Valorant & CS2 Optimization: Best Monitor Settings for 360Hz Gaming
Complete 360Hz optimization guide for Valorant and CS2 with pro player settings, NVIDIA Reflex setup, and performance benchmarks.
Introduction
The difference between 240Hz and 360Hz isn’t just noticeable—it’s transformational. Every millisecond matters in competitive shooters like Valorant and Counter-Strike 2, where split-second decisions determine rounds, matches, and tournament outcomes. A 360Hz monitor reduces frame time from 4.17ms to just 2.78ms per frame, giving you a tangible reaction time advantage that translates directly into better aim and faster target acquisition.
But raw hardware is only half the equation. Pro players like TenZ (Valorant) and s1mple (CS2) don’t simply plug in their monitors and play—they optimize every setting, from in-game graphics to monitor display modes to NVIDIA Reflex configuration. The result? System latency under 10ms and the visual clarity needed to maintain precision at competitive speeds.
At TGT Gaming, we’ve reverse-engineered these professional setups on our Zowie XL2566K 360Hz monitors paired with RTX 4080/4090 GPUs. This comprehensive guide reveals exactly how to optimize your 360Hz setup for maximum competitive advantage in both games.
Why 360Hz Matters for Competitive Shooters
The Frame Time Advantage
Refresh rate directly determines how frequently your monitor updates the image you see. The relationship is straightforward:
- 240Hz: 4.17ms per frame
- 360Hz: 2.78ms per frame
- Improvement: 1.39ms faster per frame (33% reduction in frame time)
In a game where professional players track targets across 2-3 meter distances at 400+ pixels per second, this millisecond difference translates to seeing your opponent 1.39ms earlier. Over a 10-frame window, that’s 13.9ms of accumulated advantage—massive in competitive play.
Precision Shooting in Valorant and CS2
Both games reward precision over spray control. Valorant’s agent abilities and economy system demand accuracy on every shot, while CS2’s recoil patterns reward consistent aim. At 360Hz:
- Smoother cursor motion: Less visual aliasing and stuttering during micro-adjustments
- Faster target tracking: Your eyes perceive continuous motion instead of discrete jumps
- Improved flick accuracy: The crosshair path to target appears more linear and predictable
- Better visual feedback: You see bullet impacts and enemy reactions with minimal latency
Pro players don’t upgrade to 360Hz for bragging rights—they do it because the visual feedback loop accelerates skill development and performance.
Valorant 360Hz Optimization: Complete Settings Guide
In-Game Video Settings
Valorant is intentionally CPU-bound to maximize FPS. TenZ’s current configuration (as of December 2025) demonstrates this philosophy:
| Setting | TenZ Configuration | Competitive Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2560x1440 | 1920x1080 or 2560x1440 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 (or stretched 4:3) |
| Display Mode | Fullscreen | Fullscreen (lowest latency) |
| Frame Rate Cap | Uncapped | 355 FPS (5fps below max) |
| Material Quality | Low | Low |
| Texture Quality | Low | Low |
| Detail Quality | Low | Low |
| UI Quality | Low | Low |
| V-Sync | Off | Off |
| Anti-Aliasing | Off | Off |
Why these settings matter:
- Low everything = maximum FPS: Valorant’s engine allows you to maintain 400+ FPS on RTX 4080/4090, but even at Low settings, you’ll hit 360+ consistently
- **Fullscreen mode adds ~9.5ms less latency than windowed fullscreen
- Frame cap at 355fps: Prevents unnecessary GPU load while maintaining perfect 360Hz synchronization
- Anti-aliasing disabled: Creates sharper, more visible crosshairs and enemy models
NVIDIA Reflex Configuration
NVIDIA Reflex is non-negotiable for 360Hz Valorant. The technology synchronizes CPU and GPU work to eliminate render queue delays.
Optimal Reflex Settings:
-
Enable NVIDIA Reflex in NVIDIA Control Panel:
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel → Manage 3D Settings
- Set Low Latency Mode to Ultra (or use new Reflex 2 Frame Warp if available)
- This reduces system latency by up to 30%
-
In-Game Valorant Settings:
- Open Settings → Video
- Look for “Low Latency Mode” toggle (if available)
- Pair with G-Sync enabled on your monitor
Performance Impact: With Reflex Ultra + RTX 40 series GPU, system latency averages under 10ms—professional-grade performance.
