Steam client will get a performance monitoring tool that's 'more accurate than Task Manager'

Valve, the company behind Steam, says that the standard Windows Task Manager doesn't capture all of the GPU processing and can underestimate GPU usage, especially during game launch. They're planning to introduce a new tool to the Steam client that will allow them to accurately monitor performance even in these situations.

Steam Client Beta - Steam News Hub

Games that split their work across multiple processes may not capture all of the GPU activity, making certain workloads appear less demanding than they actually are.

Valve is revamping the Steam overlay and introducing a tool that will capture all running game processes and record GPU usage in more detail. Valve explained, 'For most games, the final performance results will be roughly the same as before, but certain situations may result in higher GPU usage numbers. This tool should provide values closer to those achieved by third-party tools like MSI Afterburner.'

The new performance monitoring tool was introduced in a beta version of the Steam client, but the feature was later removed for further testing.

This update follows the release of the Overlay extension in June 2025, which added frame-level detail to distinguish between native and DLSS/FSR-generated frames, as well as real-time displays of CPU load, RAM usage, clock speed, and frame timing graphs.

'Adding the previously added CPU temperature display feature makes it clear that Valve is actively working to position Steam as a monitoring tool for gamers,' said technology media Tom's Hardware. 'The ability to monitor all performance in one software, without relying on external sources, could be a game changer for gamers. This allows even beginners and non-technical users to see the internal workings of their computer.'