How to Monitor FPS, GPU, and CPU Usage in Games (2024 Guide)

Introduction

For gamers and performance enthusiasts, tracking FPS (Frames Per Second), GPU temperature, CPU usage, and RAM consumption is crucial for optimizing gameplay. Whether you’re testing a new game, overclocking hardware, or troubleshooting performance issues, real-time monitoring helps you understand your system’s capabilities.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to display in-game performance stats using MSI Afterburner, one of the most reliable and widely used monitoring tools.


Why Monitor In-Game Performance?

Check FPS stability – Ensure smooth gameplay without stuttering.
Monitor GPU/CPU temperatures – Prevent overheating and thermal throttling.
Track resource usage – Identify bottlenecks (e.g., high RAM or CPU usage).
Optimize settings – Adjust graphics for the best balance between visuals and performance.


Step-by-Step Guide: Display FPS & Hardware Stats in Games

Step 1: Download & Install MSI Afterburner

  1. Go to the official MSI Afterburner website.
  2. Click Download and install the software (it also includes RivaTuner Statistics Server, essential for on-screen display).
  3. Run the installer and follow the setup (keep default settings).

Step 2: Configure MSI Afterburner for Monitoring

  1. Open MSI Afterburner.
  2. Click the Settings (Gear) icon → Go to the Monitoring tab.
  3. Here, you can select which stats to display in-game:
  • GPU Temperature
  • GPU Usage (%)
  • CPU Temperature
  • CPU Usage (%)
  • RAM Usage
  • FPS (Framerate)
  1. For each stat:
  • Check the box next to it.
  • Enable “Show in On-Screen Display”.

Step 3: Adjust On-Screen Display (OSD) Settings

  1. Open RivaTuner Statistics Server (installed with Afterburner).
  2. Under “On-Screen Display”, adjust:
  • Zoom (to increase text size).
  • Position (move stats to a corner).
  • Color & Font (customize appearance).

Step 4: Test in a Game

  1. Launch any game.
  2. The selected stats (FPS, GPU/CPU temps, etc.) will appear in the corner.
  3. If stats are too small, go back to RivaTuner and increase the Zoom level.

Alternative Tools for Performance Monitoring

If MSI Afterburner doesn’t work for you, try these alternatives:

  • NVIDIA GeForce Experience (for FPS counter)
  • AMD Radeon Software (for AMD GPU users)
  • FRAPS (Legacy FPS monitor)
  • HWMonitor (For advanced hardware tracking)

Conclusion

Monitoring FPS, GPU, and CPU usage helps optimize gaming performance and prevent hardware issues. MSI Afterburner + RivaTuner is the best free solution for real-time stats.

🔧 Pro Tip: Use this data to tweak in-game settings—lower graphics if GPU usage is at 100%, or cap FPS if CPU is overheating.


Tags & Hashtags

Tags:
FPS monitor, GPU temperature tracker, CPU usage monitor, MSI Afterburner guide, in-game performance stats, gaming optimization, PC performance tracking

Hashtags:

#FPSMonitor #GPUUsage #CPUTemperature #MSIAfterburner #GamingPerformance #PCGaming #HardwareMonitoring #OptimizeGaming #TechGuide

🚀 Try it out and see the difference in your gameplay! Have questions? Drop them in the comments below.

Visited 187 times, 3 visit(s) today

Rakesh Bhardwaj

Rakesh Bhardwaj is a seasoned editor and designer with over 15 years of experience in the creative industry. He specializes in crafting visually compelling and professionally polished content, blending precision with creativity. Whether refining written work or designing impactful visuals, Rakesh brings a deep understanding of layout, typography, and narrative flow to every project he undertakes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.