Scoop on the Spiffy Steam Performance Tracker
Steam is updating its performance tracking tool to resemble the Steam Deck, allowing users to test the tool immediately.
Say hello to the shiny new Performance Monitor overlay, dropped in the latest Steam desktop client update, available for beta users on Windows. This bad boy takes performance tracking a notch higher, leaving the run-of-the-mill FPS counter in the dust.
Gone are the days when you had to rely on third-party applications for detailed system performance insights. This new addition showcases CPU and GPU utilization, clock speeds, temperatures, and memory usage (both RAM and VRAM), all while keeping an eye on frame rates. It's like a one-stop-shop for all your gaming performance needs [2][3][5].
The Performance Monitor also boasts a frametime graph, giving a visual representation of frame rate fluctuations. It even flags when frame generation features like DLSS or FSR are in action, so you can tell the difference between genuine rendered frames and upscaled ones [2][3][5].
Extras Galore
Besides the standard framerate counter, this tool offers three additional settings [2]. You still get to pick the corner of your screen where it'll sit like a boss [2].
The view could use some improvements though. On high-res displays, it can look a tad small, and the white text could be bolder for easier reading. Plus, a vertical list view and better spacing would be a welcome addition [2]. Luckily, you can adjust its background opacity or transparency to your liking [2].
Linux Support Awaits
As of now, this Performance Monitor is exclusively for the beta Steam users on Windows. Although it's a Valve product, and they do love their Linux fans [4], there's no definite word on when the Linux community will get their hands on it yet [2]. Patience, my friends!
Future Plans
Valve promises more metrics later down the line, but not every feature may work with all systems at first [2]. This suggests that Linux users won't be left out in the cold for long [2]. Keep an eye on those updates!
In conclusion, this Performance Monitor brings a whole new dimension to performance tracking within Steam, reducing the need for external apps and enhancing your gaming experience. Happy gaming! 🚀🎮
- The latest Steam client update for Windows includes a new hardware feature, the Performance Monitor, which is superior to traditional FPS counters during gaming.
- In addition to the standard framerate counter, the Performance Monitor offers three adjustable settings, enabling users to customize its location and background opacity or transparency.
- While the Performance Monitor is currently available only for Windows, Linux users can expect to enjoy the same performance tracking features soon, as Valve has expressed interest in supporting the Linux community.
- Valve is planning to add more metrics to the Performance Monitor in future updates, ensuring that all systems, including Linux, will have access to a comprehensive tool for performance tracking.
- With the new Performance Monitor, gamers using Windows PCs, Xbox, and other gaming gadgets can benefit from the advanced technology, revolutionizing their gaming experiences on desktop and Windows-powered devices.
