Can I Run Counter-Strike Global Offensive? Minimum and Recommended PC Requirements

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Can I run CSGO?

CSGO (Counter-Strike Global Offensive) was released back in 2012. Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment developed this third-person shooter game.

If you are a fan of third-person shooter games, then trust us, this game must be a treat for you. Make sure you check it out, but before that, look at the minimum and recommended PC needs to run it smoothly.

Counter-Strike Global Offensive: Minimum System Requirements

This game does not require any of those outstanding PC features. Even a computer or laptop of the late 2000s can run it.

Minimum Requirements for Windows OS

CPUAMD Phenom™ X3 8750 or Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6600 processor or better
RAM2 GB
StorageUp to 15 GB
GPUThe video card must be 256 MB or more, and it must support Pixel Shader 3.0
Operating SystemWindows XP
DirectX VersionVersion 9.0c

Yes, you read it right. A game like CSGO, which is still considered one of the top competitive games in 2023, does not require your PC to be a beast.

Any decent computer or laptop can run it.

The required specifications for laptops are the same as Windows desktops.

Minimum Requirements for MAC OS

CPUIntel Core Duo Processor (2GHz)
RAM2 GB
StorageUp to 15 GB
GPUNvidia 8600M or better / ATI Radeon HD 2400 or better
Operating System macOS X 10.11

Any MAC-operated machine with the requirements mentioned above will easily support the game.

Counter-Strike Global Offensive: Recommended System Requirements

Even though there are not any official recommended requirements to run CSGO from Valve. But you do not have to worry, and we have your back.

The requirements mentioned below should be able to provide you with 120 frames or more on high settings at 1080p resolution.

CPUIntel Core i5-3470
RAM4 GB
StorageUp to 15 GB
GPUNvidia GTX 960
Operating System64-bit Windows 10 Updated
Resolution1080p

The specifications mentioned above are more than recommended. Such specs will make you have a buttery smooth experience.

If you are struggling to know whether your current PC can run CSGO or not, then start by looking at the specifications of your current PC.

Get the specs and models of your CPU, GPU, and other necessary components and compare them with the minimum and recommended requirements mentioned above.

By that, you will be able to know whether you can run the game or not. If not, you must consider buying a new gaming PC or upgrading the current one.

Which Gaming Laptop/PC do we recommend for this game?

Which gaming PC or Laptop can run CSGO

You don’t need a high-end gaming laptop or Gaming PC for this game.

Please can build a PC for under $300 for this game, and you can find that build in this guide.

For the laptop, you don’t need a specific gaming laptop. A laptop with a Celeron processor can also run this game under low graphics settings.

CS: GO Gameplay

A usual decent game of CSGO starts with 2 teams having equal players in both, Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists.

A competitive match has 30 rounds. Everyone gets a basic pistol for free and $800 in-game in the first round. You can buy armor or grenades or better pistols according to your choice.

If you win the round, you get more money in-game, which gets used to buying better weapons and equipment.

The game’s basic concept revolves around Terrorists planting bombs and Counter-Terrorists defusing those bombs.

Terrorists have to plant a bomb at one of the bomb sites on a map. There are usually 2 bomb sites on a good competitive map. On the other hand, Counter-Terrorists try not to allow them to plant the bomb by camping at the bomb sites.

A round consists of a few minutes. If terrorists fail to plant the bomb within the time, counter-terrorists will automatically win the round. This is the primary objective of the game.

If you are more of a chill player and this sounds hectic, you can also try Deathmatch, where you do not need to think of any bomb or gun.

You can get a gun of your choice and fight with enemies. This is a great way to improve your skills in CSGO.

CSGO Twitch Streamers

CSGO is available on Steam, and it’s free. Enjoy playing CSGO!

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Luqman Khan

Luqman is the founder of cliffyB.com and an obsessed gamer! Overseeing the site's coverage of gaming hardware and software. He is also the founder of a Computer Gaming Lounge. He has been into gaming and PC Building since 2009. He is also obsessed with DOTA 2 and Rainbow Six Siege.