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Every FREAKHOSTING Counter-Strike 1.6 server starts with +sys_ticrate 1200 and -pingboost 3, so it already runs as a “1000 FPS” server; you don’t need to set anything. SYS_TICRATE is read-only on the Startup page, and PINGBOOST accepts 1 to 3. The network rates are in cstrike/server.cfg: sv_maxrate 100000, sv_minrate 25000 and sv_maxupdaterate 102.

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What is sys_ticrate in CS 1.6?

sys_ticrate is the GoldSrc server’s frame rate limit: how many times per second the server may run its game loop. A “1000 FPS server” is one whose sys_ticrate lets it run around 1000 frames per second, so it can process player input and send updates with less delay. On your server the start command contains +sys_ticrate 1200, and server.cfg also has the line sys_ticrate 1200. The value is fixed on our Game Panel: SYS_TICRATE shows 1200 and is read-only. Leave the server.cfg line at 1200 as well.

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What does pingboost do?

-pingboost is a start option for the Half-Life dedicated server. Valve’s description: it “Selects between optimized HLDS network code stack”, and setting it to 2 “usually reduces latency toward 1ms without loss of activity input packets.” It takes 1, 2 or 3. Your server uses 3.

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How to change PINGBOOST

1

Open Startup

In the Game Panel, open Startup (startup variables).
2

Set PINGBOOST

Type 1, 2 or 3 in PINGBOOST.
3

Restart

Restart the server. Start options only apply when the server starts.
If you aren’t sure, leave it at 3.

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What do the rate settings do?

Players set their side with rate, cl_updaterate and cl_cmdrate in their game console. The server limits keep them within a range your server can handle.

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How to change the rates

1

Open server.cfg

In Files, open cstrike/server.cfg. These lines aren’t on the Game settings page.
2

Edit the values

For example:
3

Save and restart

Save the file and restart the server.
The defaults suit most servers. Lowering sv_maxupdaterate or sv_maxrate makes the game less smooth for players with good connections.

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Frequently asked questions

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Can I set sys_ticrate higher than 1200?

No. SYS_TICRATE is read-only with a maximum of 1200. Keep the sys_ticrate line in server.cfg at 1200 too.

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Does a higher server FPS fix my players’ lag?

Not always. Lag also comes from the player’s own connection and distance to the server, their rate settings and heavy plugins. Check CPU use on Statistics and remove plugins you don’t need.

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What is fps_max?

fps_max is a player setting that limits the game’s frame rate on their own computer. It isn’t a server setting.

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Where do I see the start command?

At the top of the Startup page. It includes -pingboost 3 +sys_ticrate 1200.

CS 1.6 server guide

Every Counter-Strike 1.6 page in one place.

VAC and Startup settings

Every Startup variable.

server.cfg explained

Every default line.

Reunion and ReHLDS

The ReHLDS engine.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (Counter-Strike 1.6 on ReHLDS 3.14). Start options checked against the Valve Developer Community command line options on 30 October 2026.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: October 2026