CorePin vs NVIDIA ShadowPlay

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.

NVIDIA ShadowPlay is a free Windows companion app for PC gamers and creators, combining driver updates, game and application optimization, and recording tools in an in-game overlay. Manual recording supports up to 8K HDR at 30 fps or 4K HDR at 120 fps; NVIDIA describes the performance impact as minimal. Automatic Highlights captures key moments, and overlay metrics include FPS, GPU and CPU utilization, FPS 1% Low, and system latency. GeForce RTX 40-series GPU owners can record with AV1 encoding. The app also includes a GPU control center for graphics settings and tuning, Freestyle filters for supported games, and ways to discover and launch selected NVIDIA apps. Requirements include Windows 10 or 11, a GeForce RTX 20, 30, 40, or 50 Series GPU, driver 551.52 or later, 2 GB of system memory, and 600 MB of disk space. Signing in is optional; NVIDIA says login enables users to redeem GPU bundles and rewards.