I almost always turn on r_stats and net_stats every time I load NS2 so I can get an idea of how the latest patch affected performance. net_stats is useful to gauge the performance of a server (i.e. its best to play on servers where the server rate stays above 10). Checking fps is interesting, but not really useful unless you're getting below 10 fps.
Comments
net_stats = shows network stats (like tick rate)
o_stats = shows graphics stats
s_stats = shows sound stats
I almost always turn on r_stats and net_stats every time I load NS2 so I can get an idea of how the latest patch affected performance. net_stats is useful to gauge the performance of a server (i.e. its best to play on servers where the server rate stays above 10). Checking fps is interesting, but not really useful unless you're getting below 10 fps.