DisplayTuneHow to set up your monitor for CS2
An expensive monitor will not help if it runs at 60 Hz with grey blacks. Go through these checks in order — plenty of players have spent years with the wrong settings.
1. Refresh rate
- Windows: Settings → System → Display → Advanced display → choose the highest refresh rate.
- NVIDIA Control Panel: Change resolution → the refresh rate must be at maximum there too.
- Set the same refresh rate in CS2 video settings.
2. RGB range
Over HDMI, the GPU sometimes outputs a "limited" 16–235 range: blacks turn grey and colors look washed out. Switch to full range — step-by-step guide.
3. Monitor features
| Feature | Found on | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Black eQualizer | BenQ Zowie | Lifts dark areas without blowing out bright ones |
| Color Vibrance | BenQ Zowie | Saturation inside the monitor |
| Black Stabilizer | LG | Similar to Black eQualizer |
| Shadow Boost | ASUS | Similar, for shadows |
| Overdrive / Response Time | Most monitors | Pixel overdrive: medium level without ghosting |
Monitor features work globally. DisplayTune gives you the same things — saturation and shadow lift — as a per-game profile, so your desktop stays normal.
4. Color in Windows and the driver
- Turn off Night light while playing — it tints the picture yellow.
- Saturation: 150–170% (the "CS2 — Esports" preset).
- On an HDR monitor, play CS2 in SDR — Windows HDR often makes SDR games look duller.
5. Resolution
Many players use stretched 4:3 (for example 1280×960) for bigger models. DisplayTune color profiles work at any resolution and in any display mode.
Ready-made presets for CS2, Valorant, Apex, Fortnite, PUBG, Call of Duty, Overwatch 2 and more: the profile turns on when the game starts and turns off when you leave. Saturation up to 350%, NVIDIA, AMD and Intel. First day free.
Try it freePricing — from 200 RUBWant to see how it looks first? Load your own screenshot into the free Vibrance simulator →
Frequently asked questions
What refresh rate should I use for CS2?
The maximum your monitor supports — in Windows, in the driver panel and in the game itself.
What is Black eQualizer?
A BenQ Zowie monitor feature that brightens shadows without touching bright areas. LG (Black Stabilizer) and ASUS (Shadow Boost) have similar features.
Why are blacks grey on my monitor?
Most often the GPU outputs a limited RGB range. Enable full range in the driver panel.