Can I run several resource monitors together?
Can I run several resource monitors together?
I purchased a CPU cooler with a temperature display panel. It automatically starts HWINFO in the background to collect its data. I also discovered a program named "sidebar" that shows system information, though I’m unsure how it obtains its details. Could running both cause any problems? If I need to use HWINFO64, should I stop the other first?
https://imgur.com/a/Cx49jXA
I recommend monitoring your resource usage closely. Past experiences indicate that apps can sometimes provide inconsistent data or contain internal conflicts, as observed with certain Asus, NZXT, and Corsair products. If you're concerned, it's wise to keep one app open only when necessary for viewing statistics on your desktop space.
The monitors will receive information from the identical hardware device.
There are no issues with executing several applications that display the status.
They might vary since each uses distinct methods to analyze the data.
In any scenario, give it a try and observe the results.
You have the option to halt any of them anytime.
I don't really need it, but I have three monitors and they are positioned on the right side of the right monitor, so it doesn't interfere.
Re: ", I'm not sure how it gets it's info....."
Very likely that the information is obtained from what is already built into Windows.
Just formatted into some other display format that may or may not be directly helpful. May be a bit more end user friendly or convenient.
Not an uncommon method for many tools, utilities, etc. be they free/open source or a purchased product.
Overall, there is always the risk or chance that the tool/process introduces more room for errors or other issues that can lead to problems.
My rule of thumb is to use only one tool or utility at a time to avoid potential conflicts. Exception being if there is a direct need to do so for realtime comparison purposes. Temporary.
Disk Manager or Powershell (for example) provide more direct disk related information. Likewise for other coding languages that can be used.
E.g., Disk information is straightforward and more can be discovered/learned via the "Get-Disk" cmdlet.
FYI:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powers...ver2025-ps
Sidebar, HWINFO etc. can be useful and convenient. All the more so if free.....
I would certainly remove HWINFO from always being launched in the background. Is that being done via Task Manager > Startup? Only run HWINFO (or any other app for the most part) in the background if necessary for specific reasons or requirements. Otherwise launch manually when needed.
Just my thoughts on the matter.
The software for my RGB Thermalright cooler is "TRCC", which starts HWINFO. It's hard to stop it in Task Manager... I don't want HWINFO running quietly in the background, as it might affect Adrenaline. Recently, the newest Windows update removed "Sidebar" and keeps claiming it's a virus, preventing it from accessing CPU temperature. I've also seen bad reviews for TRCC online, even causing problems with certain games. Now I'm considering giving up on 2 and looking for an alternative. I use Rainmeter, but the skins are inconsistent and many no longer work properly.
I have no prior knowledge of "TRCC" and if it introduces HWINFO you might face difficulties figuring it out. I will rely on other members who are more familiar with TRCC and similar topics.
In general, I anticipate that TRCC is set up to start HWINFO independently or through alternative methods.
TRCC seems to regularly verify whether HWINFO is active; if not, it attempts to launch it again.
You can gain further insight using Process Explorer.
Start with a normal boot and check if TRCC is running. If present, it likely started via Task Manager > Startup or was triggered by the Task Scheduler after TRCC was launched. Search Task Manager and Task Scheduler for any entries related to TRCC or HWINFO.
Next, use Process Explorer to investigate further.
This tool lets you terminate a process, but be cautious—other processes might depend on it. Always back up data before proceeding.
If you find HWINFO running, end that process first and confirm it disappears. If it persists, then work on stopping TRCC from launching. Check whether HWINFO continues to run.
The key is understanding the exact steps involved, as the details are crucial.