Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups
Register | Login

MSI Afterburner VS CPU-Z

Compare MSI Afterburner VS CPU-Z and see what are their differences

Hyperview
DCIM software reinvented. featured
Contents:
  1. » Base Details
  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

MSI Afterburner logo MSI Afterburner

Tool to manage video cards. Shows video card stats (temp, GPU usage, etc.).

CPU-Z logo 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.
  • MSI Afterburner Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-29
  • CPU-Z Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-13

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.

CPU-Z features and specs

  • Detailed System Information
    CPU-Z provides comprehensive information about your system's CPU, cache, memory, and motherboard, which can be crucial for system diagnostics and performance tuning.
  • Small Footprint
    The program is lightweight and does not consume extensive system resources, making it suitable for use on systems with limited processing power.
  • Real-time Monitoring
    CPU-Z offers real-time monitoring of the processor's clock speed and voltage, which can be extremely useful for overclocking and system stability checking.
  • Free to Use
    CPU-Z is available free of charge to all users, providing professional-level diagnostic capabilities without any cost.
  • Portable Version Available
    The software has a portable version that can be run without installation, allowing users to diagnose multiple systems easily.

Possible disadvantages of CPU-Z

  • Limited GPU Information
    While CPU-Z gives extensive details about CPUs and memory, it provides limited information about the system's GPU, which might necessitate using additional software for comprehensive diagnostics.
  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface of CPU-Z is somewhat dated and may not appeal to those accustomed to modern, slick UIs.
  • No Support for Non-Windows OS
    CPU-Z is only available for Windows operating systems, leaving users of macOS and Linux without support.
  • Lack of Automatic Updates
    The software does not automatically update to the latest version, requiring users to manually download and install updates to ensure they have the most recent features and fixes.
  • Basic Reporting
    Reporting features in CPU-Z are relatively basic, and those needing more advanced reporting capabilities might need to look for more specialized software.

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.

Analysis of CPU-Z

Overall verdict

  • Yes, CPU-Z is a good application for anyone needing a reliable and straightforward tool to check hardware details and system health.

Why this product is good

  • CPU-Z is considered a good utility because it provides detailed information about the CPU, RAM, motherboard, and other hardware components of the system. It is lightweight, easy to use, and offers real-time monitoring capabilities. The tool is particularly useful for enthusiasts, overclockers, and those needing a quick way to verify system specifications without having to open their computer cases.

Recommended for

  • PC enthusiasts who want to better understand their system's capabilities.
  • Overclockers interested in optimizing system performance by understanding component specifications.
  • IT professionals and tech support staff who need a quick hardware diagnostic tool.
  • Gamers and content creators needing to ensure their hardware is running optimally.

MSI Afterburner videos

+ Add

MSI Afterburner - How to setup On-Screen Display

More videos:

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

CPU-Z videos

+ Add

CPU-Z Review

More videos:

  • Review - CPU-Z - Detailed PC System Information - Hardware Specs [Tutorial]

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to MSI Afterburner and CPU-Z)

MSI Afterburner

CPU-Z

Device Management
27 27%
Device Management
73% 73
Monitoring Tools
28 28%
Monitoring Tools
72% 72
System Information
21 21%
System Information
79% 79
Gaming
100 100%
Gaming
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using MSI Afterburner and CPU-Z. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

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

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.
Source: conbackpackers.com
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...
Source: blogs.systweak.com

CPU-Z Reviews

Top 8 BEST NZXT CAM ALTERNATIVES
This is an excellent alternative to Nzxt CAM that will give you with real-time information about your computer system. CPU-Z is a freeware system profiler app for Microsoft Windows, (all versions from 95 onwards) that detects and exhibits the central processor unit, RAM, motherboard chipset, and other hardware components of a modern personal computer in a single window. The...
Source: gisuser.com
8 Best CPU-Z Alternatives & Competitors in 2022 (Free & Paid)
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. Mainboard and chipset. Memory type, size, timings, and module specifications (Spd). Real time measurement of each core’s internal frequency, memory frequency. The CPU-z‘s detection engine is now available for...
Source: www.softwarediscover.com
10 Best Nzxt CAM Alternatives
You will find CPU-Z easy to use. Installation is simple, all you need to do is launch the software and get to work. On PCs, the software is compatible with several function keys used as shortcut keys.
Source: conbackpackers.com
CPU-Z: 3 Top Alternatives compared
AIDA is the successor of Everest Home Edition. The program offers a clean Interface and a lot of information about your PC. AIDA is also one of the few Alternatives to CPU-Z, the cost of money. But if you really all want to find out and a lot of emphasis on the optics place, you should check out the 30-day trial version here download. Alternatively, you can the last...
Source: technical-tips.com
20 Programs to Analyze and Benchmark Your Hardware
With monitoring covered, what about a specifications summary? Enter stage left: I-Nex. Developed by a small group of programmers in Poland, this Linux-only tool works a bit like CPU-Z does, but also provides additional details about the hard drives, audio system, and operating system structure.
Source: www.techspot.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing MSI Afterburner and CPU-Z, you can also consider the following products

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

Speccy - Speccy - find the details of your computer's specs. Great for spotting issues or finding compatible upgrades. Download the latest version free.

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

AIDA64 - AIDA64 is a system information, diagnostics and benchmarking solution for Windows PC.

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

HWiNFO - Professional System Information and Diagnostics. Comprehensive Hardware Analysis, Monitoring and Reporting for Windows and DOS. FREEWARE. download. Advertisements.

Loading...