Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Core Temp VS MSI Afterburner

Compare Core Temp VS MSI Afterburner and see what are their differences

Core Temp logo Core Temp

Nov 4, 2017 - Core Temp is a compact, no fuss, small footprint, yet powerful program to monitor processor temperature and other vital information.

MSI Afterburner logo MSI Afterburner

Tool to manage video cards. Shows video card stats (temp, GPU usage, etc.).
  • Core Temp Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-18
  • MSI Afterburner Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-29

Core Temp features and specs

  • Real-Time Temperature Monitoring
    Core Temp provides accurate and real-time monitoring of the CPU temperature, allowing users to keep track of their system's thermal performance and prevent overheating.
  • Detailed Processor Information
    It offers detailed information about the CPU, including model, platform, and frequency, which can be useful for diagnostics and system optimization.
  • Logging and Reporting
    Core Temp allows logging temperature changes over time and creating detailed reports, aiding in long-term system monitoring and performance analysis.
  • Customization and Flexibility
    The software includes various customization options like changing temperature polling intervals and setting overheat protections, which can be tailored to different user needs.
  • Low Resource Usage
    Core Temp is lightweight and uses minimal system resources, ensuring that it doesn't affect the overall performance of the system while running in the background.
  • Free to Use
    Core Temp is available for free, making it accessible to a wide range of users without any financial commitment.

Possible disadvantages of Core Temp

  • Windows-Only
    Core Temp is limited to Windows operating systems, so users on macOS or Linux cannot use this software for CPU temperature monitoring.
  • User Interface
    While functional, the user interface of Core Temp is somewhat dated and may not be as visually appealing or intuitive as more modern applications.
  • Advertisements
    The free version of Core Temp includes advertisements, which can be distracting and annoying for users.
  • Limited Additional Features
    Core Temp focuses primarily on CPU temperature monitoring and lacks some of the additional features found in more comprehensive system monitoring tools.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    There can be occasional compatibility issues with certain hardware or newer Windows updates, which might require patch updates or manual adjustments.

MSI Afterburner features and specs

  • Comprehensive Overclocking Tools
    MSI Afterburner offers a robust set of features for overclocking your GPU, including core voltage control, power limit adjustments, and custom fan profiles.
  • Real-Time Hardware Monitoring
    The software provides real-time monitoring graphs for various GPU metrics like temperature, usage, clock speed, and voltage, allowing users to track performance and make adjustments as needed.
  • Custom Fan Profiles
    Users can create custom fan profiles to adjust fan speeds according to temperature thresholds, enabling better thermal management and reducing noise levels.
  • Compatibility
    MSI Afterburner is compatible with a wide range of graphics cards from different manufacturers, not just MSI branded ones.
  • In-Game Overlay
    The software includes an in-game overlay feature, providing real-time performance data displayed during gameplay without the need for a second monitor.
  • Screen Capture and Video Recording
    MSI Afterburner includes tools for screen capturing and video recording, adding value for gamers and content creators.

Possible disadvantages of MSI Afterburner

  • Complexity for Beginners
    The variety of features and settings can be overwhelming for beginners, making it challenging to use effectively without some prior knowledge of overclocking and hardware monitoring.
  • Risk of Hardware Damage
    Improper use of overclocking features can potentially damage the graphics card or other system components, especially if voltage and temperature limits are not adhered to.
  • System Stability Issues
    Altering GPU settings can sometimes lead to system instability, crashes, or compatibility issues with certain games and applications.
  • User Interface
    While functional, the user interface of MSI Afterburner may not be as intuitive or visually appealing as some newer or more streamlined overclocking tools.
  • Software Conflicts
    MSI Afterburner may conflict with other system utilities or monitoring tools, requiring users to troubleshoot and resolve conflicts for smooth functionality.

Analysis of Core Temp

Overall verdict

  • Core Temp is generally considered a good and reliable utility for monitoring CPU temperature. Its lightweight design and accurate readings make it a favorable option among both casual users and tech enthusiasts.

Why this product is good

  • Core Temp is a popular tool for monitoring CPU temperature and other system-related metrics in real-time. Its simplicity, compatibility with multiple processors and user-friendly interface make it a preferred choice for users wanting to keep track of their system's performance and temperature. It provides essential data that helps in preventing potential overheating issues.

Recommended for

  • PC enthusiasts who want to monitor their system's temperature closely.
  • Users who perform intensive tasks like gaming or video rendering that could raise CPU temperatures.
  • Individuals looking to prevent hardware overheating and extend system lifespan.
  • Tech hobbyists interested in system performance metrics.

Analysis of MSI Afterburner

Overall verdict

  • Overall, MSI Afterburner is considered a good utility for users interested in optimizing their graphics card performance. It is user-friendly and provides powerful tools for both beginners and experienced users who want to fine-tune their system's performance.

