A computer system is built out of different hardware components. Some of these parts are simple, in terms of what they do and how they’re used. Think, ports, fans, wireless networking cards, Bluetooth radios, etc. Other elements can get a little more complicated, for example, consider a CPU, a GPU, or RAM.

The hardware on any system, regardless of whether pre-built or if you built it yourself, comes with factory settings that allow it to run at an optimal level. The settings will allow the hardware to work well with a wide range of hardware but that also means they’re working below their maximum capacity.

Since factory settings are generally configured with some of the most powerful components on a PC to run below their maximum capacity, users go to great lengths to change them. Settings for hardware components like the GPU normally aren’t locked from being changed, but an app will be required for the job. 

MSI Afterburner Review

MSI Afterburner is one of the most popular tools for overclocking a GPU. It has an excellent, and relatively, easy-to-use interface. You must have some experience as to what you’re doing, but even if you’re not looking to overclock and/or overvolt the GPU, MSI Afterburner is an excellent tool for monitoring the GPU, CPU, and system temperature, among other things.

1. MSI Afterburner Download

MSI Afterburner is free to use. You can download it here and run the EXE file to install it. You will need admin rights to install the app – but that holds for all apps that are installed on Windows 10. 

2. Install MSI Afterburner

During installation, Afterburner will ask to install RivaTuner Statistics Server. It’s a tool used to overclock a GPU and it is essential if you plan on using Afterburner for overclocking. If not, you can skip installing it however, you will not be able to use certain Afterburner features. 

RivaTuner Statistics Server is a good, stable, app. You won’t find many overclocking tools that do not rely on it.

Additional apps

Afterburner has quite a few features the app will not install, without enabling other features –  even if you decide to install RivaTuner with it. 

For example, the Kombuster app was developed by the same folks that created Afterburner. It must be installed if you want to run a stability test on your GPU. If you overclock your GPU, running a stability test afterward is the first step in troubleshooting and that’s when Kombuster will come in handy. 

3. Afterburner GUI & Settings

Afterburner has a GUI similar to a dashboard for quick changing settings and applying them. The dashboard allows you to overclock, overvolt, or even reset your GPU. It is also where you can set a custom speed for the fans if your rig has a GPU fan and a CPU fan. They can be set up to run in sync, or asynchronously. The choice is yours. 

The GUI gives you a quick overview of the system’s health; the current GPU core clock, memory clock, power consumption, and temperature. 

The Settings panel of the Afterburner is accessible by clicking the cogwheel button where you can configure additional features. It’s almost like a second GUI for operating the app where you can enable overlays, select what system vitals you want to monitor within a game, and set up hotkeys for Afterburner’s various features.

RivaTuner Server Settings

If you use MSI Afterburner, and you’ve installed RivaTuner, you should know that it has its own settings panel. It’s something you should familiarize yourself with, especially if you intend to use Afterburner’s overlay and monitoring features.

RivaTuner adds an icon to the system tray and when you double-click it, you get access to its settings panel. 

4. MSI Afterburner Features

MSI Afterburner has an extensive list of features, too many to list, but we’re going to mention the more impressive ones.

• Overclock and overvolt a GPU.
• Control fan speed.
• Monitor GPU usage, temperature.
• Add overlays for GPU and CPU usage and temperature.
• Run benchmark tests on the GPU.
• Take screenshots and record screencasts.
• Create profiles for hardware settings and easily switch between them.
• Log GPU and CPU usage history.

Limitations

MSI Afterburner does not have a lot of limitations however, it may not work with older hardware, particularly older GPUs that are more than ten years old. Other than that, it’s a great tool.

Read Full Bio

Fatima Wahab

Fatima has been writing for AddictiveTips for six years. She began as a junior writer and has been working as the Editor in Chief since 2014. Fatima gets an adrenaline rush from figuring out how technology works, and how to manipulate it. A well-designed app, something that solves a common everyday problem and looks

Latest from Author

How to Take a Screenshot on Windows Best FPS Counter Software for Windows