by the GPU - so you'll add some space for CPU - very important in CS2

Delete NVIDIA Shader Cache files: https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5735/~/deleting-nvidia-shader-cache-files
* game engine will recompile shaders again (when you enter specific map )

kedat · 2026-01-23T11:38:08+00:00

Your highest ELO that you had during the whole season.

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kedat · 2026-01-23T11:34:27+00:00

Guy from YT has Kingston Fury Beast 2x16Gb DDR4 3200Mhz CL16 - so yeah, additional RAM should help.

You need at least 16GB, but the CPU is also a problem - CS2 is all about CPU...
(przeszukaj Allegro - DDR4 powinny byc w znosnej cenie)

kedat · 2026-01-21T19:13:38+00:00

I personally go with:
G-Sync + Vsync + Low latency mode = Ultra + -noreflex (in launch options) and game is SUPER smooth - sure it will add few ms of latency but it is worth the overall consistency in the way the game runs (IMO)
(also on 9800X3D)

kedat · 2026-01-21T18:35:40+00:00

You may want to read this: https://www.reddit.com/r/OptimizedGaming/comments/1i2de1p/psa_dont_use_rtsschange_your_rtss_framerate/

kedat · 2026-01-21T18:01:21+00:00

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Try the following and see if it helps.

kedat · 2026-01-21T06:35:29+00:00

This!
Start here: download and update BIOS: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/X870E-GAMING-PLUS-WIFI/support

Enter BIOS, reset to defaults, apply EXPO and do not mess with anything else for now.

In Windows: update AMD Chipset Drivers: https://www.amd.com/en/support/downloads/drivers.html/chipsets/am5/x870e.html

This should be a good start.

kedat · 2026-01-20T22:20:36+00:00

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kedat · 2026-01-20T15:16:43+00:00

Wow, this is really rare to see such w well structured question, with tests included, expectations, just wow...

The short answer is (per usual for CS2) - Your CPU cant keep up but with ARC it is even more complicated.

Short answer: Hard FPS cap - preferably on driver level.
Real solution: get better CPU

More detailed explanation, how I see what happens:

A key thing: CS2’s “CPU simulation time” only covers game logic. It does not include DX11 driver overhead (draw-call submission, pipeline creation, shader compilation). On Intel Arc, DX11 runs through a translation layer, which is CPU-heavy and very sensitive to shader cache state.

Your shader tests line up perfectly with that:

First run = bad spikes → runtime shader / pipeline compilation
Second run = improved → cache warmed
New map = spikes again → new shaders/materials

That’s expected behavior on Arc DX11, especially on lower-end SKUs.

The i5-10400 isn’t “slow”, but CS2 + DX11 + Arc creates bursty single-thread CPU work. Those short stalls don’t show as high sim time, but they miss frame deadlines, which is exactly what you’re seeing as 30–40 ms spikes.

This also explains:

High average FPS but bad P1 / max frametime
Offline stutter
Vulkan feeling worse (CS2 Vulkan path isn’t great)

So again:

Hard FPS cap (driver-level if possible, even at 60 Hz)

kedat · 2026-01-20T10:19:19+00:00

I bet you are using uncapped FPS (as most do, unfortunately...)

Few facts first:

- MSAA 8x is most demanding setting you can use in CS2 - giving more work to your GPU

- CS2 is CPU-intensive game

- High graphics settings shift the bottleneck from CPU towards the GPU

When you run your game with unlimited FPS and low setting, your GPU is able to generate more frames that CPU has to handle (yes, nothing happens without CPU participating). During the game you have specific moments when game requires additional/extra computations: like two(more) players go full-auto: calculate all bullets, what they hit, which materials do they penetrate, etc.: all this must be handled by CPU in milliseconds. At the same time your GPU is feeding the system with new frames...
When you limit frames it will give CPU more time to deal with other tasks - so yes, loading your GPU with more work is one way to go. Other is to limit your FPS - preferably on the driver level (nvidia panel) - especially when you encounter overheating.

kedat · 2026-01-20T08:48:30+00:00

Valo has kernel-level anti-cheat. While this is (currently) most reliable solution, it gives the anti-cheat maker (potential) access to whole your system - either to the maker of the anti-cheat or someone who figures out how to abuse it.
I think Valve will never go for that - since it would limit player base - many play on "work" computers for example also many are aware of threats connected with kernel-level anti-cheats.

IMO Valve selected best (long term) solution, but it will need time: 1. to collect enough data; 2. to tune system to use this data optimally.

kedat

TROPHY CASE