PresentMon

What PresentMon is

PresentMon is a free Windows toolset for capturing and analyzing performance characteristics of graphics applications. It traces CPU, GPU, and display frame durations and latencies across DirectX, OpenGL, and Vulkan applications. Its console application can send captured data to the console or CSV files, while the Capture Application shows real-time graphs and readouts in an overlay and can record per-frame CSV data. PresentMon combines ETW frame data with hardware telemetry such as GPU temperature and power. Client applications can access service data through the PresentMon API and SDK; listed telemetry paths include ADL, NVAPI/NVML, IGCL, and WMI. The project describes support for Windows desktop and UWP applications, and lists version 2.6.0 as its latest release. Users must belong to the Windows Performance Log Users group. Administrator privileges are needed for complete process information across user accounts and short-lived processes. Some OpenGL and Vulkan measurements can be less accurate, and GPU execution metrics may also be less accurate with Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling enabled. The software is MIT-licensed and provided without warranty.

Who it suits

PresentMon suits Windows users who want to capture graphics-application frame data and view it in a console, CSV, or overlay. It may also suit developers accessing service data through its API and SDK.

Limits

PresentMon is free, but users must belong to the Windows Performance Log Users group. Administrator privileges are needed for complete process information across user accounts and short-lived processes. CPUFramePacingStall is always zero and CPUFrameTime may be less accurate for OpenGL and Vulkan apps reported with runtime “Other”; GPU execution metrics may also be less accurate with Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling enabled.

Getting started

1. Visit the PresentMon GitHub project page.
2. Use a Windows desktop or UWP environment for supported applications.
3. Join the Windows Performance Log Users group.
4. Use the console application or Capture Application to collect performance data.
5. Use administrator privileges when complete process information across user accounts or short-lived processes is needed.

Verdict

PresentMon offers several ways to capture and view Windows graphics performance data, including CSV output and a real-time overlay. Users should account for its access requirements and the stated measurement limitations.