MSI Afterburner review
A full-featured, free Windows tuner for multi-vendor GPU overclocking and monitoring.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
MSI Afterburner is a free Windows utility for tuning and monitoring graphics cards from MSI and other manufacturers. It is aimed at users who want control over GPU core and memory settings, voltage, power limits, temperature limits, fan behavior, and saved configurations. The feature set also covers hardware monitoring graphs, in-game statistics, and video and screen capture, making it suitable for both tuning-focused users and people who want performance information while playing.
The pricing structure is straightforward: the Free plan includes GPU overclocking and undervolting, hardware monitoring, custom fan control, and an on-screen display. There are no paid tiers to compare. Its standout feature set combines one-click OC Scanner overclocking with manual controls, including voltage and undervolting adjustments. Users can save tuning profiles and apply saved settings at Windows startup, while custom GPU fan curves and power and temperature limit controls provide additional ways to manage a graphics card's behavior.
MSI Afterburner is a strong fit for Windows users who want extensive tuning controls across multiple GPU vendors without a subscription. Monitoring and overlay features may require RivaTuner Statistics Server, which is bundled with the installer. Laptop users should also account for firmware restrictions: custom fan curves are unavailable when the laptop locks fan behavior. Choose Afterburner for free access to manual tuning, automated scanning, profiles, monitoring, overlays, and capture. It is less suitable for users who need support beyond Windows or direct control over firmware-locked laptop fans.
MSI Afterburner pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports manual tuning, OC Scanner overclocking, and undervolting
- Includes fan curves, power limits, profiles, monitoring, and an OSD
- Free plan includes GPU tuning, monitoring, fan control, and on-screen display
- Where it doesn't
- Windows only
- Some overlay and monitoring functions require RivaTuner Statistics Server
- Laptop fan curves may be unavailable when firmware locks fan behavior
MSI Afterburner fact sheet, pricing and score →
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