SMGs Comparison
P90 vs MP5-SD
The MP5-SD leads in 7 of 13 stats, giving it an overall advantage over the P90.
Side-by-Side Stat Comparison
| Stat | P90 | MP5-SD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,350 | $1,500 |
| Kill Reward | $300 | $600 |
| Damage | 26 | 28 |
| Armor Penetration | 69% | 62.5% |
| Fire Rate (RPM) | 857 | 750 |
| Magazine Size | 50 | 30 |
| Reserve Ammo | 100 | 120 |
| Reload Time | 3.40s | 3.13s |
| Move Speed | 230 u/s | 235 u/s |
| Range Modifier | 0.86 | 0.87 |
| Wall Penetration | 1 | 1 |
| Headshot Multiplier | 4.00x | 4.00x |
| DPS (Raw) | 371 | 350 |
DPS & Time to Kill
DPS is calculated as damage x RPM / 60. TTK assumes consecutive body shots against armored targets.
Time to Kill (Armored Body Shots)
| Target HP | P90 Shots | P90 TTK | MP5-SD Shots | MP5-SD TTK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 HP | 6 | 350ms | 6 | 400ms |
| 125 HP | 8 | 490ms | 8 | 560ms |
| 150 HP | 9 | 560ms | 9 | 640ms |
Key Differences
- The MP5-SD is $850 cheaper than the P90, making it a better budget option.
- The MP5-SD deals 2 more base damage per shot.
- The P90 has a higher fire rate at 857 RPM vs 750 RPM.
- The P90 delivers more raw DPS (371 vs 350), meaning faster kills on paper.
- The P90 has a larger magazine (50 rounds vs 30), giving more sustained fire before reloading.
- Players move faster with the MP5-SD (235 u/s vs 230 u/s).
- The P90 has higher armor penetration (69% vs 62.5%), making it stronger against armored opponents.
The Economics
The price gap is $850: the MP5-SD costs $1,500 against $2,350 for the P90. On a full buy with armor and utility (~$1,000-1,400 on top of the gun), that difference decides whether a third teammate can buy a smoke or a flash — weapon choice is a team-economy decision, not just a personal one. Kill rewards differ too: $300 per kill with the P90 versus $600 with the MP5-SD — over a 3-kill round that is a $900 swing for your next buy. Run full round scenarios in the economy calculator.
Bottom line: The MP5-SD leads in 7 of 13 stats, giving it an overall advantage over the P90. Raw output favors the P90 (371 DPS vs 350), but CS2 rounds are won on first-shot accuracy and positioning — treat the stat edge as a tiebreaker, not the decision. Once you know which one you are carrying, dress it: see the best P90 skins and best MP5-SD skins.
When to Use Each Weapon
P90
- Buy the P90 on full-buy rounds when economy allows, since it costs more.
- The P90's faster fire rate makes it effective in close-range duels and spray-downs.
- The P90's larger magazine is ideal for holding rushes or clearing multiple enemies without reloading.
- The P90 is the better pick against fully-armored opponents due to its superior armor penetration.
MP5-SD
- Choose the MP5-SD on eco or semi-buy rounds when your team has limited funds.
- The MP5-SD excels at holding long angles where each shot counts due to its higher per-bullet damage.
- Use the MP5-SD for aggressive play or rotations — its higher move speed lets you reposition quickly.
- If the round looks favorable, the MP5-SD's higher kill reward helps build economy faster.
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the P90 better than the MP5-SD in CS2?
- It depends on the situation. The P90 has a lower price point, while the MP5-SD offers different strengths. The MP5-SD leads in 7 of 13 stats, giving it an overall advantage over the P90.
- When should I buy the P90 over the MP5-SD?
- Buy the P90 when you can afford the full buy and want its unique advantages. Consider the MP5-SD when budget is a concern.
- Which has more DPS: P90 or MP5-SD?
- The P90 has higher raw DPS. P90: 371 DPS vs MP5-SD: 350 DPS. Keep in mind raw DPS doesn't account for accuracy or recoil.
- What is the TTK for P90 vs MP5-SD?
- Against a 100 HP armored target, the P90 needs 6 shots (350ms) while the MP5-SD needs 6 shots (400ms). Real TTK varies with accuracy, headshots, and distance.