CS:GO vs CS2: Performance Comparison on 13900K Processor

Updated on Mar 22,2024

CS:GO vs CS2: Performance Comparison on 13900K Processor

Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. Performance Comparison: CS2 vs CS:GO
    • 2.1. FPS Comparison at Low Settings
    • 2.2. Image Quality Comparison at Low Settings
    • 2.3. FPS Comparison at High Settings
    • 2.4. Image Quality Comparison at High Settings
  3. Different User Preferences
    • 3.1. Performance-oriented Players
    • 3.2. Graphics-oriented Players
  4. Impact of System Configuration on Performance
    • 4.1. CPU Utilization
    • 4.2. Power Consumption
  5. The Influence of Vulkan API
  6. The Role of Processor Cores
    • 6.1. Utilizing P-cores and E-cores
  7. Best Configuration for CS2
  8. Conclusion
  9. Resources

Performance Comparison: CS2 vs CS:GO

Counter Strike 2 (CS2) has garnered a lot of interest among players, prompting the question of how it performs compared to its predecessor, CS:GO, on high-performance PCs. In this article, we will delve into a detailed comparison of the two games, exploring various aspects such as frame rates (FPS) and image quality at both low and high settings.

FPS Comparison at Low Settings

To establish a baseline, we compared the average frame rates of 10 specific spots in both CS:GO and CS2. The results revealed that CS2 runs approximately 20-30% slower than CS:GO at low settings. However, it is crucial to note that CS2 offers a significantly improved image quality, with intricate details and enhanced visuals.

Image Quality Comparison at Low Settings

Upon switching back to CS:GO and examining its visuals at low settings, it becomes evident that the Game lacks the finer details Present in CS2. Dust2 in CS:GO appears sparser, with numerous details missing when compared to its revamped counterpart. CS2 sets a higher minimum visual standard, providing an overall more visually appealing gameplay experience.

FPS Comparison at High Settings

Shifting our focus to high settings, the average frame rates in CS:GO were 801 FPS, which decreased to 736 FPS in CS2, representing a mere 7% drop. Visually, the two games are relatively similar, with CS2 showcasing a brighter and more pleasing color palette. CS:GO's higher number of distracting black pixels requires anti-aliasing to mitigate visual discrepancies, whereas CS2's details, such as wires and shaded areas, are less distracting and do not require extensive anti-aliasing.

Image Quality Comparison at High Settings

Comparing CS:GO at high settings to CS2 at low settings reveals that CS2 runs 7% faster on average, albeit with slightly less detailed visuals. This performance improvement can be attributed to the advancements made in the six years since the release of the original Dust2 map. While the visual disparity is noticeable between the two games, CS2's brighter and more readable interface compensates for the trade-off in image quality.

Different User Preferences

Performance-oriented Players

For players seeking the highest possible performance, CS2 offers the option of running the game at the lowest settings. This configuration ensures smoother gameplay and a more consistent frame rate. Although there might be a slight decrease in image quality, the difference is negligible for users primarily focused on performance.

Graphics-oriented Players

Some players prioritize visual aesthetics and prefer a game that looks visually appealing. CS2 caters to this audience by providing improved graphics and a more immersive experience. By running the game at high settings, players can enjoy vibrant colors, detailed textures, and an overall visually pleasing atmosphere.

Impact of System Configuration on Performance

CPU Utilization

Analyzing the utilization of CPU resources during gameplay revealed interesting insights. CS:GO, built on the DX9 engine, utilizes multiple cores, with approximately four cores showing substantial usage. Surprisingly, Counter Strike 2, running on the newer DX11 engine, demonstrates a more efficient distribution of workload across CPU cores, utilizing more system resources. Disabling certain slower cores, known as E cores, led to better performance in CS2, highlighting the importance of core selection in optimizing gameplay performance.

Power Consumption

In terms of power consumption, CS2 tends to Consume more power, even with a configured power limit. A comparison between CS:GO and CS2 showed that CS2 consumed around 140 watts, while CS:GO averaged only 90 watts. This disparity suggests that CS2 utilizes a greater number of processor cores, showcasing the potential benefits of a higher core count in delivering superior performance. However, further testing on different system configurations is required to ascertain the optimal settings for various setups.

The Influence of Vulkan API

Valve has celebrated the merits of Vulkan, an API designed to reduce overheads and improve gaming performance, particularly during demanding moments in gameplay. Surprisingly, CS2 does not utilize Vulkan by default, and enabling it resulted in suboptimal performance. Further investigation is needed to determine the reasons behind this discrepancy and to assess whether different systems yield different outcomes.

The Role of Processor Cores

The number and selection of processor cores significantly affect game performance in CS2. By disabling slower E cores and utilizing the faster P cores, users can experience noticeable improvements in average FPS and overall gameplay smoothness. However, the impact of hyperthreading remains a subject of debate, as it may provide marginal benefits but incurs additional power consumption.

Best Configuration for CS2

Through extensive testing, it was determined that the optimal configuration for running CS2 is achieved by disabling hyperthreading, utilizing only P cores, and excluding slower E cores. This configuration consistently yielded the highest average frame rates, providing a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CS2 offers a slightly slower yet visually enhanced gaming experience compared to CS:GO on high-performance PCs. The optimal configuration of CS2 involves disabling certain CPU cores and maximizing the utilization of faster cores. However, it is important to evaluate individual system configurations for the best results. CS2 caters to different user preferences, whether performance-oriented or graphics-oriented, and provides a wide range of customizable settings to ensure an enjoyable gameplay experience.

Resources

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