HWMonitor

HWMonitor keeps track of your computer’s vital statistics, including the temperature of various components and the current incoming voltages. With this information, you can ensure that your machine is not in danger of overheating or any other type of mechanical failure.

PROS

Straightforward presentation: All of the data that this program records is presented in one clear chart. And in addition to the current readings for all of your systems, you can also see the recommended maximums and minimums for each category to give you a frame of reference.

Real-time updates: This program updates all of the data readings it displays in real time. That means you can just glance over now and then to see how your computer’s doing rather than having to switch over to the program and refresh the feed.

CONS

No alerts: If HWMonitor does detect readings that are outside the norm, it won’t do anything other than display that value on the screen just as it would with an acceptable value. There is no way to configure the program to alert you to a problem, so you just have to keep an eye on things, yourself. But it does give you the means to do that.

BOTTOM LINE

HWMonitor is not a program that comes with a lot of bells and whistles, but it does deliver on its promised features. Its readouts are easy to understand, even for novice users, and it’s free to download and use without restrictions.