PC Graphics

[lccald]

Hey everyone,

I'm facing a frustrating issue after switching from NVIDIA to AMD.

I’ve always played CS2 in 1024x768 with black bars, and it worked perfectly with my previous NVIDIA GPU. After switching to an RX 6900 XT and using the same Alienware AW2521HF (240Hz) monitor via DisplayPort, black bars no longer work — the image is always stretched, no matter what I do.

Here's what I've tried:

• GPU Scaling = ON
• Scaling Mode = Preserve Aspect Ratio / Centered
• Resolution = 1024x768 created via CRU (CVT-RB)
• Game running in Fullscreen
• Monitor OSD = 1:1 aspect ratio
• Tested at 240Hz, 144Hz, 75Hz and even 60Hz :right_arrow: No difference — still stretched

Oddly, black bars work at:

• 1280x1024 @ 240Hz (but it’s 5:4, not 4:3 — not ideal for CS)

Bottom line:

1024x768 black bars are completely broken on AMD, regardless of refresh rate.
NVIDIA works fine under the exact same conditions.

Anyone has a workaround? Driver tweak? EDID mod?
Please help — I can’t play CS without this res.
Thanks!

[qwertago]

Hello, I had the same problem. I found solution in comments on YT video. Try "-vulkan" launch option in CS2 settings in steam client. Worked for me, hopefully It helps you too. 

[qwertago]

forgot to include my settings:

• GPU Scaling = OFF (works when ON too, dunno why, mb the -vulkan command overrides GPU?)
• Scaling Mode = Preserve Aspect Ratio
• Resolution = 1280X1024 (works at 1024x768 too) 
• Game running in Fullscreen 4:3 black bars