GPU-Z 2.61.0

Overview

GPU-Z is a compact, yet powerful application that monitors and displays analytical statistics related to the performance and health of your system's GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and video card.

Installation

With a file size of only 1 MB, GPU-Z downloads quickly, and no installation is required to run the application, simply open the executable file and the program will launch itself. Upon opening the setup file you'll be asked whether you want to add a start menu entry and desktop shortcut, or simply install the standalone version. The software is tested to be compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and 7 (both 32-bit and 64-bit).

Interface

The user interface is extremely simplistic and requires very little effort on behalf of the user. Simply launch the application and the performance statistics of your video card and graphics card will be displayed in a conveniently readable manner. Performance results are categorized into three tabs – Graphics Card, Sensors, and Validation. Overall, if you know what each statistic means then chances are you'll be able to use the software to analyze your computer's graphic performance without any training.

Pros

• Supports all major cards in recent computers, including ATI and Nvidia graphics cards

• Displays any default clocks, 3D clocks, and overclocks that are available

• Can perform a GPU load test that verifies the configuration of PCI-Express lane options

• Automatically validates performance scan results to ensure the most accurate statistics every time

• Displays information in a self-explanatory interface that is similar to that of any other hardware information display

• Functionality is so simple that a user manual is not even needed, simply open the software and view the desired stats

• Drop-down menu in the bottom left corner of the user interface lets you specify the graphics card to analyze

• Graphics card tab displays more than 20 different data fields for your graphics card, including Name, GPU Brand, Release Date, BIOS Version, Device ID, Pixel Fill Rate, Texture Fill Rate, Direct X Version Support, Driver Version, GPU Clock Rate, Default Clock Rate, Bandwidth, Bus Interface, Bus Width, Memory Size, and Memory Type

• Sensors tab shows the running temperatures of your GPU at different phases. You can change the temperature type preference from Celsius to Fahrenheit, and a red bar indicates temperature fluctuations that recently occurred during the scan time

Cons

• The functionality is limited in that it does not allow you to tweak your system's graphics performance, however it does provide an ideal interface in which to view performance statistics

Alternatives

There are a number of other applications available that provide similar functionality to GPU-Z, the most notable of which include GPU Caps Viewer, Speccy, SIW (System Information for Windows), and SIV (System Information Viewer).

Conclusion

If you're trying to analyze and improve your computer's graphical performance, GPU-Z offers an excellent solution that provides a great starting point. With no installation required, a plethora of data fields to display, and compatibility with all major video and graphics cards, this application is a must-have for any gamer, software developer, or anyone who wants to achieve optimal graphics.