CPU-V Monitor

CPU-V Monitor is a desktop gadget that monitors the current CPU usage level of your computer. It comes in handy to users who frequently hog system resources, such as avid video gamers. It is very easy to install, and it includes rich customization options.
The interface consists of a very small frame that can be moved to any position on the screen with the help of the mouse cursor. It features a radar and graph display mode that show the real-time CPU usage, clock rate and free memory. Unfortunately, the frame's size cannot be increased.
As far as customization settings are concerned, it is possible to change the text target and alignment (top, middle, bottom), customize the graphs' color and fill, and grid color, as well as to alter the default refresh rate and right pane size. Settings can be exported to an INI file, thus enabling you to import them at a later time on the same or different computer.
As expected, CPU-V Monitor does not put a strain on computer performance, since it barely uses CPU and RAM. It is very responsive to commands and shows accurate information. We have not come across any type of issues throughout our evaluation, since the gadget did not hang, crash or pop up error dialogs.
On the downside, CPU-V Monitor does not integrate the option to enable notifications when the CPU level has reached a critical level or dropped. However, it does a pretty good job when it comes to simply monitoring CPU consumption.