Best PC Monitoring Software – To Track CPU, GPU, RAM & Temps in Real Time

Best PC monitoring software helps you understand what’s really happening inside your computer. Whether you’re a gamer, student, or daily PC user, these tools show real-time details like CPU temperature, RAM usage, GPU load, and system performance. Many people face slow PCs, sudden shutdowns, or overheating problems but don’t know the reason—PC monitoring software gives clear answers.

For gamers or any PC users, a stable and fast PC is very important. When your system runs smoothly, your work becomes easier and stress-free. Monitoring software helps you detect issues early, avoid hardware damage, and improve overall performance without technical complexity.

In this blog post, we've written about the best PC monitoring software, from which you can choose the one that suits your needs. The best part is that most of these PC monitoring tools are lightweight, easy to use, and free. They don't just display numbers – they help you take better care of your PC. If you want a longer lifespan, better speed, and reliable performance from your computer, then PC monitoring software isn't optional – it's essential.

Best PC Monitoring Software

1. HWiNFO

HWiNFO is a powerful system information and hardware monitoring software designed for Windows-based computers. It is widely used by IT professionals, PC enthusiasts, and everyday users who want detailed insights into their computer’s hardware components and real-time system performance. The software focuses on accuracy, depth, and reliability, making it a trusted tool for system analysis and diagnostics.

HWiNFO provides comprehensive information about key hardware parts such as the CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, storage devices, sensors, and network components. It supports a wide range of hardware brands and technologies, including the latest processors and graphics cards. Users can view both summary-level details and highly technical data, depending on their needs.

One of the standout features of HWiNFO is its real-time hardware monitoring capability. It tracks temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, power consumption, and system load, helping users detect overheating, instability, or performance bottlenecks. This makes it especially useful for gamers, overclockers, and system builders who want to keep their systems running safely and efficiently.

Key Features of HWiNFO

Detailed Hardware Info 

• Shows complete details of CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and motherboard.

Real-Time Monitoring 

• Tracks temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, and system load live.

Wide Hardware Support 

• Works with both old and latest computer hardware.

Lightweight Software 

• Runs smoothly without slowing down the system.

Portable & Install Versions 

• Can be used without installation or as a full setup.

Logging & Reports 

• Creates reports for system analysis and troubleshooting.

Pros of HWiNFO

> Extremely detailed hardware information

> Real-time sensor monitoring (temps, voltages, usage, fans)

> Customizable alerts and logging

> Supports a huge range of components and sensors

> Free to use with no major limitations

Cons of HWiNFO

> Interface can be overwhelming for beginners

> Lots of data can feel too detailed if you just want basics

> Not focused on visual dashboards (less aesthetic than some tools)

HWiNFO Pricing Overview 

HWiNFO follows a flexible pricing model that suits both personal users and professionals. The software is well known for offering strong features even in its free edition, making it popular among home users and PC enthusiasts.

Free for Personal Use

HWiNFO is completely free for personal and non-commercial use. Users get access to detailed hardware information, real-time sensor monitoring, and reporting features without paying anything. This version is sufficient for most everyday system monitoring needs.

Paid Licenses for Professional Use

For commercial environments and advanced requirements, HWiNFO provides paid Pro licenses. These licenses allow business usage and unlock additional professional features such as extended monitoring options, enhanced reporting, and priority support.

HWiNFO Supported Operating Systems & Platforms

• Web Browser — No Available for Web

• Desktop App — Windows (Microsoft Access works only on Windows)

• Mobile App — No Native Mobile app

2. MSI Afterburner

MSI Afterburner is a powerful graphics card tuning and monitoring tool created for users who want more control over their GPU performance. It allows users to fine-tune important settings such as core clock speed, memory frequency, voltage levels, and cooling behavior. The software is compatible with a wide range of graphics cards, regardless of the manufacturer.

One of the key strengths of MSI Afterburner is its advanced hardware monitoring system. Users can view real-time data including GPU temperature, usage, clock speeds, and frame rates. This information helps gamers and professionals understand how their system performs during demanding applications like modern games, video editing, or 3D rendering.

MSI Afterburner also includes an on-screen display feature that shows performance statistics while running games or full-screen programs. In addition, users can create custom fan curves to balance cooling and noise, helping maintain stable performance over long sessions.

Key Features of MSI Afterburner

GPU Overclocking

• Allows users to increase core and memory clock speeds to get better graphics performance.

Real-Time Monitoring

• Shows live GPU temperature, usage, clock speed, voltage, and FPS while the system is running.

On-Screen Display (OSD)

• Displays performance statistics directly during games and full-screen applications.

Custom Fan Control

• Lets users create fan speed curves to maintain proper cooling and reduce noise.

Wide Compatibility

• Works with most AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards, not limited to MSI hardware.

Performance Profiles

• Enables saving multiple settings profiles and switching between them easily.

Gameplay Recording

• Includes tools to capture gameplay videos and take screenshots.

Free & Lightweight

• Uses minimal system resources and is available at no cost.

Windows Support

• Designed specifically for Windows operating systems.

