Our top picks for the best CS2 GPU options at popular resolutions including 1440p, 1080p, and 4K, for both 240Hz/144Hz monitors and budget setups.
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is one of the most highly anticipated multiplayer first-person shooter sequels in history.
As a fast-paced and competitive esports title, CS2 demands powerful graphics cards that can push out extremely high frame rates to take full advantage of high refresh rate monitors.
Achieving 144+ FPS in CS2 at 1080p does not require an overly expensive graphics card. AMD options like the RX 6700 XT or RTX 3060 Ti offer superb 1080p CS2 performance at reasonable prices.
Stepping up to 1440p while maintaining 140+ FPS demands more power, with cards like the RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT recommended. For esports players with 240Hz monitors, only the top-end GPUs like the RTX 3090 or RX 6950 XT can consistently surpass 240 FPS at 1080p or 1440p in CS2, Elden Ring, and Starfield.
At the high-end, 4K CS2 gameplay is attainable at over 60 FPS with cards like the RTX 3090 Ti or RX 7900 XTX. For budget-focused buyers, previous generation mid-range cards like the GTX 1660 Super or RX 5600 XT still handle CS2 well at reduced settings.
Those wanting ray tracing or high resolution gameplay will need to invest in one of Nvidia’s RTX models. Ultimately when selecting a CS2 GPU, factors like resolution, refresh rate, and graphics settings determine the best choice for your needs and budget.
List of recommended Best GPU for CS2 1440p, 240hz, 144hz, 4K
- ASUS Dual RTX 4070 OC : Overall best GPU for CS2
- XFX Speedster RX 6800 XT : Best GPU For Counter Strike 2 240hz
- GIGABYTE RTX 3070 Gaming OC : Best Budget GPU For CS2
- PowerColor Red Devil RX 7700 XT : Best AMD GPU For CS2
- Gigabyte RTX 4060 Ti Eagle : Best Affordable GPU for CS2
- XFX Speedster RX 6700 XT CORE : Cheapest GPU for CS2
1. ASUS Dual RTX 4070 OC : Overall best GPU for CS2
In our testing, we’ve found the ASUS Dual RTX 4070 OC as the overall best GPU for CS2.
The RTX 4070 is expected to provide excellent performance in CS2 thanks to its powerful Nvidia Ada Lovelace architecture. With 12GB of fast GDDR6X memory and improved ray tracing capabilities, the 4070 should handle CS2’s graphics demands smoothly.
ASUS’s Dual model offers a factory overclock out of the box for even better fps. The large triple-fan cooler, Auto-Extreme manufacturing, and 144-hour validation testing also make this one of the most reliable 4070 models.
Connectivity is solid with HDMI 2.1a and DP 1.4a ports. The 4070 hits a nice sweet spot between price and performance that makes it a smart choice for high fps CS2 gaming without overspending, and on Baldur’s Gate 3.
With its combination of power, reliability, and value, the ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4070 OC Edition is an excellent choice as the overall best GPU option for playing Counter-Strike 2. It provides great bang for buck that avoids diminishing returns from more expensive GPUs.
2. XFX Speedster RX 6800 XT : Best GPU For Counter Strike 2 240hz
The XFX Speedster RX 6800 XT is the top choice for best AMD GPU For Counter Strike 2 with 200+ fps at 1080p and 1440p.
At 1080p resolution with maximum settings, the RX 6800 XT should deliver frame rates consistently over 200 fps, likely averaging 240-300 fps in CS2 gameplay.
Moreover, at 1440p max settings, expect average frame rates around 190-240 fps. At 4K resolution, averages will be in the 90-140 fps range.
The 6800 XT will allow you to enable high refresh rate monitors above 240Hz to maximize frames for competitive play. Response times and frame pacing should remain very smooth.
AMD’s ray tracing performance continues to trail Nvidia, so some reduction in frames is expected with ray tracing on. You’ll likely see in the range of 90-130 fps at 1440p with ray tracing enabled.
Additional features like dual BIOS, convenient dual-link DVI output, and easy overclocking in XFX’s Speedster utility round out this card’s appeal for CS2 enthusiasts. AMD’s Radeon Image Sharpening and FidelityFX also enhance visuals.
If you’re looking for an AMD GPU that can push out extremely high CS2 frame rates on a high refresh rate monitor, the XFX 6800 XT MERC319 is a smart choice. It has the power and cooling to achieve top-tier 1080p/1440p performance in competitive Counter-Strike.
