GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) vs Nexus

GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) brings desktop gadgets to 64-bit Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and 11. It installs a modified version of the Gadget Platform from Windows 7, and lets users add .gadget files. The package includes gadgets such as a sidebar, agenda, clocks, calendar, currency display, CPU meter, drive information and network monitor. Other listed categories include weather, reminders, sticky notes, calculator, volume control, unit conversion and radio. Win+Shift+G displays and switches between gadgets; GadgetPack Tools can optionally assign that function to Win+G. The software is free. Installation requires administrative rights, and both the installer and website are English-only, although many gadgets have other localizations. The site warns that gadgets may contain viruses or trojans, and opening one carries the risk of running an executable file. The developer says the project is maintained in spare time, so replies to feedback can take time.

Nexus combines PC hardware monitoring, fan and pump control, and RGB lighting in one free app. It shows live CPU, GPU, memory, network, disk, fan, and temperature readings, with per-game FPS history on Windows. Its GPU-rendered lighting engine offers screen sync, audio sync, and Game Sync. Users can set fan and pump curves from any system temperature sensor or leave selected devices on BIOS or firmware settings. Nexus uses its own device drivers and a bundled OpenRGB build; hardware support depends on the exact model. A phone browser can act as a remote panel, using an encrypted relay outside the home network and switching to a direct connection when possible. The app works locally and offline without an account, while optional anonymous telemetry can be controlled in settings. Nexus runs on 64-bit Windows 10 or 11, Apple Silicon Macs, and x86-64 Linux. It has no builds for Windows on ARM, Intel Macs, or ARM Linux. Companion iOS and Android apps are not yet in the app stores.