Can You Play CS2 (CSGO) Without A Graphics Card? [Answered]

The answer is yes: playing CS2 (CSGO) without a graphics card is possible. However, it is not recommended, and you will need to meet some requirements to run CS2 (CSGO) without one.

What are the Hardware Requirements for CS2 (CSGO)?

With a lack of a graphics card, you will need some minimum specifications to run CS2 (CSGO) without a graphics card.

CPU With Integrated Graphics

Though a graphics card is a vital component to running CS2 (CSGO) smoothly, a decent CPU should be able to substitute the graphics card to help you play CS2 (CSGO) without one. The key factor we’re looking for in a CPU is integrated graphics.

If you want to play games like CS2 (CSGO) without a graphics card, you will need a CPU that supports integrated graphics. Integrated graphics are essentially a mini GPU that is built into the processor. You can find integrated graphics processors on laptops or certain AMD or Intel processors.

We can recommend CPUs that have integrated graphics and can run CS2 (CSGO):

• For Intel users, we recommend getting the Intel i5-12600K UHD Graphics 770 or higher. The UHD Graphics 770 will act as the integrated graphics and allow you to play CS2 (CSGO) without a graphics card. However, this is probably the lowest Intel HD Graphics CPU you can get to play CS2 (CSGO), so try to get higher-end options for better performance.

• For AMD users, the lowest you should go is getting the Ryzen 5 5600G Vega 7. In this case, the Vega 7 will act as the integrated graphics. Keep in mind this won’t guarantee good performance, and you should look for a more recent version of AMD processors for the best experience.

So, using integrated graphics makes playing CS2 (CSGO) without dedicated graphics cards possible. However, we are only suggesting the bare minimum with the recommendations above.

With those recommendations, you will get around 20-40 frames per second, which isn’t the greatest. These processors have been out for multiple years, and you can always look for the latest version, but they will be pricier.

At Least 8 GB Of RAM

By using integrated graphics instead of a dedicated graphics card, the integrated graphics will eat through your RAM.

In CS2 (CSGO)’s system requirements, the game demands a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, and that’s with a graphics card included. You can imagine that your computer will struggle with the bare minimum if you are using integrated graphics instead of a GPU.

Therefore, we highly recommend getting 16 GB of RAM instead of 8. It is still possible to run CS2 (CSGO) with 8 GB of RAM and integrated graphics, but the results won’t be too pleasing.

With 16 GB of RAM, your computer will be prevented from running into performance bottlenecks and avoid slowdowns and stuttering. Getting more RAM can also fix issues like CS2 (CSGO) not launching.

Making Sure Your Game Is Optimized

Hardware aside, it's crucial that you optimize CS2 (CSGO) to boost much-needed performance. Here are a few things you can do.

Play On Lowest Video Settings

CS2 (CSGO) is relatively heavier than its predecessor, CSGO. Playing CS2 (CSGO) without a graphics card makes it almost impossible to have smooth performances with high video settings.

When playing without a graphics card, regardless of how good your processor is and how much RAM you have, you must sacrifice your graphics settings and turn them down.

We highly recommend playing on the lowest possible video settings, as you will need it to play CS2 (CSGO) as smoothly as possible.

To lower down your video settings, follow the steps below:

1. Launch CS2 (CSGO)

2. Click on the Settings menu

3. Head over to Video

4. Click on Advanced Video

5. Change every video setting to the lowest one

In addition to lowering down your video settings, you can increase your frames per second with CS2 (CSGO) performance commands and launch options.

Ensure DirectX Is Updated

In CS2 (CSGO)’s system requirements, DirectX is another relevant factor to how well you can run CS2 (CSGO). The CS2 (CSGO) store page mentions that you will need a minimum DirectX version of 11, with the most recent version being 12. Updating DirectX can also fix CS2 (CSGO) Lock Vertex Buffer issues.

You want to make sure your DirectX is updated to version 12. First, you will have to check what version you’re on:

1. Hit your Windows key and type in dxdiag

2. You will open up the DirectX Diagnostic Tool

3. At the bottom of the System Information menu, you will see your DirectX version

If your DirectX version is not at 12, you can update it by following the steps:

1. Go to this link, which leads you to the official Microsoft website

2. When on the website, press the Download button

3. The latest version of DirectX will start downloading

4. After it is downloaded, follow the on-screen installation instructions