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Six Methods:Finding CPU Speed in Windows XPFinding CPU Speed in Vista and Windows 7Checking CPU Speed in MacsAlternate Mac MethodFor Advanced Windows UsersAlternative Advanced Method


When using a computer, it is often helpful to know how fast your central processing unit is. This will dictate how many things you can do on your computer and how fast those tasks can be accomplished. This article will show you how to check CPU speed.

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EditMethod 1 of 6: Finding CPU Speed in Windows XP

  1. Check CPU Speed Step 1.jpg
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    Click the "Start" button. Scroll to "My Computer" and right click on that.
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  2. Check CPU Speed Step 2.jpg
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    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. Check CPU Speed Step 3.jpg
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    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.

EditMethod 2 of 6: Finding CPU Speed in Vista and Windows 7

  1. Check CPU Speed Step 4.jpg
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    Click the "Start" button. Click the "Control Panel."
  2. Check CPU Speed Step 5.jpg
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    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.

EditMethod 3 of 6: Checking CPU Speed in Macs

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

EditMethod 4 of 6: Alternate Mac Method

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

EditMethod 5 of 6: For Advanced Windows Users

  1. 1
    Click the "Start" button. In Windows XP, select the "RUN".

    Check CPU Speed Step 10.jpg
  2. 2
    Type in "msinfo32" and hit the Return key. Your CPU speed will come up in the processor description.

    Check CPU Speed Step 11.jpg
    • 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.

EditMethod 6 of 6: Alternative Advanced Method

  1. Check CPU Speed Step 12.jpg
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    Click the "Start" button. In Windows XP, select the "RUN".
  2. Check CPU Speed Step 13.jpg
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    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.
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EditTips

  • Mac's "Activity Monitor" is equivalent to Window's "Task Manager."
  • You can also find freeware applications or commercial software that will tell you in-depth information about your system, including CPU speed.
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EditWarnings

  • Be careful when using the "RUN" command. For users unfamiliar with this tool, it can be easy to make unintentional changes in your system. This can cause unexpected problems.


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Article Info

Categories: Computers and Electronics

Recent edits by: Lugia2453, Vinod Jadhav, Lucy Allison

In other languages:

Español: Cómo revisar la velocidad de la CPU, Italiano: Come Trovare la Velocità della CPU, Português: Como Ver a Velocidade da CPU, Русский: проверить скорость процессора

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