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HWiNFO On-Screen Display (OSD): Real-Time System Info

5/25/2024
Let’s dive into the recent update for HWiNFO, a popular system monitoring tool. In the latest beta version, HWiNFO introduces its own On-Screen Display (OSD) feature, eliminating the need for separate tools like RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) to display system information on your screen.

Here are the key points about this update:

  1. OSD Implementation:

    • The new beta version of HWiNFO now includes an overlay (OSD) that allows you to showcase real-time system information directly on your screen.
    • Users no longer need to install additional software like RTSS for this purpose.
    • To use the OSD function, it’s recommended to opt for the installer version of HWiNFO instead of the portable version. The installer ensures proper initialization from a secure folder (e.g., Program Files).
    • If you’re using the portable version, you can work around this by installing the official version first and then copying the portable executable (HWiNFO64.exe) to the Program Files directory.

  2. Functionality and Challenges:

    • While the OSD feature is promising, it still requires some polishing before a public release.
    • Users may encounter issues such as the OSD disappearing or failing to connect to the screen upon tool restart.
    • Sometimes, the OSD window may display empty stats or fail to show updates.
    • However, automatic hookup to GPU-intensive tasks seems to be functioning well, and users can lock the OSD to specific applications of their choice.

  3. Customization Options:

    • The OSD allows you to select various values for real-time representation, including text values, averages, maximums, and minimums.
    • You can also convert data into graphs.
    • The free version of HWiNFO lets you add up to five values, while the pro version has no limitations.

  4. Alternative to RTSS:

    • With the in-built OSD feature, HWiNFO provides a great alternative that eliminates the need for extra software.
    • Some users may still prefer RTSS, especially if they use other tools like CapFrameX for testing. In such cases, you can link MSI Afterburner, HWiNFO, and CapFrameX to the same OSD.

In summary, HWiNFO’s new OSD feature enhances the user experience by providing real-time system information directly on your screen. Keep an eye out for further updates as the tool continues to improve! 😊