How to change your rates and how to calibrate

Rates ensure that you and the server are connected efficiently and effectively. There are several rates that we will look into which control how much information is sent to and from the server. For this introduction I will assume you know how to open console and type in basic commands. If you don't please refer to our how to enable console tutorial.

I think the best way will be to list the rates I use and explain each one as I go along.


Rate 25000 – This ultimately controls the rate at which data is sent across. You will need a higher rate if you have a better Internet connection. This normally ranges from 15000 (56k modem) to 30000 a fast DSL. A minimum and maximum rate is normal controlled by a server so there is not much point setting these beyond these boundaries.

cl_cmdrate 80 – This controls the amount of packets sent from the server to you, the client. This will tell you where everyone else is. For good connections this should match the tick rate of the server. BG is currently 100 tick but you do also get 33, 66 and 75 tick servers. Unfortunately my Internet isn't the best so I have reduced mine to 80.

cl_updaterate 60– This controls the amount of packets sent from you, the client, to the server. Ideally this should be about ¾ of your cmdrate. This gives you a slight edge as other players I being updated before you are.

cl_interp 0.02 – This should be set between 0.01 and 0.1 and sets the delay in the update. The lower the better, but it should be worked out as so; 1/updaterate. I would recommend just using 0.02 as yours.

fps_max 100 – This controls how many frames per second your system will run. Many modern games can run cs happily at at high fps but if you find that you cant seem to hit anybody I would suggest using this and see if it helps. What max frame rate you use depends on 2 things. What your monitors screen update rate is and what your cmdrate is. The fps you use should be your screen rate + 1, but depending on your rates could limit your cmdrate. If your cmdrate is higher than your refresh then use this + 1 as your max fps.

cl_smooth 1 – Sometimes you will lag fps a second or two but instead of you jumping for that crucial second you can smooth it out for better game play. Setting your smooth to 1 will enable this to happen and make your game seem smoother.

Now you know what the rates are you need to know which ones to use. Unfortunately you will have to do some trial and error to see what rates suit your system and connection best. It also may vary depending on which server you use... but to help you is a nifty tool known as net_graph 3. Type this in your console and you will see a box with several sets of numbers. Your cmd and update rate is represented on the right side above choke with the choke being the lag from your rates. You will always have choke to about 10 at the start of the round but this should be drop to zero. If not then your rates are to high and you should adjust them accordingly. If your rates are zero then I would recommend raising your rates and seeing how far you can push them, meaning a faster connection.

Look out for BG's tutorial on adding a rates script for when you join several servers.

Written by Luflux