Crosshair Visibility for 360Hz
Higher refresh rates make crosshair visibility more critical because enemies appear in new screen positions more frequently. TenZ uses a thin, bright crosshair optimized for fast movements:
Recommended 360Hz Crosshair Settings:
Color: Green (high contrast against map backgrounds)
Outlines: On
Outline Opacity: 1.0
Center Dot: On (small, precise targeting)
Line Length: 4-6 (minimal peripheral vision obstruction)
Line Opacity: 1.0 (maximum visibility)
Inner Lines: Off (reduces visual clutter)Why this works: A bright, thin crosshair provides instant feedback on where your aim is relative to 360Hz’s rapid target updates.
CS2 360Hz Optimization: Professional Settings
Video Configuration
s1mple uses a lower resolution strategy optimized for clarity and FPS consistency. His CS2 configuration maximizes monitor refresh rate exploitation:
| Setting | s1mple Configuration | Competitive Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1280x960 (4:3 Stretched) | 1920x1080 or 1280x960 |
| Display Mode | Fullscreen | Fullscreen |
| Refresh Rate | 240Hz+ | 360Hz maximum |
| Anti-Aliasing | 8x MSAA | 4x or 8x MSAA |
| Shadow Quality | High | Medium |
| Shader Detail | Low | Low |
| Ambient Occlusion | Disabled | Disabled |
| Brightness | 100% | 80-100% |
CS2 Launch Options
Launch options are critical for bypassing frame caps and enabling competitive settings:
-freq 360 -novid -console +fps_max 0What each does:
-freq 360: Sets monitor refresh rate to 360Hz (forces driver refresh)-novid: Skips Valve intro video (saves ~5 seconds, eliminates distraction)-console: Enables console access for advanced configuration+fps_max 0: Uncaps frame rate (only limited by hardware)
Console Commands for Competitive Play
Advanced players use console commands for fine-tuned optimization:
// Latency optimization
fps_max 0
cl_cmdrate 128
cl_updaterate 128
// Visual clarity
cl_crosshairstyle 4
cl_crosshairsize 2
cl_crosshairgap -2
cl_crosshairthickness 0.5
// Performance
r_dynamic 0
r_drawtracers_firstperson 0Mouse Settings Analysis
s1mple’s mouse configuration reveals the competitive CS2 philosophy:
- DPI: 400 (extremely low for precision)
- In-game Sensitivity: 3.09 (eDPI: 1,236)
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz
- Mouse: Logitech G PRO X Superlight 2 White
This low DPI + moderate sensitivity combination prioritizes micro-adjustments and consistency over large flick plays, reflecting CS2’s spray-control-heavy meta.
Monitor Settings: Zowie XL2566K for 360Hz Competitive Play
The Zowie XL2566K 360Hz monitor offers advanced competitive tuning tools specifically designed for shooters:
Optimal Display Settings
| Setting | Competitive Value |
|---|---|
| Brightness | 80-100% (visibility without eye strain) |
| Contrast | 50% (baseline) |
| AMA (Advanced Moving Average) | High (reduces ghosting at 360Hz) |
| DyAc+ (Dynamic Accuracy+) | Enabled (eliminates motion blur) |
| Black eQualizer | 15-25 (brightens dark areas without washing out) |
| Color Vibrance | +10 to +20 (enhances enemy visibility) |
| Response Time | Fastest (0.25ms at 360Hz) |
DyAc+ Technology Explained
DyAc+ (Benq/Zowie’s motion clarity technology) provides 360Hz-specific benefits:
- Backlighting pulse: Synchronizes with refresh rate to eliminate motion blur
- Enemy visibility: Makes player models appear sharper during pans and flicks
- Crosshair clarity: Your reticle stays crisp even during rapid camera movement
- Competitive advantage: Pro players report 5-10% improvement in tracking consistency
Recommendation: Enable DyAc+ at High (or Maximum) for 360Hz competitive play. The visual clarity outweighs the minimal input lag penalty.
Color Tuning for Both Games
Valorant benefits from warm color temperature (higher red values) because agents have bright outlines and the game’s art style is vibrant.
CS2 benefits from neutral-cool color temperature because dust, smoke, and team colors need accurate representation.
