How to Check CPU Speed
Level of difficulty: Easy
There are a number of ways to check a computer’s CPU speed. Although checking a computer’s CPU speed depends on which Windows Operating System version the computer runs on, they differ only in the ways to access the tools that would allow a user to check the CPU speed. The available instructions are for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.
Materials Needed:- Computer
- Windows OS
Step 1
One way to check the CPU speed is through the 'System Properties' tab. This tab can be accessed by right-clicking the 'My Computer' icon on the desktop or the 'Start' button. Click the 'Properties' tab on the menu. The computer’s speed and other system information are available on the 'General' tab.
Step 2
Another way is to access the System Information utility. To do this, click on the 'Start' button. Click the Run utility afterwards. Type in 'Msinfo32' and click 'OK'. A System Information window pops up. The CPU speed is available on the System Summary tab. The CPU speed can be found under the Processor item.
Step 3
A third way is through the Device Manager. In order to do this, click on the 'Start' button. Click the Run utility. Instead of typing 'Msinfo32', type in 'Devmgmt.msc' this time. Click 'OK' to run the Device Manager. Expand the Processors option. The CPU speed should be available for viewing under the said option.
Step 4
A fourth way is through the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. To do this, click on the 'Start' button and then the 'Run' utility. Type in 'DXDiag' and click 'OK'. The CPU speed should be available on the 'System' tab. It is displayed on the Processor line.
Step 5
The Windows Performance tool may also be used to check a computer’s CPU speed. This option is only available for a computer that supports ACPI processor performance states. To access the Windows Performance tool, click 'Start' and 'Run'. Type in 'perfmon' and then 'OK'. Turn off the default counters. Right-click the chart and click the 'Add Counters' button. Click 'ProcessorPerformance' in the Performance Object box. Afterwards, click % of Maximum Frequency on the counter list. Click 'Add'. The CPU speed should be available for viewing on the tool’s main window afterwards.
Step 6
There are also companies offering free programs that can accurately check the CPU speed of the computer. These programs can be downloaded and installed from a number of websites on the Internet. It is no longer advisable to download any of these programs as CPU speed can be checked through available utilities on the computer.