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A DIY PC stats monitor can be as simple as sensor software on your existing screen or as visible as a small USB/HDMI display showing live hardware readings. Start by choosing where you want to see the data; then select software that exposes the specific sensors you care about and confirm that it works with your hardware and display.
Choose how you want to view PC stats
The monitoring software reads available hardware sensors. A separate display does not read those sensors by itself: software must collect the readings and send or render them on the screen.
| Build route | Display path | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Software-only | Your PC’s existing screen | The simplest starting point: use a monitoring program, then view its readings or an on-screen dashboard. |
| Physical sensor panel | A small USB/HDMI display connected to the PC | Add the display, cables, mounting and compatible software to show selected sensor readings. |
| Programmable external dashboard | A Raspberry Pi or similar host with its own display | Configure the display and arrange a way for the dashboard host to receive the PC’s sensor data. |
Pick software that exposes the sensors you need
Available readings depend on the monitoring program and the hardware it can detect. Decide whether you need CPU or GPU temperatures, fan speed, utilization, clock speed, power, or another value, and verify that the chosen software exposes those readings on your system.
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OpenHardwareMonitor
The OpenHardwareMonitor project documents sensor data organized in a tree and available as JSON and through WMI while the application is running. That can provide a data source for a separate dashboard or other software. Its project documentation does not establish current release support for every device or operating system, so check compatibility before building around it: OpenHardwareMonitor project.
#1 Best Overall
- PC CASE MONITOR AND SENSOR PANEL: The 9.2-inch V92 is a dedicated PC screen for case builds, showing CPU/GPU temperatures, usage, RAM, fan speeds, clocks, weather, and custom widgets. It is not a standard extended monitor.
- 1920 x 462 IPS LCD SCREEN FOR PC: This ultra-wide PC case LCD delivers bright, sharp visuals and wide viewing angles for easy reading through tempered glass. The slim aluminum body measures 242.4 x 63.1 x 12 mm.
- USB-C OR INTERNAL 9-PIN CONNECTION: Connect through an external USB port or an available motherboard USB 2.0 9-pin header. No HDMI or DisplayPort is required, keeping GPU video outputs free. Both USB cables are included.
- FREE STATION SPACE SOFTWARE, NO AIDA64 REQUIRED: Monitor system data and use free themes, plugins, JPG, GIF, MP4, weather, news, and stock widgets. Station Space must remain running. Windows 10/11 only; not compatible with macOS or Linux.
- FLEXIBLE CASE MOUNTING: Install the PC case display horizontally or vertically using the included case fan mounting bracket and rear threaded holes. Check the 9.54 x 2.48 x 0.47 in clearance before purchase for your ATX, micro-ATX, or ITX case.
HWMonitor
CPUID describes HWMonitor as reading system-health sensors such as temperatures, voltages, power, current, fan speeds, utilization and clock speeds. Confirm the current version and its platform and hardware support before relying on a particular reading: CPUID HWMonitor.
Build a physical sensor-panel display
- Choose the display location. Decide whether the panel will sit on your desk or inside the PC case. Account for mounting, cable routing and whether the screen will be readable from where you normally sit.
- Check the interfaces. Confirm how the particular display receives video and power, and whether USB is also used for touch or another function. A Waveshare 11.9-inch Touch Monitor manual, for example, describes USB for power and touch in its setup; that does not establish that other displays use the same arrangement or work with the same software: Waveshare 11.9-inch Touch Monitor manual.
- Confirm the sensor-to-screen software path. Check that the program can read the desired sensors and render them on the chosen panel. The Waveshare manual illustrates an AIDA64 sensor-panel workflow for that display; it is an example, not a universal compatibility guarantee.
- Configure and verify the readings. Connect the display as specified by its manufacturer, configure the dashboard software, and check that each displayed value updates and corresponds to the sensor you intended to monitor.
Use a Raspberry Pi only if you want a programmable dashboard host
A Raspberry Pi can host a custom dashboard, but displaying the Pi’s own readings is not the same as displaying another PC’s readings. The dashboard needs a separate data path from the monitored PC—for example, software or a service that exposes the PC’s sensor values and a compatible way for the Pi to receive them. The cited Raspberry Pi documentation describes local display and temperature tools, not a ready-made connection to a separate PC’s sensors.
Rank #2
- Screen Stand Installation Guide: Please ensure that you use the (H) Screws specified in the instruction manual when installing the Screen Stand and the 8.8 Universal Screen. DO NOT use the longer screw “g”.
- Dynamic Control with L-Connect 3: Customize your viewing experience with L-Connect 3 software. Access preset themes and modular information, and upload your own videos and photos to create a personalized display that suits your style.