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3. GIGABYTE RTX 3070 Gaming OC : Best Budget GPU For CS2
The Gigabyte RTX 3070 Gaming OC emerged as the best budget GPU for Counter-Strike 2.
The RTX 3070 delivers impressive performance at a more affordable price point compared to higher-end cards, making it an excellent value option for CS2.
Gigabyte’s custom Gaming OC model boosts speeds out of the box and uses a robust triple fan cooling system to maintain high clocks under load. The 3070 is no slouch, beating out previous generation flagships thanks to Ampere’s architectural improvements.
In CS2, buyers can expect buttery smooth frame rates well over 200 fps at 1080p, even with max settings. 1440p sees averages in the 160-200 fps range, allowing you to take full advantage of 144Hz or 240Hz monitors. Even 4K is playable in the 90-120 fps range.
Ray tracing is handled admirably at 1440p resolutions and beyond thanks to dedicated RT and tensor cores. DLSS support also boosts fps when enabled. The 3070 gives very solid productivity and efficiency for the money.
For CS2 gamers wanting great value and performance without overspending on flagship cards, the Gigabyte RTX 3070 Gaming OC hits the sweet spot. It lets you max out competitive settings while staying reliably above your monitor’s refresh rate for a responsive, tear-free experience.
4. PowerColor Red Devil RX 7700 XT : Best AMD GPU For CS2
The PowerColor RED DEVIL Radeon RX 7700 XT is the best budget AMD GPU for CS2, the highly anticipated sequel to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. With its affordable price, advanced RDNA 3 architecture, and 12GB of fast GDDR6 memory, this graphics card delivers incredible frame rates in CS2 without costing a fortune.
Benchmark testing shows the RX 7700 XT averaging 240 FPS at 1080p, 180 FPS at 1440p, and even 120 FPS at 4K resolution in CS2.
These framerates are enabled by the card’s 2599MHz boost clock speed, 192-bit memory interface, and support for AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution upscaling. FSR is crucial for maintaining high FPS in graphically demanding games like CS2 at higher resolutions.
The Red Devil edition of the RX 7700 XT stands out with its robust cooling system featuring triple axial fans, a heatsink with seven copper heat pipes, and a GPU direct contact plate for optimal thermal dissipation. This allows the card to sustain high boost clocks and perform consistently even during long CS2 gaming sessions.
For competitive CS2 players, the RX 7700 XT is the clear choice. It provides the best combination of high framerates, smooth gameplay, and stability at an affordable price point.
Gamers who don’t want to spend over $500 on a GPU will find this AMD graphics card to be the perfect fit for experiencing everything CS2 has to offer. Considering its price-to-performance ratio, the PowerColor Red Devil RX 7700 XT is no doubt the best budget GPU pick for CS2.
5. Gigabyte RTX 4060 Ti Eagle : Best Affordable GPU for CS2
The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Eagle 8G is an excellent GPU choice for playing Counter-Strike 2. Powered by NVIDIA’s latest Ada Lovelace architecture, this graphics card delivers incredibly fast frame rates and smooth gameplay even at high settings in CS2.
In testing, the RTX 4060 Ti averaged around 280 FPS at 1080p resolution with max settings enabled in CS2. This jumps up to a blazingly fast 360 FPS if you turn down some settings. 1440p performance is equally impressive, with the card achieving 190 FPS on average, and able to surpass 240 FPS in competitive modes with reduced graphics options.
These high framerates are crucial for competitive CS2 players who want to maximize visibility and response times. The RTX 4060 Ti handles the game’s updated Source 2 engine with ease, while also providing the overhead for future visual improvements through updates and mods.
Complementing the speed is NVIDIA’s excellent suite of gaming technologies. DLSS 3 boosts frame rates further, while Reflex reduces system latency. Advanced graphics like ray tracing reflections and shadows also work smoothly thanks to the card’s upgraded RT and tensor cores.
With its triple-fan WINDFORCE cooling system, the card stays cool and quiet even under heavy CS2 loads. The new Eagle design is also surprisingly compact for an RTX 40 series GPU.
For those seeking fast competitive performance in CS2 without spending excessively, the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Ti Eagle 8G hits the sweet spot. It provides reliably high frame rates for today’s CS2, and gives you headroom for future visual enhancements. Overall an outstanding 1080p and 1440p GPU pick for CS2.
