CorePin vs Magpie

CorePin is a per-game CPU optimization utility for Windows 10 and 11. It lets you configure core placement, scheduling, process priority, power behavior, and background workloads, then apply those settings automatically when a configured game starts and restore temporary changes after it exits. The utility detects processor topology and offers V-Cache, frequency, hybrid-core, cache-group, no-SMT, and manual profiles. Its library can discover games from Steam, Xbox app/Microsoft Store, Epic Games Store, GOG Galaxy, EA app, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, Amazon Games App, and Meta PC VR. CorePin also supports supported VR companion placement and OpenXR launch behavior. Gameplay profiling reports FPS, frame-time, CPU/GPU behavior, memory, storage, and available hardware telemetry; System Benchmark offers Quick, Full, and Demo modes using repeatable CPU and DirectX workloads. CorePin is free: free. It operates locally, though its interface may make outbound HTTPS requests for release checks, artwork, and provider metadata. Performance results vary with the game and system, and improvements are not guaranteed.

Magpie is a free Windows tool for scaling windowed or fullscreen content with built-in algorithms and filters. These include Anime4K, FSR, CRT shaders, and other effects. Effects can be combined, most have adjustable parameters, and users familiar with HLSL can add effects. The WinUI-based interface supports light and dark themes, and the tool supports multiple monitors. Release notes describe a screenshot hotkey that defaults to Alt+Shift+S, with customizable filenames, and SGSR, a lightweight upscaling algorithm designed for 3D content. The FAQ says frame generation is not planned because Magpie focuses on visual quality and post-processing, which can add latency when used for frame generation. Magpie requires Windows 10 version 1903 or later, or Windows 11, and DirectX feature level 11. It is licensed under GPLv3, and downloads are linked from GitHub Releases. The repository says it has no SECURITY.md file and no published security advisories. Magpie is associated with a maker founded in 2021.