How to Get 144Hz in CS2 on RX 9070 XT

Quick Answer

To hit 144Hz in CS2 on an RX 9070 XT, set your in-game resolution to 1080p, switch the render scale to 100%, cap your frame rate using CS2's built-in limiter, and ensure your monitor is connected via DisplayPort with a 144Hz refresh rate selected in Windows display settings. The RX 9070 XT is more than capable of sustaining well above 144fps in CS2 at 1080p on a modern South African gaming rig.

Setting Up Your Display and Driver for 144Hz

Before you touch CS2 settings, your display pipeline needs to be correct. Connect your monitor to your RX 9070 XT using a DisplayPort cable, not HDMI, as older HDMI versions cap out below 144Hz on some panels. Once connected, right-click your Windows desktop, open Display Settings, scroll to Advanced Display, and confirm the refresh rate reads 144Hz or higher. If it shows 60Hz, drop down the refresh rate selector and choose the correct value.

On the AMD driver side, open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition and check that Enhanced Sync or FreeSync is configured for your monitor. If your display supports FreeSync Premium, enabling it in the AMD control panel will help eliminate tearing during the moments CS2 dips slightly below your target frame rate. Keep your AMD driver updated as AMD has pushed several CS2-specific optimisations since the RX 9070 XT launched.

CS2 In-Game Settings for Maximum Frame Rate

Inside CS2, open Settings and navigate to Video. Set your resolution to 1920x1080 (or your monitor's native resolution if it differs). Set the Display Mode to Fullscreen, not Windowed Fullscreen, as exclusive fullscreen reduces input latency. Under Advanced Video Settings, pull Texture Detail to High (the RX 9070 XT has the VRAM headroom), but set Shadow Quality to Medium and Particle Detail to Low since these tank frame rates without adding competitive visibility.

CS2 has a built-in frame rate limiter. Set it to 200fps or higher if you want headroom above 144fps, ensuring the GPU stays busy and the frame pacing is consistent. Many South African CS2 players on 144Hz monitors target 200-300fps to keep 1% lows well above 144fps even during smoke-heavy firefights. With the RX 9070 XT at 1080p, this is achievable without overclocking.

Troubleshooting: Why You Might Still See 60Hz

If CS2 still renders at 60fps despite your settings, check these common causes. First, confirm Windows is not in a battery saver or power plan that limits GPU performance. Go to Power Options and set the plan to High Performance. Second, check that no secondary monitor set to 60Hz is designated as the primary display. CS2 will sometimes lock to the refresh rate of the primary monitor.

If you are using AMD's Virtual Super Resolution feature, disable it while gaming in CS2. It can interfere with refresh rate detection on certain display configurations. South African gamers running a KVM switch or capture card should also ensure those devices are not downsampling the signal to 60Hz before it reaches the monitor.

FAQ

Can the RX 9070 XT maintain 144fps in CS2 at 1080p?

Yes. The RX 9070 XT is a high-performance GPU that comfortably exceeds 144fps in CS2 at 1080p with competitive settings. Most players report average frame rates well above 200fps, with 1% lows staying above 144fps.

Do I need a DisplayPort cable or will HDMI work?

DisplayPort is recommended for 144Hz and above. HDMI 2.0 supports 144Hz at 1080p, but DisplayPort is more reliable across all monitor brands. Check your monitor's spec sheet if you are using HDMI.

Should I enable Radeon Anti-Lag for CS2?

Radeon Anti-Lag can reduce input latency in CPU-bound scenarios. It is generally safe to enable in CS2 and may slightly improve the feel of the mouse at high frame rates. Test with and without it to see which feels better on your system.