- USB-Powered Secondary Display: Enjoy plug-and-play connection via a 9-pin port or Type-A USB. This innovative design allows the 8.8" screen to function independently as a secondary monitor, displaying hardware stats, media, or custom visuals without using valuable GPU ports.
- Flexible Mounting Options: Versatile mounting bracket that supports height and tilt adjustments. Mount it securely to fan frames, attach it to case panels, or use adhesive pads for flat surfaces, ensuring optimal visibility from any angle.
- Stunning Diffused ARGB Lighting: Enhance your build's aesthetics with a built-in diffused ARGB lighting strip. Fully customizable through L-Connect 3, the lighting offers a spectrum of colors and effects, allowing synchronization with your entire system for a cohesive look.
For a non-official display connected to a Pi, Raspberry Pi’s hardware documentation says configuration may require a dtoverlay and panel-specific timing settings. Check the display maker’s configuration details: Raspberry Pi computer hardware documentation.
Raspberry Pi OS documents kmsprint for listing connected displays and vcgencmd for a SoC temperature reading: Raspberry Pi OS documentation. The hardware documentation says Linux-based temperature measurements can be inaccurate on Raspberry Pi devices in some cases and describes vcgencmd measure_temp as an accurate instantaneous SoC reading. It also defines an 85°C SoC temperature limit for Raspberry Pi thermal management, with frequency throttling beginning as the device approaches that limit. Those details apply to Raspberry Pi devices; they are not a general safe-temperature rule for PC CPUs or GPUs.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Parameters: This is a new type of mini computer chassis screen. There is no need to install AIDA64, and only a USB cable is required to detect whether the running parameters are normal. Display area: 49X74 (mm), overall size: 55X85 (mm), resolution: 320X480, thickness: 7~ 8 (mm), viewing angle: IPS full viewing angle, interface: USB-TYPEC, shell material: metal
- FAQ: Unable to download URL and unzip, use tutorial, what system is supported? Please don't worry, we will upload video tutorial in the link, which will be reflected in the video. At the same time, we will have product instructions. Finally, our products are compatible and easy to operate
- Features: Support horizontal and vertical screen switching, 0°and 180°two options, energy saving and environmental protection, automatic screen off after shutdown, eye comfort, stepless brightness adjustment
- Function: Displays various data of CPU, memory, hard disk and other hardware, so that users can grasp the computer operation status in time. Through special customized chips, it supports dynamic wallpaper and other forms, can add visual effects, and only takes up a small amount of CPU resources. Compared with the traditional HDMI secondary screen, it only needs a USB data cable to connect, avoiding various problems such as cable clutter
- Packing list: 1 x 3.5-inch screen; 1 x USB data cable; 1 x adjustable bracket; 1 x product manual; 1x Acrylic double-sided tape；1 x packaging box. If you encounter the above problems or other problems about the product, the information we provide cannot solve them for you. Please contact us. We are online 24 hours a day and will serve you as soon as possible
Rank #4
- 9.16” Wide LCD Screen – Features a crisp 1920×480 resolution display, perfect for showcasing system stats, hardware performance, or personalized visuals inside your gaming PC.
- Real-Time Hardware Monitoring – Easily track CPU/GPU temps, fan speed, memory usage, and more, giving you complete control of your system health at a glance.
- TRCC Software with DIY Options – Includes Thermalright TRCC app with multiple preset themes and DIY customization, so you can design your own unique interface
- Plug & Play USB-C Connection – Simple Type-C interface ensures quick setup and compatibility with most Windows systems, no complicated drivers required.
- Compact & Stylish Build – At only L251 x W68 x H17 mm, this slim display fits seamlessly inside or outside your PC case, adding both function and aesthetic appeal for modders and enthusiasts.
Rank #3
- 11.3in LCD screen: Wide 1920x400 display for showing PC hardware stats, images, GIFs, and custom themes
- USB-C single cable setup: Uses a USB Type-C connection for power and data, keeping installation simple inside a desktop PC
- For PC monitoring display: Works as a case display for CPU, GPU, memory, storage, temperature, usage, and other system information
- Custom display options: Supports static images, GIFs, and personalized screen layouts for gaming PCs and clean desktop builds
- Slim black design: 272 x 70 x 14mm screen body fits neatly on or inside a PC case without taking up much space
Check compatibility before buying or assembling
- Sensor coverage: Verify that the monitoring program exposes the exact CPU, GPU, memory, fan or other values you want on your hardware.
- Operating system and components: Confirm support for your OS, processor, graphics card and sensor software version.
- Display connections: Check video input, power, touch connection if applicable, and any required adapter or panel configuration.
- Dashboard support: Make sure the display can show the software’s output; a USB/HDMI connection alone does not guarantee sensor-panel compatibility.
- Placement: Plan for mounting and cable routing, and choose a screen position that remains legible without obstructing other components.
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