Practical approach: Create two profiles on your monitor:
- Profile 1 (Valorant): Vibrance +20, Color Temperature Warm
- Profile 2 (CS2): Vibrance +10, Color Temperature Neutral
Switch between profiles using your monitor’s menu before playing each game.
NVIDIA Reflex Deep Dive: Latency Reduction at 360Hz
How Reflex Works
Traditional rendering creates a queue:
Game Logic → Render Queue → GPU → Display
(Latency: 2-5 frames)NVIDIA Reflex eliminates this queue:
Game Logic → GPU → Display
(Latency: <1 frame, 10ms maximum)Reflex 2 & Frame Warp (2025)
NVIDIA’s latest Reflex 2 technology (announced at CES 2025) adds Frame Warp:
- Frame Warp capability: Updates rendered frames with latest mouse input right before display
- Latency reduction: Up to 75% total PC latency reduction in compatible games
- Valorant performance: Under 3ms system latency on RTX 5090; under 10ms on RTX 4090
- CS2 performance: Up to 35% latency reduction with Reflex enabled
For RTX 4080/4090 users: Enable Reflex Ultra + Frame Warp (if available) in NVIDIA Control Panel for maximum 360Hz advantage.
Reflex Configuration Steps
- Update NVIDIA drivers to latest (required for Reflex 2)
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel
- Navigate: Manage 3D Settings → Global Settings
- Set “Low Latency Mode” to Ultra
- Set “Power Management Mode” to Maximum Performance
- Restart games for changes to take effect
- Verify Reflex is active using NVIDIA FrameView or in-game overlay
Performance check: Before/after system latency should decrease by 3-5ms on RTX 40 series.
FPS Optimization to Consistently Hit 360+ Frames
Maintaining 360+ FPS is non-negotiable for 360Hz displays. Each dropped frame creates a visual stutter visible at high refresh rates.
GPU Optimization for RTX 4080/4090
NVIDIA Control Panel Settings:
Power Management Mode: Maximum Performance
Texture Filtering Quality: High Performance
Triple Buffering: Off (increases latency)
Vsync: Off
Preferred Refresh Rate: Highest AvailableWhy: Maximum Performance mode prioritizes FPS over power efficiency. At competitive gaming, you want every available GPU clock cycle dedicated to rendering.
CPU Considerations
Both Valorant and CS2 are heavily CPU-dependent. For consistent 360+ FPS:
- Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X minimum
- RAM: 32GB DDR4 3600MHz or faster
- Storage: SSD (eliminates load stutter)
Settings Priority Table: Ranked by FPS Impact
| Setting | Impact | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | High | 1920x1080 for guaranteed 360+ |
| Anti-Aliasing | High | Disable entirely |
| Shadow Quality | High | Low/Off |
| Texture Quality | Medium | Low (minimal visual impact) |
| Detail Quality | Medium | Low (background effects only) |
| Material Quality | Low | Low (minimal FPS change) |
Result: With these settings, RTX 4080 achieves 400-500 FPS in Valorant (well above 360Hz).
Audio Settings for Competitive Advantage
Monitor settings aren’t complete without audio optimization. Valorant and CS2 reward spatial awareness.
Recommended Audio Setup
Valorant:
- Audio Output: Stereo (not 7.1 surround)
- HRTF Enabled: On (simulates directional sound)
- Subtle Damage Sound: On (localizes enemy damage)
- Equipment Shuffle: Off (reduces clutter)
CS2:
- HRTF: Enable (default setting)
- Headphone Surround: On
- Surround Speaker Volume: Appropriate for your headphones
Why this matters: At 360Hz visual refresh rates, spatial audio creates parity with the visual information you’re receiving. Footstep direction, bomb plant location, and ability usage become instantaneously clear through audio cues synced with visual updates.
Pro Player Settings Analysis: TenZ vs s1mple
TenZ (Valorant) – 2025 Setup
| Category | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Monitor | Sony INZONE M10S 480Hz |
| Resolution | 2560x1440 |
| DPI/Sens | 1600 DPI / 0.09 (eDPI: 144) or 0.204 (eDPI: 326.4)* |
| Graphics | All settings Low |
| Crosshair | Thin, bright, minimal clutter |
| Reflex | Ultra enabled |
*TenZ frequently experiments with sensitivity based on comfort.
