Buzz
The CPU speed determines how fast tasks are processed on your computer. With the introduction of multi-core processors, CPU speed has become less critical than before. However, it's still advisable to check the CPU speed when purchasing new software to ensure your computer can handle it. Additionally, verifying the standard CPU speed is useful when overclocking for better performance.
Steps
Windows
Open the System window. There are several quick ways to access this window.
- Windows 7, Vista, XP - Right-click on Computer/My Computer in the Start menu and select "Properties." On Windows XP, you may need to click the "General" tab after selecting "Properties."
- Windows 8 - Right-click the Start button and choose "System."
- All versions - Press the ⊞ Win+Pause keys.
Locate the "Processor" category. This section is found under the "System" area, below the Windows section.
Record the processor speed. The model name and speed of the processor will be displayed. The speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). This represents the single-core speed of the processor. For multi-core processors (common in newer models), this will be the speed of each individual core.
- If your processor has been overclocked, this may not reflect the actual speed. Refer to the next section to find the actual speed of an overclocked CPU.
Check how many cores the processor has. If your computer has a multi-core processor, the number of cores will not be displayed in this window. While multi-core processors don't necessarily make all programs run faster, they can significantly improve the performance of specially designed applications.
- Press the ⊞ Win+R keys to open the Run dialog.
- Type dxdiag and press ↵ Enter. Click Yes if prompted to check drivers.
- Find the "Processor" entry in the System tab. If your computer uses a multi-core processor, you'll see a number in parentheses after the speed (e.g., 4 CPU). This number indicates how many cores the processor has. Each core runs at approximately the same speed (with minor variations).
Mac
Click the Apple menu and select "About This Mac."
Locate the "Processor" section in the "Overview" tab. This section will display the processing speed. Note that this is not the actual speed at which the CPU is running, as the CPU reduces its speed when not handling heavy tasks to save energy and extend its lifespan.
Download Intel Power Gadget. This is a free utility that monitors the CPU and reports the actual speed of the operating system. You can download it for free at this link.
- Extract the file and double-click the DMG file to install Intel Power Gadget.
Download and install Prime95. If you want to test the maximum speed of your processor, you need to stress the CPU with a heavy program. One of the most common methods is using Prime95. You can download it for free at mersenne.org/download/. Extract the program and double-click the DMG file to install it. Select "Just Stress Testing" when launching the program.
- Prime95 is designed to calculate prime numbers, forcing the CPU to operate at full capacity.
Find the processor speed. The second graph in this program will display the processor speed. The "Package Frq" entry shows the current speed based on the system's task processing activity. This figure is usually lower than the "Base Frq," which is the advertised speed.
Linux
Open the terminal. Most tools available on Linux do not display the actual speed of the processor. Intel has introduced turbostat, which allows you to check the real speed of the processor. You need to install this tool manually via the terminal.
Type .uname -r and press ↵ Enter. Note the version number displayed (X.XX.XX-XX).
Type .apt-get install linux-tools-X.XX.XX-XX linux-cloud-tools-X.XX.XX-XX and press ↵ Enter. Replace X.XX.XX-XX with the version number noted earlier. Enter the administrator password if prompted.
Type .modprobe msr and press ↵ Enter. This installs the MSR module required to run the tool.
Open another terminal window and type .openssl speed. This launches the OpenSSL speed test, forcing the CPU to operate at full capacity.
Return to the first terminal window and type .turbostat. This command will display a screen logging the processor's information.
Look at the column .GHz. Each entry represents the actual speed of individual cores. The TSC column shows the commonly reported speed. This data will help you see the difference between normal speed and overclocked CPU speed. The speed will be lower if the CPU is idle.
Windows (Overclocking CPU)
Overclocking a CPU involves modifying voltage to generate more power. It's a common practice among computer enthusiasts, offering a more cost-effective investment, though it can also damage components. Refer to overclocking guides for more details.
Download and install CPU-Z. This free utility monitors computer components and is designed for overclocked systems, reporting the processor's current speed accurately. You can download it for free at cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html.
- CPU-Z does not install any additional adware or toolbars during setup.
Launch CPU-Z. By default, the computer will create a shortcut for CPU-Z on the desktop. You need to log in as an administrator or enter a password to open the program.
Run a CPU-intensive task on your computer. The processor automatically slows down when idle, so the data shown in CPU-Z is not the maximum speed. You must push the processor to its limits.
- The quickest way to stress the CPU is by running Prime95. This program is designed to calculate prime numbers and is often used to test computer performance. Download Prime95 from mersenne.org/download/, extract the program files, and select "Just Stress Testing" when launching the program.
Check the CPU speed. The current CPU speed will be displayed in the "Core Speed" field under the CPU tab. Observe minor fluctuations as the computer processes Prime95.
