How to Check CPU Speed

Finding CPU Speed in Windows XP

1. 1
   Click the "Start" button. Scroll to "My Computer" and right click on that.
2. 2
   Locate "System Properties" in the pop-up menu and left click on the properties. Click on the "General" tab. The CPU Speed will be on the first or second line.
3. 3
   You can also locate the CPU speed from the Help and Support Center. Click the Start Button.
   • Click "Help and Support". Find "What's New In Windows XP" and click that. Click Tools and select Advanced System Information.
   • Click "View Detailed System Information." Your CPU speed information will be among the information shown.

Finding CPU Speed in Vista and Windows 7

1. 1
   Click the "Start" button. Click the "Control Panel."
2. 2
   Select the "System and Maintenance" icon. Click on that and then click on System.
   • This will tell you what type of processor you have and its speed. If you have multiple processors, it will show how many you have.

Checking CPU Speed in Macs

1. 1
   Click on the Apple menu and select "About This Mac". Your CPU information will be displayed there.

Alternate Mac Method

1. 1
   Hit the Command+Space bar to open the Spotlight search field.
2. 2
   Type in "Activity Monitor" and press the return key.
3. 3
   Look at the bottom of the "Activity Monitor" screen. Click on the tab that says "CPU." Information about the central processing unit will appear.

For Advanced Windows Users

1. 1
   Click the "Start" button. In Windows XP, select the "RUN".
2. 2
   Type in "msinfo32" and hit the Return key. Your CPU speed will come up in the processor description.
   • If you are running Vista or Windows 7, Click the "Start" button. Click "All Programs" and select "Accessories"
   • Click on "RUN" from the Accessories menu. Follow the rest of the steps listed in the XP instructions.

Alternative Advanced Method

1. 1
   Click the "Start" button. In Windows XP, select the "RUN".
2. 2
   Type in "dxdiag" and hit the Return key. If asked to check your drivers are digitally signed, select 'No' Your CPU speed will be shown under "Processor". Many other useful pieces of information are also displayed
   • If you are running Vista or Windows 7, Click the "Start" button. Click "All Programs" and select "Accessories"
   • Click on "RUN" from the Accessories menu. Follow the rest of the steps listed in the XP instructions.