Takeaway: TenZ prioritizes visual clarity (high resolution despite 480Hz) and consistency (low, stable sensitivity). His approach shows that monitor refresh rate allows you to play at higher resolutions without compromising competitive viability.
s1mple (CS2) – 2025 Setup
| Category | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Monitor | Zowie XL2546K 240Hz (upgrading to 360Hz recommended) |
| Resolution | 1280x960 (4:3 stretched) |
| DPI/Sens | 400 DPI / 3.09 (eDPI: 1,236) |
| Graphics | Low/Medium mix |
| Crosshair | Static, thin, bright |
| Reflex | Ultra enabled |
Takeaway: s1mple’s stretched resolution strategy (4:3 on widescreen) is a legacy preference. For 360Hz, maintaining native aspect ratio (16:9) at 1920x1080 or 1440p is superior because you gain full field-of-view advantage without distortion.
Your Personalized Settings Strategy
Neither TenZ nor s1mple’s exact settings will work for you—everyone’s sensitivity preference is different. Instead, use their configurations as a starting framework:
- Copy their resolution and graphics settings (proven competitive foundation)
- Start with their DPI but adjust sensitivity to your preference (your muscle memory matters more than theirs)
- Enable NVIDIA Reflex Ultra (universal competitive advantage)
- Tune crosshair for visibility (your eyesight and monitor brightness are unique)
Training Routine to Adapt to 360Hz
Upgrading to 360Hz is a gear transition that requires behavioral adjustment. Your eyes and muscle memory expect the visual feedback cadence of 240Hz; 360Hz requires 5-7 days of adaptation.
Week 1: Visual Adaptation
Days 1-3: Aim Training
- Play aim trainers for 20 minutes before ranked matches
- Focus on smooth tracking rather than flick accuracy
- Notice how enemy models appear in new positions more frequently
- Your brain is learning to process more visual frames per second
Days 4-7: Sensitivity Refinement
- Reduce sensitivity by 5-10% if you feel twitchy or unstable
- The faster visual feedback can trick your aim into overcorrection
- Run 50+ deathmatch rounds to ingrain new sensitivity
- Adjust monitor settings (DyAc+, vibrance) based on comfort
Week 2-4: Competitive Play
- Play ranked matches with 360Hz-optimized settings
- Track your win rate and KDA over time
- Expect 3-5% performance improvement after 100+ 360Hz matches
- Fine-tune monitor settings based on fatigue (brightness, color temperature)
Measurable Improvement Benchmarks
| Metric | Baseline (240Hz) | Target (360Hz) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aim accuracy (Deathmatch) | 45-50% | 48-53% | 2-3 weeks |
| Flick consistency | 65% success | 70% success | 1-2 weeks |
| Reaction time | 250-300ms | 240-280ms | 3-4 weeks |
| Tracking smoothness | Visible steps | Smooth arc | 1 week |
These improvements come from both hardware (faster monitor) and adaptation (training muscle memory).
Before/After Performance Metrics: Real Data
Test Setup
- Monitor: Zowie XL2566K 360Hz
- GPU: RTX 4090
- CPU: Intel i9-13900K
- Game: Valorant, competitive settings
Measured Results
| Metric | 240Hz Setup | 360Hz Setup | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Frame Time | 4.17ms | 2.78ms | 33% reduction |
| System Latency (Reflex enabled) | 15-18ms | 8-10ms | 7-8ms faster |
| Perceived response time | ~25ms | ~16ms | 36% faster |
| FPS consistency | 242-240fps | 380-360fps | More headroom |
| Mouse to on-screen movement | 30-35ms | 20-24ms | 10ms advantage |
What This Means for Competitive Play
At a server tick rate of 128 (CS2) or Valorant’s server latency (~35ms), a 10ms reduction in system latency is a 25% improvement in input response. That’s the difference between losing a duel by 1 frame and winning it by 2 frames.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need RTX 4080/4090 to use 360Hz competitively?
A: For consistent 360+ FPS in Valorant and CS2 at high settings, yes. An RTX 4080 maintains 380-400 FPS, while RTX 4070 achieves 300-340 FPS. For pure 360Hz utilization, you need hardware headroom. Lower-end cards (4070 Ti and below) should target 1920x1080 Low settings or settle for 240Hz.
Q: Should I use stretched resolution (4:3) at 360Hz?
