Counter-Strike 2 is one of the most optimized esports titles available, meaning you don’t need an expensive rig to achieve the high frame rates that give you a competitive edge. Many Balkan pros (like NiKo, hunter-, or m0NESY in spirit) play on low settings anyway to maximize FPS, minimize input lag, and improve visibility. A solid low-end build can easily deliver 250-400+ FPS at 1080p (or 4:3 stretched resolutions) on competitive settings, which is more than enough for smooth gameplay on a 144Hz or 240Hz monitor.
This low-end recommendation targets a budget of ~$600-700 USD (prices as of February 2026, approximate and fluctuating – check PCPartPicker, Amazon, Newegg, or local retailers in the Balkans like Links.ba, Tehnomanija, or Gigatron for regional deals). The focus is on value, upgradeability, and strong esports performance.
Recommended Low-End Build (~$668 USD Total)
| Component | Recommendation | Approx. Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (6 cores, includes stock cooler) | $90-100 | Excellent price-to-performance for CS2 – strong single-core speed for high FPS. Zen 3 architecture handles the game effortlessly. |
| Motherboard | ASRock B550M-HDV | $70 | Budget-friendly AM4 board with PCIe 4.0 support for future upgrades. Basic but reliable. |
| RAM | 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 | $50-60 | Dual-channel is a must – 16GB prevents stutters in CS2 and multitasking (Discord, browser, etc.). |
| GPU | Intel Arc B570 10GB (or alternative: GTX 1650 / RX 6500 XT used) | $200 | Great budget option for 1080p esports. Delivers high FPS in CS2 with Vulkan support. ReBAR enabled for extra performance. Alternatives if Arc drivers concern you. |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD (e.g., Crucial P310 or similar) | $60-70 | Fast load times and quick map switching – essential for competitive play. 500GB is fine if tighter budget. |
| Power Supply | 550W 80+ Bronze (e.g., Lian Li or Corsair) | $50 | Reliable and efficient – plenty of headroom. |
| Case | Budget mesh case with good airflow (e.g., BitFenix Nova or similar) | $40-50 | Prioritize airflow over RGB to keep temps low and FPS stable. |
| Total | ~$660-700 | DIY build – easy for beginners. |
Expected Performance in CS2
1080p Low/Competitive Settings: 300-500 FPS average (higher on lightweight maps like Dust2, lower on heavy ones like Ancient). 4:3 Stretched Resolution (popular among pros): Even higher FPS and better perceived responsiveness. Easily handles 144Hz or 240Hz monitors without issues. Bonus: This build also runs Valorant, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and lighter AAA titles at playable frames.
Why This Build Works Great for CS2
CS2 is CPU-bound in competitive scenarios, so the Ryzen 5 5500 shines. 16GB RAM avoids background process bottlenecks. Discrete GPU ensures consistent frames over integrated graphics (though a Ryzen APU like 5600G could save ~$150 if you’re on an ultra-tight budget). Platform is upgradeable – drop in a better GPU or CPU later without replacing everything.
Tips for Balkan Builders
- Look for used parts on local sites (e.g., OLX.ba, Njuskalo.hr) to drop the price to ~€500-600.
- Windows 11 is recommended, but Linux (e.g., Bazzite) can give extra FPS on Intel Arc GPUs.
- Pair with a budget 144Hz monitor (~$100-150) like AOC 24G2 or similar for the full experience.
This setup will get you ranking up without breaking the bank. Let me know if you want tweaks (e.g., even cheaper APU-only version) or when you’re ready for the mid-range build next!