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On a Windows PC, the easiest way to see CPU and GPU usage while gaming is to turn on an overlay from your game platform or graphics software. Try Steam’s Performance Monitor, Xbox Game Bar, NVIDIA App, or AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition if you already use one. For a more customizable on-screen display, use MSI Afterburner with RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS). Start with FPS, CPU and GPU utilization, and temperatures where available; exact metrics and game compatibility vary.
Choose an overlay that fits your PC
Try the option already integrated with the platform or graphics software you use. Use Afterburner and RTSS when you want to choose individual sensors and customize the display. This comparison describes capabilities documented by the vendors; features can vary with hardware, software version, Windows build, and game.
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| Option | Best fit | Documented metrics and caveats |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Game Bar | A quick Windows overlay | Xbox’s 2020 announcement describes GPU utilization and GPU memory, along with customizable metrics and pinned widgets. That announcement does not guarantee the same behavior on every current Windows build or in every game. Xbox Wire announcement |
| Steam Performance Monitor | Games launched through Steam | Can show FPS with and without frame generation and help assess whether CPU or GPU utilization may be a bottleneck. GPU temperature is available on supported cards. Steam Support FAQ |
| NVIDIA App overlay | Supported GeForce systems | NVIDIA documents frame rates, clock speeds, GPU temperatures, and other metrics for desktop and laptop GeForce RTX and GeForce GTX 600-series-and-newer users. NVIDIA support |
| AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition Radeon Overlay | Radeon systems using AMD software | AMD lists FPS, GPU and CPU utilization, clocks, GPU temperature, power, fan speed, VRAM, and system RAM metrics. Available readings depend on the current software and hardware. AMD support |
| MSI Afterburner + RTSS | A customizable hardware-stat OSD | Select sensors in Afterburner; MSI says RTSS must also be installed to show them in the OSD. Some games may not display it. MSI setup guide |
| NVIDIA FrameView 1.1 | Detailed frame-time and power metrics | Its version 1.1 guide describes frame percentiles, dropped frames, latency, power efficiency, and CPU/GPU readings. The guide specifies Windows 10 and above and single-GPU configurations for NVIDIA GeForce, AMD, and Intel; check current availability and compatibility before relying on it. FrameView 1.1 user guide |
Set up the overlay
MSI Afterburner with RTSS
- Install MSI Afterburner and RTSS. MSI identifies RTSS as necessary for displaying hardware data in the OSD. Follow the MSI setup guide.
- In Afterburner, open Settings, then the Monitoring tab.
- Select a sensor, such as GPU usage or GPU temperature, and enable Show in On-Screen Display. Repeat for each reading you want, then apply the changes.
- Use RTSS to configure the OSD’s appearance. MSI also documents this in its OSD guide.
MSI notes that some games may not show the Afterburner OSD. Windows Game Bar is an alternative to try, not a guaranteed fix. Afterburner may also list integrated graphics as a second GPU, so check that the reading belongs to the GPU running the game.
Xbox Game Bar
Xbox Wire’s 2020 announcement describes a Performance widget for GPU utilization and GPU memory, with customizable readings and widgets that can be pinned in-game. Since that information is from an announcement rather than a guarantee for every current Windows build, check the widget on your PC. Xbox Wire’s announcement
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Steam Performance Monitor
Use Steam’s in-game overlay Performance Monitor for games launched through Steam. The display appears in a screen corner. Steam says it can show frame rate both with and without frame generation; GPU temperature may be available on supported vendor cards. See Steam’s monitor FAQ for current details.
NVIDIA App overlay
For supported GeForce desktop and laptop GPUs, NVIDIA documents in-game frame rates, clock speeds, GPU temperatures, and more. Its support page gives Alt+Shift+R to cycle metrics; to change shortcuts, it describes opening the overlay with Alt+Z and going to Settings > Shortcuts. These controls can change between versions, so use the NVIDIA support page if labels differ.
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AMD Radeon Overlay
AMD documents Performance Monitoring in Radeon Overlay, including FPS; GPU utilization, clocks, temperature, power, and fan speed; CPU utilization; and VRAM and system RAM utilization. It also documents controls for OSD location, size, transparency, columns, and colors. Check AMD’s guide for the current software and hardware requirements.
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FPS and frame consistency
FPS is the rate at which frames are produced or presented, but a single average does not show how consistent delivery is. Steam distinguishes frame-generation-inclusive FPS from base-game FPS. NVIDIA FrameView 1.1 lists 90th, 95th, and 99th frame percentiles and dropped-frame measures; those are available metrics, not universal performance targets or results.
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CPU and GPU utilization
Utilization readings can help identify a possible limit, but neither percentage proves a bottleneck by itself. Steam describes its monitor as a way to help determine whether CPU utilization or the GPU may be the bottleneck. Compare readings while reproducing the same scene, resolution, and game settings. CPU percentages from different tools may not be directly comparable: Steam says its CPU percentage uses the same measure Windows Task Manager calls “% Processor Utility.”
Temperature, clocks, power, and memory
These readings add context to utilization and FPS. A clock or utilization change may help explain a performance change, while memory readings show resource use. The metrics available depend on the overlay, sensor, hardware, and software version; consult the relevant vendor guide rather than assuming every tool reports the same set.
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The cited documentation does not establish one CPU/GPU percentage threshold or safe temperature range for every system and game. Interpret readings against your own hardware’s specifications and operating conditions.
Quick Recap
If a reading or overlay is missing
- Check the active GPU. A PC with integrated and discrete graphics can expose more than one adapter; verify that the overlay is reporting the GPU running the game.
- Check support and settings. Some readings depend on the card, driver, software version, or overlay configuration. For Afterburner, confirm the sensor is selected and Show in On-Screen Display is enabled, and that RTSS is installed.
- Try another documented overlay. MSI says some games may not display its OSD; Game Bar or the platform/vendor overlay may work instead, though no overlay is guaranteed in every game.
- Recheck version-specific controls. NVIDIA shortcuts and menu labels can change. Consult the current support page if the documented path does not match your app.
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