Published on October 24, 2025
Before optimizing games like CS2, Fortnite, or Roblox, you need to know your PC’s true performance. Many players assume their hardware is “weak”—but the real issue is often background processes, outdated drivers, or incorrect settings. In this guide, we’ll show you **free, safe tools to benchmark FPS, monitor CPU/GPU usage, and identify bottlenecks**—so you can make informed upgrades or tweaks.
1. MSI Afterburner + RTSS (Real-Time FPS Counter)
The #1 tool for gamers. It shows real-time:
- FPS (frames per second)
- CPU/GPU temperature
- Usage % and clock speeds
- RAM and VRAM usage
How to set up:
- Download from MSI Afterburner
- Install with “RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS)”
- Open RTSS > Add your game (e.g.,
VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe) - Enable on-screen display (OSD)
Now you’ll see FPS in any game—including Roblox and CS2.
2. UserBenchmark vs PassMark: Which Is Better?
These tools compare your PC to others:
- UserBenchmark: Free, easy, but slightly biased toward older hardware
- PassMark PerformanceTest: Paid, but more accurate for gaming workloads
Use UserBenchmark to quickly see if your GPU is underperforming relative to its class.
3. Windows Built-In Performance Monitor
No install needed:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager - Go to “Performance” tab
- Watch real-time CPU, GPU, disk, and memory usage
If GPU usage is below 90% during gameplay, your CPU is likely bottlenecking—common in CS2 and Fortnite.
4. Steam Hardware Survey (Community Data)
Steam collects anonymous data from millions of users. To see what “average” gamers use:
- Open Steam > Help > Hardware Survey
- Check CPU, GPU, and RAM stats
If your setup matches the 75th percentile, you should run most games at 100+ FPS.
5. Test Your Setup: Practical Steps
- Run CS2 for 5 minutes → check FPS with MSI Afterburner
- Run Roblox with GraphicsMode 21 → compare FPS before/after
- Note thermal throttling (sudden FPS drops = overheating)
For game-specific results, see our CS2 Performance Guide or Roblox FPS Boost.
