Optimizing CPU Frequency for Your Counter-Strike Server with cpufrequtils on Ubuntu 🚀

[cmer 69]

When hosting a game server, especially one as demanding as Counter-Strike with a high player count like NiDE, it's crucial to ensure your server is running at peak performance. Some hosting providers, like OVH, might sometimes limit the CPU frequency for energy-saving reasons . While this is beneficial from a power consumption standpoint, it can impact your server's performance.

Fortunately, tools like cpufrequtils exist, allowing you to monitor and manage your CPU's frequency. Let's dive into how to install and use it on Ubuntu.

 

System Update

It's always wise to start by updating your system to ensure compatibility and security:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

 

Installation of cpufrequtils

After updating your system, proceed with the installation of cpufrequtils:

sudo apt install cpufrequtils

 

Using cpufrequtils

Here are some steps to get you familiar with the tool:

 

Displaying CPU frequency information:

cpufreq-info

 

Configuring the frequency for optimal performance:

sudo cpufreq-set -c 0 -g performance

 

Note: -c 0 refers to the first CPU core. Adjust this number based on which core you wish to configure. see

cat /proc/cpuinfo |grep processor

 

Gets the currently used cpufreq policy:

cpufreq-info -p

 

Understanding performance vs. powersave

When managing your CPU frequency with cpufrequtils, you'll come across different policies that dictate how your CPU behaves. Two of the most commonly used policies are performance and powersave. Let's break them down:

• Performance :
  • As the name suggests, the performance policy makes your CPU run at its maximum frequency. This ensures that you're getting the best possible performance out of your processor.
  • Use Case: This policy is especially beneficial when your server is hosting a full 64-player ZE and every millisecond counts. You'll want all the processing power you can muster to ensure smooth gameplay.
     
• Powersave :
  • The powersave policy, on the other hand, is all about conserving energy. It adjusts the CPU frequency down to its lowest setting, which in turn reduces power consumption and heat generation.
  • Use Case: If your server is idling or performing less intensive tasks, the powersave mode can be a great way to reduce energy costs and prolong the life of your hardware.

[Adeel.. 18]

Does it works on pentium 3 as well.