Why this product is good

  • MSI Afterburner is widely regarded as a reliable tool for monitoring and tweaking your GPU's performance. It offers features such as overclocking, custom fan profiles, and real-time monitoring of system performance metrics. Its compatibility with a wide range of graphics cards, not just those manufactured by MSI, adds to its appeal. Additionally, it provides users with control over their hardware, potentially enhancing gaming performance or system efficiency when used correctly.

Recommended for

    This software is recommended for PC gaming enthusiasts, overclockers, system monitors, and anyone interested in customizing or improving their GPU's performance. It's especially beneficial for those looking to push their hardware to its limits and optimize gaming experiences.

Core Temp videos

Core Temp Processor Monitor

More videos:

  • Review - AWESOME Travel Clothes | Banana Republic Core Temp Haul and Try-On

MSI Afterburner videos

MSI Afterburner - How to setup On-Screen Display

More videos:

  • Tutorial - MSI Afterburner Complete Guide & Tutorial 2019
  • Review - MSI Afterburner! GPU Overclocking for Beginners.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Core Temp and MSI Afterburner)
Device Management
39 39%
61% 61
Monitoring Tools
43 43%
57% 57
System Information
45 45%
55% 55
Gaming
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Core Temp and MSI Afterburner

Core Temp Reviews

  1. Softlay.com
    · Writer at Softlay.com ·
    Good CPU Temperature Monitor software

    Core Temp is free and easy to use CPU temperature monitoring software. Displays core temperature in easy to understandable manner. Great tool helps us to keep an eye on your CPU Temperature to avoid Hardware failure.

    🏁 Competitors: HWMonitor
    👍 Pros:    Easy to use
    👎 Cons:    Interface needs improvement

7 Best Speedfan Alternatives for 2023
Core Temp is another good Speedfan alternative. It’s similar features to Real Temp, but is more flexible and can monitor a much larger number of CPUs, including those from AMD and VIA. Core Temp doesn’t use traditional onboard thermal sensors, but monitors CPU’s embedded Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS).
11 Best CPU Temperature Monitor For Windows PC To Check Accurate CPU Temp Readings
Core Temp collects data using the Digital Thermal Sensors that all major processors have on them. These sensors give more accurate information and Core Temp utilizes them to show us data.
Source: www.softlay.com

MSI Afterburner Reviews

Top 8 BEST NZXT CAM ALTERNATIVES
MSI Afterburner is a program similar to Nzxt CAM that monitors and enhances the performance of your computer. It has a lesser FPS impact than Fraps while yet offering the same capabilities. Along with the video capture, the beta versions feature audio streaming. The software is responsible for monitoring the performance of a component’s Graphics Processing Unit. You can use...
Source: gisuser.com
10 Best Nzxt CAM Alternatives
One advantage MSI Afterburner has over Nzxt CAM is the OC Scanner, which detects the optimal overclocking settings for your computer’s graphics card. This way, you don’t have to manually adjust the graphics card settings.
11 Best CPU Temperature Monitor For Windows PC To Check Accurate CPU Temp Readings
MSI Afterburner is the world’s most famous graphics card overclocking software that is used by millions of users even in 2021. If you want to overclock your CPU or GPU then you can download MSI Afterburner. You can also check CPU temp and GPU temp, monitor CPU fan speed, CPU frequency, load.
Source: www.softlay.com
Top 10 Best Game Booster Software Windows 2020
Last yet not the least in the rundown of best Game Booster programming for Windows, MSI Afterburner is an incredible sponsor for Windows 10. This is one of only a handful couple of programming like GameBoost which offers overclocking alternatives. Aside from the typical capacities, it gives the client a chance to tweak the fan speed, benchmark video record, and screen. It...
Source: techigem.com
11 Best Game Optimizers and Boosters for Windows PC
Meet the best game booster software, MSI Afterburner for your Windows 10 machine. This is one of the few solutions which offer overclocking options. Apart from the usual functions that every top game speed boosting tool provides, it lets the user customize the fan speed, benchmark video record, and monitor. It offers full control over the GPU voltage and frequency. You can...

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Core Temp and MSI Afterburner, you can also consider the following products

Open Hardware Monitor - Monitors temperature sensors, fan speeds, voltages, load and clock speeds, with optional graph.

SpeedFan - Hardware monitor for Windows that can access digital temperature sensors located on several 2-wire SMBus Serial Bus. Can access voltages and fan speeds and control fan speeds. Includes technical articles and docs.

Guru3D - Guru of 3D: PC Hardware Reviews and tests

HWMonitor - HWMonitor is a hardware monitoring program that reads PC systems main health sensors : voltages, temperatures, fans speed.

Geforce Experience - GeForce Experience is a new application from NVIDIA that optimizes your PC in two key ways.

CPU-Z - CPU-Z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system : Processor name and number, codename, process, package, cache levels.