How do I find out my CPU specs?

By Laurie Excel / January 2, 2025

If you’re wondering what your CPU specs are, this guide will help you find the answers you’re looking for.

Using the Computer’s Built-In Utility

One of the easiest ways to find out your CPU specs is by using the built-in utility that comes with your operating system. Here’s how:

• For Windows:

  • Click on the Start menu and type "System Information" in the search bar.
  • Click on "System Information" to open the utility.
  • In the "System Summary" section, look for the "Processor" section, which should list your CPU manufacturer, model, and clock speed.

• For macOS:

  • Click on the Apple Menu and select "About This Mac."
  • Click on the "System Report" button.
  • In the "Hardware" section, look for the "Processor" section, which should list your CPU manufacturer, model, and clock speed.

Using the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

Another way to find out your CPU specs is by accessing the BIOS settings. Here’s how:

• For Windows:

  • Restart your computer and press the key combination (e.g., F2, F12, or Del) to access the BIOS settings.
  • In the BIOS settings, look for the "Advanced" or "CPU" section, which should list your CPU manufacturer, model, and clock speed.
  • Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.

• For macOS:

  • Restart your computer and press the key combination (e.g., Command + R) to access the BIOS settings.
  • In the BIOS settings, look for the "Hardware" or "CPU" section, which should list your CPU manufacturer, model, and clock speed.
  • Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.

Using a Third-Party Utility

If you’re unable to access the BIOS settings, you can use a third-party utility to find out your CPU specs. Here are a few popular options:

• CPU-Z (Windows, macOS): A free utility that provides detailed information about your CPU, including the manufacturer, model, clock speed, and architecture.
• HWiNFO (Windows, macOS): A free utility that provides detailed information about your CPU, including the manufacturer, model, clock speed, and architecture.
• Gyftista’s CPU-finder (macOS): A free utility that provides detailed information about your CPU, including the manufacturer, model, clock speed, and architecture.

Key CPU Specs to Look Out For

Here are some key CPU specs to look out for:

• CPU Architecture: This refers to the underlying architecture of your CPU, such as Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 9.
• Clock Speed: This refers to the speed at which your CPU operates, typically measured in GHz (gigahertz).
• Cores and Threads: This refers to the number of processing cores and threads available on your CPU. A higher number typically means better performance.
• Cache Size: This refers to the amount of memory available to your CPU to store data temporarily.
• L3 Cache: This refers to the level 3 cache size, which is a key feature of Intel Core i7 and i9 processors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding out your CPU specs is a straightforward process that can be done through the computer’s built-in utility, BIOS settings, or third-party utilities. By understanding the key specs of your CPU, you can better understand its performance capabilities and make informed decisions about upgrades or new hardware purchases.