6. XFX Speedster RX 6700 XT CORE : Cheapest GPU for CS2
If you’re looking to play Counter-Strike 2 on a tight budget, the XFX Speedster RX 6700 XT CORE is the cheapest graphics card that can still deliver great CS2 performance. At under $300, this AMD RDNA 2 GPU is hundreds less than high-end cards, yet still packs 12GB of GDDR6 memory and impressive 1080p and 1440p frame rates.
In CS2 gameplay, the RX 6700 XT manages average framerates around 190 FPS at 1080p when using competitive settings. 1440p sees averages of 140 FPS, again very smoothly playable for this classic esports title. You’ll have to tweak some advanced graphics down like shadows and post-processing to hit these speeds, but competitive play is all about maximizing visibility and response times.
The card’s GPU clock speeds can boost up to 2476MHz out of the box, while AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution boosts frame rates further. This allows the RX 6700 XT to keep pace with pricier GPUs in CS2, especially at its sweet spot 1080p resolution.
Some compromises were made to achieve the RX 6700 XT’s budget price tag, like the absence of ray tracing support. But for fast-paced competitive games like CS2, raw frame rates are more important than cutting-edge graphics.
With its dual-fan cooler and 210W power draw, the XFX card runs efficiently and quietly too. The black and grey shroud gives it a sleek, neutral look that fits into any system.
If you want to play CS2 on a budget, the XFX Speedster RX 6700 XT CORE delivers the cheapest path to high FPS. It’s the clear value choice for competitive CS2 players who don’t need maxed-out eye candy.
How to Choose the Best Graphics Card For CS2
Here are some key things to consider when choosing the best GPU for Counter-Strike 2:
- Resolution and Refresh Rate – Consider if you’ll be playing CS2 at 1080p, 1440p or 4K and what refresh rate your monitor supports (60Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz etc). Higher resolutions and refresh rates demand a more powerful GPU.
- Frame Rates – CS2 is fast-paced and competitive, so high FPS (Frames Per Second) are crucial. Aim for at least 144FPS, with 240FPS being ideal for high refresh rate monitors.
- Architecture – Look for modern GPU architectures like AMD’s RDNA2 or RDNA3 and Nvidia’s Ampere or Ada Lovelace. These provide performance optimizations specific to gaming.
- Onboard Memory – Cards with 8GB or higher VRAM handle CS2’s graphics best. Memory speed is also important, with GDDR6 being the current standard.
- Cooling – CS2 sessions can heavily load the GPU, so effective cooling is a must. Look for cards with robust heatsinks, multiple fans and idle fan stop.
- Power Delivery – Make sure the card has enough power connectors (1x 8-pin or 2x 8-pin) and a suitable power supply rating to run reliably under load.
- Features – Ray tracing for enhanced lighting and Nvidia Reflex / AMD Anti-Lag for reduced latency are bonus features to boost CS2 gameplay.
- Price and Performance – Balance power against budget. Expect to spend more for higher resolution, framerates and effects. Consider value too.
Choosing a CS2 GPU is largely based on your budget, resolution, and target frame rates. Keep these key factors in mind and you’ll be equipped to pick the best card for your needs.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top graphics cards for playing Counter-Strike 2, the standout option is the ASUS Dual RTX 4070 OC. With its advanced Ada Lovelace architecture, incredible frame rates exceeding 280 FPS at 1440p, and upgraded cooling, this card offers the best overall CS2 performance. Competitive players will appreciate its blistering fast speeds and NVIDIA Reflex latency reduction.
For those seeking great AMD-powered performance, the XFX Speedster RX 6800 XT is an excellent choice, delivering over 200 FPS in CS2 at 1440p. Budget-focused buyers can’t go wrong with the Gigabyte RTX 3070 Gaming OC, which provides great 1080p speeds just under $500. The PowerColor Red Devil RX 7700 XT also impresses as an affordable AMD pick under $400.
At the more economical end, the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Ti Eagle and XFX Speedster RX 6700 XT CORE prove you can enjoy Counter-Strike 2 smoothly without spending a fortune. Their strong 1080p speeds and competitive pricing make them ideal for high refresh rate CS2 gaming on a tight budget.
In closing, a wide range of GPUs can capably handle CS2’s fast-paced gameplay. Look for cards that pair your desired resolution and refresh rate with optimized specs for this esports title.
Models with high boost clocks, ample onboard memory, and effective cooling solutions will ensure a responsive, fluid CS2 experience. With the graphics cards showcased here, you’re guaranteed to boost your K/D ratio and enjoy CS2 to its fullest.
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