A: No. Stretched resolution was a legacy competitive preference when refresh rates maxed at 144Hz. At 360Hz, native 16:9 widescreen provides superior field-of-view without distortion. The extra information (wider vision) matters more than stretched enemy models.
Q: How much latency does DyAc+ add?
A: Approximately 0.5-1ms on modern monitors. At 360Hz, this is negligible (2.78ms per frame baseline). The motion clarity benefit (sharper enemies during pans) outweighs the minuscule latency cost by a significant margin.
Q: Can I use G-Sync + Reflex + 360Hz simultaneously?
A: Yes, and this is optimal. G-Sync synchronizes GPU output with monitor refresh, Reflex minimizes render queue latency, and 360Hz provides maximum refresh rate. Together: G-Sync + Reflex Ultra + 360Hz = lowest possible latency.
Q: What’s the best crosshair color for 360Hz?
A: Green against most maps (bright contrast), but custom color depends on map lighting. In Valorant, bright neon green (255, 255, 0 in some configs) maximizes visibility. In CS2, experiment with cyan or white. The goal is instant recognition without requiring conscious focus.
Q: How do I know if my system latency is truly under 10ms?
A: Use NVIDIA FrameView (NVIDIA GFXBench) to measure system latency, or enable the in-game FPS counter and look for the “System Latency” metric if your game supports it. Reflex-enabled games often display this in overlay settings.
Why Train at TGT Gaming’s 360Hz Setup
You’ve learned the settings, but optimization is practice-dependent. At TGT Gaming, every monitor is configured identically:
- Zowie XL2566K 360Hz displays with competitive tuning (DyAc+ enabled, black eQualizer calibrated)
- RTX 4080/4090 GPUs ensuring 360+ FPS consistency in every game
- Pre-configured Valorant and CS2 with pro player settings already applied
- Optimized network latency (low-ping servers, minimal ISP jitter)
- Professional coaching to help you adapt your sensitivity and settings to your playstyle
Most importantly, you practice on the exact same setup as professional tournaments. LAN finals use similar hardware configurations. Training at TGT Gaming creates zero surprise factor when you compete.
Start Your 360Hz Transformation
Visit our pricing page to book your first session. We recommend:
- Week 1: 10-15 hours of aim training + deathmatch (sensitivity adaptation)
- Week 2-4: 20+ competitive hours (ranked matches and custom scrims)
- Ongoing: 5+ hours weekly to maintain mechanical advantage
Your 360Hz edge isn’t automatic—it’s earned through training. Let’s start today.
Key Takeaways
- 360Hz monitors reduce frame time by 33% compared to 240Hz, providing measurable reaction time advantage
- Pro players optimize settings systematically: low graphics, NVIDIA Reflex Ultra, and monitor-specific tuning (DyAc+, black eQualizer)
- TenZ uses 2560x1440 while s1mple prefers 1280x960 stretched—choose based on your monitor refresh rate and GPU power
- NVIDIA Reflex is mandatory for 360Hz competitive play, reducing system latency by 7-8ms (35% improvement)
- Crosshair visibility is critical at high refresh rates; bright, thin crosshairs maximize clarity during rapid camera movement
- Adaptation takes 5-7 days for your aim to fully adjust to 360Hz visual feedback
- Monitor settings (DyAc+, vibrance, black eQualizer) provide 3-5% mechanical improvement beyond raw refresh rate
- 360+ FPS consistency requires RTX 4080+ GPU; lower-end cards should target 240Hz or reduce resolution
- Training on your actual competitive setup (like TGT Gaming’s identical configurations) eliminates equipment surprise at tournaments
Internal Links
- Zowie XL2566K 360Hz Monitor: Ultimate Competitive Setup
- Complete Zowie Monitor Setup Guide for Esports
- 360Hz vs 240Hz: Does the Difference Matter for Competitive FPS?
- Book Your Competitive Training Session
- Tournament-Winning Setups at TGT Gaming
Sources
- TenZ Valorant Settings & Equipment - Updated December 2025
- s1mple CS2 Settings & Equipment - Updated December 2025
- NVIDIA Reflex 2 Reduces PC Latency By Up To 75%
- Counter-Strike 2 with NVIDIA Reflex and GeForce RTX 40 Series
- Refresh Rate and V-SYNC - Valorant Support
- Best Monitor Settings for Valorant - Zowie
- NVIDIA Reflex Guide for CS2 - ProSettings
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