Pros of MSI Afterburner

> Excellent GPU performance monitoring in real time

> On-screen display (OSD) shows stats while gaming

> Works with most graphics cards (not just MSI)

> Offers overclocking controls (clock speeds, voltages, fan curves)

> Free to use with no required subscription

Cons of MSI Afterburner

> Focused mainly on GPU, limited overall system monitoring

> Interface can be intimidating for beginners

> Some overclocking features may be confusing

> Doesn’t provide deep CPU/drive/network logging

MSI Afterburner Pricing Overview 

MSI Afterburner is completely free to download and use. It does not require any purchase, subscription, or paid upgrade to access its core features.

• Free software — No cost to download or use.

• No premium version — There’s no official “Pro” or paid edition from MSI.

MSI Afterburner Supported Operating Systems & Platforms

• Web Browser — No Available for Web

• Desktop App — Windows (Microsoft Access works only on Windows)

• Mobile App — No Native Mobile app 

3. HWMonitor

HWMonitor is a lightweight hardware monitoring software designed to display real-time information about a computer’s internal components. It allows users to track important system parameters such as CPU and GPU temperature, voltage levels, fan speeds, and power usage in a simple and organized interface.

The software reads data directly from system sensors and continuously updates values, helping users understand how their hardware performs under normal use or heavy workloads. This makes HWMonitor especially useful for gamers, PC builders, technicians, and users who want to prevent overheating or hardware damage.

HWMonitor focuses purely on monitoring rather than control, which keeps it fast and easy to use. It runs smoothly in the background without putting noticeable load on system resources and works well on both older and modern computers. By providing accurate hardware data, HWMonitor helps users maintain system stability and extend the lifespan of their components.

Key Features of HWMonitor

Real-Time Hardware Monitoring

• Displays live data for CPU, GPU, motherboard, and storage components.

Temperature Tracking

• Monitors temperatures of processors, graphics cards, hard drives, and SSDs to help prevent overheating.

Voltage Monitoring

• Shows voltage levels of system components to check power stability.

Fan Speed Detection

• Measures cooling fan speeds (RPM) to ensure proper airflow and cooling performance.

Minimum and Maximum Values

• Records the lowest and highest readings for each sensor during a session.

Lightweight and Fast

• Uses very few system resources and runs smoothly in the background.

Simple User Interface

• Clean and easy-to-understand layout suitable for beginners and advanced users.

Wide Hardware Support

• Compatible with a large range of modern and older PC hardware.

Pros of HWMonitor

> Free version available for basic hardware monitoring

> Accurate real-time temperature and voltage readings

> Very lightweight and does not slow down the system

> Easy-to-use interface, suitable for beginners

> Supports a wide range of hardware components

> No complex setup or configuration required

Cons of HWMonitor

> No built-in hardware control features (monitoring only)

> Limited advanced options in the free version

> No graphical charts for data visualization

> Data logging and export features are basic

> Available mainly for Windows operating systems

HWMonitor Pricing Overview 

HWMonitor offers a simple pricing structure that includes both a free version and a paid option for users who need additional features.

• Free version – Basic monitoring (no charge)

• Pro version – Paid upgrade with advanced capabilities (approx. $20–$40) 

HWMonitor Supported Operating Systems & Platforms

• Web Browser — No Available for Web

• Desktop App — Windows (Microsoft Access works only on Windows)

• Mobile App — No Native Mobile app

4. CPU-Z

CPU-Z is a lightweight and powerful system information tool designed to provide detailed insights into your computer’s hardware. It is widely used by PC users, technicians, and enthusiasts to identify and monitor key components such as the processor, motherboard, memory, and graphics system.

The software offers real-time information about the CPU, including its name, code name, manufacturing process, core voltage, clock speeds, and cache levels. CPU-Z also displays accurate details about RAM type, size, timings, and operating frequency, making it especially useful for performance analysis and troubleshooting.

One of the biggest advantages of CPU-Z is its simple and user-friendly interface. Even beginners can quickly understand their system configuration without needing advanced technical knowledge. At the same time, advanced users benefit from precise data that helps with overclocking, benchmarking, and system optimization.

Key Features of CPU-Z

Detailed CPU Information

• Displays complete processor details such as name, architecture, core count, threads, clock speed, cache levels, and voltage in real time.

Motherboard Identification

• Provides accurate information about the motherboard, including manufacturer, model, chipset, BIOS version, and graphics interface.

Memory Analysis

• Shows RAM type, size, frequency, channel configuration, and detailed timing values for better performance understanding.

SPD Data Viewer

• Reads Serial Presence Detect (SPD) data from memory modules to identify manufacturer details and supported timings.

Graphics Information

• Reports essential GPU details such as model, vendor, memory size, and interface type.

Real-Time Monitoring

• Updates hardware data instantly, helping users monitor clock speed changes during workload or overclocking.

Lightweight & Fast

• Runs smoothly without heavy system resource usage and does not slow down the PC.

Portable Version Support

• Can be used without installation, making it convenient for quick system checks on multiple computers.

Wide Hardware Compatibility

• Supports a large range of Intel and AMD processors, chipsets, and modern memory standards.

