Linux · System Tools
nvtop
A terminal-based GPU monitoring tool for Linux that displays real-time metrics like usage, temperature, and memory.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Latest version
- 3.3.2
What is nvtop?
nvtop is a lightweight, terminal-based utility designed to monitor NVIDIA GPU performance on Linux systems. It provides a text-based interface similar to htop but specifically for graphics cards. The project has been active for several years, establishing itself as a standard tool for Linux users who need quick, low-overhead monitoring without launching a full desktop environment or heavy GUI applications.
It is primarily aimed at developers, system administrators, and enthusiasts who run headless servers, CI/CD pipelines, or desktop environments where they prefer keeping an eye on resources via the terminal. It is useful for anyone who wants to verify that their GPU is being utilized correctly during tasks like compiling code, training machine learning models, or gaming, without the visual clutter of a dedicated dashboard.
Compared to MSI Afterburner, nvtop lacks the ability to control clock speeds, fan curves, or apply profiles. It is strictly a monitoring tool. While Afterburner offers deep control and overlay capabilities, nvtop focuses on providing accurate, real-time data in a familiar terminal format. If you need to tweak settings, you will need to use nvidia-smi or another tool; nvtop is for observing, not manipulating.
Best for: Linux users who need a quick, low-overhead way to monitor NVIDIA GPU health and usage from the terminal.
Key features of nvtop
- Real-time GPU utilization and memory usage monitoring
- Temperature, power draw, and fan speed display
- Per-process GPU usage breakdown
- Support for multiple GPUs in a single view
- Keyboard-driven navigation and sorting
- Lightweight terminal interface with low CPU overhead
- Customizable display options for specific metrics
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and runs in any terminal
- Provides detailed per-process GPU usage
- Easy to install via standard package managers
- No GUI dependencies required
Cons
- Cannot adjust clock speeds or fan curves
- Lacks on-screen display (OSD) overlay for games
- Limited to NVIDIA GPUs; no support for AMD or Intel
- Interface is text-based, which may feel less visual than GUI tools
Windows programs nvtop replaces
How to install nvtop on Linux
sudo apt install nvtopsudo apt install nvtopsudo dnf install nvtopsudo pacman -S nvtopsudo zypper install nvtopTips for Windows users
If you are coming from MSI Afterburner, understand that nvtop is read-only. You cannot change fan speeds or clock offsets here. For monitoring, open a terminal and run nvtop. To change settings, you must use nvidia-smi commands or a different tool. There are no file formats to migrate, but your workflow will shift from a persistent GUI overlay to a terminal window you keep open or check periodically. If you need an OSD, look into tools like nvtop with specific configurations or other overlay solutions, as nvtop itself does not provide a transparent overlay.
nvtop: frequently asked questions
Can I use nvtop to overclock my GPU?
No, nvtop is a monitoring tool only. It displays metrics but does not allow you to change clock speeds, voltages, or fan curves. Use nvidia-smi or another control tool for that.
Does nvtop work with AMD GPUs?
No, nvtop is specifically designed for NVIDIA GPUs. For AMD, you should look at tools like rocm-smi or gtop, which support AMD hardware.
Is nvtop safe to run while gaming?
Yes, it has a very low CPU overhead. However, it runs in the terminal, so it will not appear as an overlay on top of your game. You would need to switch to the terminal to see the data.
How do I install nvtop on Ubuntu?
You can install it via the package manager by running 'sudo apt install nvtop' in your terminal. It is available in the standard Ubuntu repositories.
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