Today marks the official release of the latest Steam In-Game Performance Monitor.
Steam users can now see their PC usage in full detail via this new update.
But how do you turn it on and is it worth it in the first place?
Steam In-Game Performance Monitor
Firstly, the Steam In-Game Performance Monitor itself is not new. We have had the option to monitor Frames Per Sec for a while giving us a rough idea of performance.
However, when it came to breaking down actual components we have had to use third party. But now things have changed with the newest update.
Because we can now see CPU, GPU and RAM utilisation.
Although we cannot see the temps we can see the percentage usage. Also, along with the FPS this can give us much more accurate benchmarks.
Furthermore, it can help us see where our rigs are excelling or failing in with certain games.
Also to add this does work with Steam Deck showing just what is stressing the system. But not only that it works with any game that has enabled the Steam Overlay. So as long as it can support the overlay, we can still use the Steam In-Game Performance monitor!
Although if it is too much in the way for you, we can adjust the settings to our liking.
To turn on just head to Steam, settings, in game and enable Steam Overlay. Then scroll down to Steam In-Game Performance Monitor and click show performance monitor.
Change the level of detail in performance detail level. Also to change size just use the slider and colour change drop down menu.
But again, make sure the Steam Overlay is enabled in the first place for your games. Also keep in mind screenshots from Steam will not include the Steam In-Game Performance Monitor.
Just snip or screenshot with a third-party tool for that.
100% GPU Usage On Garry’s Mod
But the question is should you be using this new method over other tools?
To be honest it does not beat the likes of say MSI Afterburner or even NVidia’s Monitor. Without it showing the temps and wattage usage its missing out on some key components.
Heck even task manager has it beat on some features from the get go.
But for the average player the Steam In-Game Performance Monitor does the job. Most people are not OCD freaks that need to know the BPM of their PC. The average guy just really needs to know how many FPS they are getting in game.
However, most people do not even do that and just ignore stutters and spurs. Although being able to access it at the click of a button for free is really handy.
It makes benchmarking and testing out rigs much easier for PC enthusiasts.
Also, I should expect Gabe to add more features to it down the line like temps and wattage.
Because right now in the summer heat that’s something you should really be keeping an eye on while gaming or general usage.
Although that does not apply to first worlders with working AC units. Please consider your unfortunate counterparts living in barbaric countries that refuse to modernise to decent PC temping standards.
Got to wonder if dudes in Greenland are just living stress free when it comes to this stuff!
