Guide to Setting Up CS2 in 4:3 Black Bars or Stretched Mode

If you’re looking to set up Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) in 4:3 aspect ratio, whether it’s black bars or stretched, this guide will walk you through the steps. Whether you’re aiming for that classic feel or just want to try something different, adjusting your screen settings can enhance your gaming experience.

Key Takeaways

  • Access Nvidia Control Panel to adjust screen settings for 4:3 black bars or stretched.
  • Ensure you override scaling settings to maintain your desired display mode.
  • AMD users can find similar options within their own control panels.
How to Play CS2 in 4:3: Black Bars or Stretched Guide

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing CS2 in 4:3

Before diving into the in-game settings, you’ll need to make some adjustments through your Nvidia control panel. This method will allow you to set up your screen either with black bars or stretched. Follow these steps:

1. Open Nvidia Control Panel

Launching NVIDIA Control Panel in Windows.
  • If you have an Nvidia graphics card, find the Nvidia Control Panel by:
    • Right-clicking on the Nvidia settings icon in the system tray.
    • Or, search for “Nvidia Control Panel” from your Windows search bar.

2. Adjust Desktop Size and Position

Once the Nvidia Control Panel is open:

Selecting 'Adjust desktop size and position' in NVIDIA Control Panel.
  • Navigate to the option that says “Adjust desktop size and position.”
  • Here, you’ll have two main options:
    • Aspect Ratio: Choose this for black bars.
    • Full Screen: Select this for a stretched screen.
Change 'Scaling Mode' in NVIDIA Control Panel to 'Aspect Ratio' for Black Bars or 'Full-screen' for Stretched.

3. Set Scaling Preferences

Now that you’ve selected your screen preference, move on to scaling:

Under "Perform scaling on," select Display for smoother scaling.
  • Under “Perform scaling on,” select Display or GPU.
    • Tip: Most users prefer “Display” for smoother scaling.
  • Check the box for “Override the scaling mode set by games and programs.”
    • This ensures that your custom settings will apply correctly when you launch CS2.
Check the box for "Override the scaling mode set by games and programs." in NVIDIA Control Panel.

4. Apply Settings

Apply changes in NVIDIA Control Panel by clicking 'Apply' button.
  • Once you’re happy with your choices, click Apply in the bottom right corner of the Control Panel.
  • Confirm any prompts that pop up, making sure to finalize the changes.
Prompt to confirm applying of changes in NVIDIA Control Panel.

5. Adjust In-Game Settings in CS2

Now that your Nvidia settings are adjusted:

Changing CS2 in game aspect ratio settings from 16:9 to 4:3.
  • Open CS2 and head to the Video Settings section.
  • Set the Aspect Ratio to 4:3.
  • Choose your desired resolution (commonly 1280×960 or 1024×768).
  • Ensure Display Mode is set to Full Screen.
  • Set your Refresh Rate to the highest available option for smoother gameplay.
  • Finally, click on Apply Changes.
CS2 in game aspect ratio settings changed to 4:3.

At this point, depending on whether you selected Aspect Ratio or Full Screen in the Nvidia Control Panel, you should see the desired result: either black bars or a stretched 4:3 screen in CS2.

CS2 with black bars.

AMD Users: What to Do

AMD Software installation 'Adrenaline Edition'.

Unfortunately, this specific guide works only with Nvidia graphics cards. If you’re using an AMD graphics card, you’ll need to adjust similar settings in the AMD control panel:

  • Look for options to change the aspect ratio.
  • Be sure to override any scaling modes set by games or programs.

While the layout might differ slightly, the general steps will be the same. Focus on adjusting the aspect ratio and overriding the default scaling settings for your display.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Can’t Find Nvidia Control Panel

Launching NVIDIA Control Panel in Windows.
  • Ensure your Nvidia drivers are up to date.
  • Reinstall Nvidia drivers if necessary.
  • Try searching for “Nvidia Control Panel” in the Windows search bar.

2. Black Bars Not Appearing

CS2 in game aspect ratio settings changed to 4:3.
  • Double-check that you’ve selected Aspect Ratio in the Nvidia Control Panel.
  • Ensure you’ve overridden the scaling mode set by games in the Control Panel.

3. Stretched Screen Not Working

Selecting 'Full-screen' in NVIDIA Control Panel.
  • Make sure you’ve selected Full Screen in the Nvidia Control Panel.
  • Confirm that your in-game resolution matches the settings applied in the Control Panel.

Conclusion

Screenshot of CS2 with player model holding an AWP.

Playing CS2 in 4:3 with either black bars or stretched can change your gameplay experience, offering a more classic look or wider field of view. Whether you’re using Nvidia or AMD, tweaking your display settings can give you a fresh perspective on the game. Follow this guide to ensure everything is set up correctly, and enjoy your time in CS2!


FAQs

What resolution should I use for 4:3 in CS2?

The most common resolutions for 4:3 in CS2 are 1280×960 and 1024×768. Choose the one that works best for your display and performance.

Will this guide work for AMD users?

This specific guide is tailored for Nvidia users, but AMD users can find similar settings within their own control panel to adjust the aspect ratio and scaling mode.

Why are my changes not applying in CS2?

Ensure that you have checked the box in Nvidia Control Panel that says “Override the scaling mode set by games and programs.” This step is essential to making sure your settings are applied.

Can I switch between black bars and stretched anytime?

Yes, you can switch by going back into the Nvidia Control Panel and adjusting the settings between Aspect Ratio (for black bars) and Full Screen (for stretched).

Does this affect game performance?

Changing your aspect ratio and resolution may slightly impact performance, especially if your system is on the lower end. Stretched resolutions might lower the visual fidelity but can also improve frame rates.

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