I'm having problems with any map that has "de" in it. My fps is fine in any other "cs" or "fy" map (like 60-70fps) but drops to like 5 fps in dust,dust2,etc. Anyone know why?

Give us information as to what your rates are... type these console commands in and give us the numbers... "rate" "cl_updaterate" and "cl_cmdrate" of course with out the quotes. Also there is a general thread here in the source forum that gives tips to raise your FPS.

Give us information as to what your rates are... type these console commands in and give us the numbers... "rate" "cl_updaterate" and "cl_cmdrate" of course with out the quotes. Also there is a general thread here in the source forum that gives tips to raise your FPS.

yep, would need that info.

The thread flitch mentioned is here: Improving Your FPS in Source (http://www.csgamezone.com/showthread.php?t=457).

I wouldn't expect your frames to drop so much in simples maps like dust or d2. However I would expect your frames to drop in maps such as nuke and militia since they use HDR (High Dynamic Range) lighting effects.

As others have pointed out, we need to see your system specs: cpu, ram, and gfx card. Additionally it would be nice to know: resolution, graphical detail, antialiasing, and anisotropic filtering levels. All of the latter can be found in your advanced graphics tab inside of CS:S.

rate, cl_updaterate, and cl_cmdrate don't really affect your FPS but will affect your connection to the server. If you want to better understand how to fix these values then read this (http://www.gotfrag.com/cs/story/30057/) article on gotfrag.

heres my specs: Dell Dimension dim3000 , intel(R), Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.8 GHz, 512 MB ram, 800x600 resolution, antialiasing off, anisotropic off, rate - 20000, cl_updaterate 100, cl_cmdrate 100.
I've tried everything to increase my fps; using the "improving my fps "tips but i only see fps improvement in every map except de_dust, de_dust2, etc.

What is your gfx card?

From the rest of the system you shouldn't be having any problems. I assume you close all unnecessary programs and don't download while playing.

That's a very odd problem you're having. For me dust and dust2 almost always give me high fps. I've never noticed a problem with specific map types but more with the content of maps like nuke and militia.

Just as a point of interest what is your fps in cs_militia?

gfx card: Intel Extreme Graphics 2. For cs_militia I have the same low fps problem as well as nuke. Yeah the only program running is cs when im playing.

Well your video card is the reason you lag so badly. Still kinda odd that you lag the most on maps like dust.

Well your video card is the reason you lag so badly.

Yea, a new video card would work wonders.

Time for an upgrade!

Thnx guys. Any recommendations on what type of vid. card would do well?

If this info is correct you are stuck in pci card hell.
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/dimen_3000?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh&~tab=specstab#tabtop

If you have the money I would just say get a new mobo and will support ur ram and cpu and go pci-e or agp. If not get a PCI card, it depends on how much you want to spend but this one sounds nice:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150061

Yup i believe "Stuck in pci card hell" is the way to put it. Thnx man i think ill look into getting the card you suggested.