Steam’s New Overlay Tracks FPS & FrameGen, Proton Default on Linux
▼ Summary
– Most gamers prefer detailed performance metrics like FPS, GPU/CPU load, and RAM usage, but Steam’s previous FPS overlay was minimal and hard to see.
– Steam’s new beta update introduces an enhanced performance overlay showing FPS (real and generated), GPU/CPU stats, RAM usage, and customizable display options.
– The new overlay resembles Steam Deck’s performance monitor and offers more visibility and customization than the old FPS counter.
– Valve also updated the beta client to enable Proton compatibility by default for all games on Linux, simplifying Windows game support without manual settings.
– Users can opt into the Steam beta to access these features, though the author humorously prefers not to delve into technical details.
Gamers crave performance metrics like frame rates and system utilization, and Steam’s latest beta update delivers just that with a revamped overlay. While some prefer to keep their PC’s inner workings a mystery, most players want real-time insights into their hardware’s performance. Until now, Steam’s in-game FPS counter was minimal, just a small, often hard-to-read number tucked in a corner. But the new performance overlay transforms that basic feature into a comprehensive monitoring tool.
The upgrade replaces the old counter with a detailed display showing real and AI-generated frames (like DLSS), an FPS graph, GPU load and temperature, CPU usage, and RAM consumption. Users can customize its position, text contrast, and background opacity to ensure visibility in any game. For Steam Deck owners, the interface will feel familiar, it closely mirrors the handheld’s level 2 performance overlay. Valve has even published a guide explaining each metric for those who want deeper technical insights.
Beyond the overlay, another major change is rolling out in the beta client: Proton, Valve’s compatibility layer for running Windows games on Linux, is now enabled by default for all titles. Previously, it only activated automatically for verified games, requiring manual settings adjustments for others. This led to confusion when Linux users couldn’t launch certain Windows games without tweaking options. Now, Proton works seamlessly for any non-native game, no extra steps needed.
To access these features, users must opt into the Steam Beta Update via the client’s Interface settings. While the enhancements cater to performance-hungry players, some might still prefer blissful ignorance. After all, not everyone wants to see the chaos unfolding inside their rig. But for those who do, Steam’s latest tools offer a clearer window into their gaming experience than ever before.
(Source: PC Gamer)