User-Friendly Interface

• Simple and clean layout allows beginners and professionals to access hardware details easily.

Pros of CPU-Z

> Free and easy to use

> Provides highly accurate hardware information

> Lightweight and does not slow down the system

> Shows real-time CPU and memory data

> Supports a wide range of Intel and AMD processors

> Portable version available (no installation needed)

Cons of CPU-Z

> Does not monitor temperatures or fan speeds

> Interface looks basic compared to modern tools

> Limited GPU details compared to advanced utilities

> No built-in stress testing or benchmarking features

CPU-Z Pricing Overview 

CPU-Z is 100% free to use with no subscription, no paid plans, and no hidden charges. Users can download and use all features without any cost.

CPU-Z Supported Operating Systems & Platforms

• Web Browser — No Available for Web

• Desktop App — Windows (Microsoft Access works only on Windows)

• Mobile App — Android 

5. Open Hardware Monitor

Open Hardware Monitor is a free and open-source system monitoring tool that allows users to track key hardware parameters of their computer in real time. It is mainly used to monitor temperatures, fan speeds, voltages, load levels, and clock speeds of essential components such as the CPU, GPU, motherboard, and hard drives.

The software supports a wide range of hardware sensors and works with most modern Intel and AMD processors, as well as popular graphics cards. Open Hardware Monitor helps users keep an eye on system health, prevent overheating issues, and diagnose performance problems before they cause serious damage.

One of the biggest strengths of Open Hardware Monitor is its open-source nature. This means it is completely free to use and regularly improved by the community. Users can also customize or integrate it with other tools if they have technical knowledge.

Key Features of Open Hardware Monitor

Real-Time Temperature Monitoring

• Tracks CPU, GPU, hard drive, and motherboard temperatures to help prevent overheating issues.

Fan Speed Monitoring

• Displays current fan speeds (RPM) for supported hardware, helping users monitor cooling performance.

Voltage Tracking

• Monitors system voltages for CPU, GPU, and motherboard components to ensure stable power delivery.

CPU & GPU Load Monitoring

• Shows real-time load and clock speeds of processors and graphics cards.

Hard Drive Health Monitoring

• Supports SMART data to monitor HDD and SSD temperatures and health status.

Wide Hardware Support

• Compatible with many Intel and AMD processors and popular graphics cards.

Open-Source Software

• Completely free and open-source, allowing community-driven updates and customization.

Lightweight & Portable

• Does not require installation and runs without slowing down the system.

Simple User Interface

• Clean, tree-style layout makes hardware data easy to read and understand.

Remote Monitoring Support

• Allows monitoring system sensors remotely through network access.

Pros of Open Hardware Monitor

> Completely free and open-source

> Monitors temperatures, fan speeds, and voltages in real time

> Lightweight and does not consume many system resources

> Supports CPU, GPU, motherboard, HDD, and SSD sensors

> Portable version available (no installation required)

> Useful for overheating detection and system health monitoring

Cons of Open Hardware Monitor

> User interface looks outdated

> Limited support for very new hardware

> No official mobile (Android/iOS) app

> Does not include built-in stress testing or benchmarking tools

> Updates are less frequent compared to some modern alternatives

Open Hardware Monitor Pricing Overview 

Open Hardware Monitor is completely free to download and use. It is open-source software with no subscription fees, paid upgrades, or premium versions. Users can freely install it on as many computers as they like without any cost.

Open Hardware Monitor Supported Operating Systems & Platforms

• Web Browser — No Available for Web

• Desktop App — Windows (Microsoft Access works only on Windows)

• Mobile App — No Native Mobile app 

Conclusion 

For everyday users, gamers, and professionals, a well-monitored PC means better stability and longer hardware life. PC monitoring tools provide clear and easy-to-understand data, making them useful even for beginners. Whether you want to improve system speed, maintain safe temperatures, or ensure smooth multitasking, A best PC monitoring software plays a key role in keeping your computer healthy and efficient.

FAQ's about best pc monitoring software 

What is PC monitoring software?

PC monitoring software is a tool that helps you track your computer’s performance, including CPU usage, GPU usage, temperature, RAM, disk health, and fan speed in real time. It helps keep your system stable and prevents overheating or performance issues.

Why do I need PC monitoring software?

You need PC monitoring software to:

• Detect overheating issues

• Monitor system performance

• Improve gaming and productivity

• Prevent hardware damage

• Identify performance bottlenecks early

Which is the best PC monitoring software?

HWiNFO, HWMonitor, MSI Afterburner and CPU-Z is one of the best PC monitoring software because it provides accurate, real-time system monitoring along with detailed hardware information. It tracks CPU, GPU, memory, temperatures, voltages, and performance data in a lightweight and reliable way, making it suitable for both normal users and advanced PC enthusiasts.

Is PC monitoring software safe to use?

Yes, reliable PC monitoring software is completely safe when downloaded from official websites. It only reads hardware sensor data and does not harm your system.

Can PC monitoring software improve performance?

PC monitoring software itself doesn’t boost performance, but it helps you identify problems like overheating, high CPU usage, or faulty hardware—allowing you to optimize settings and improve performance.