The speed of your processor, or CPU, determines how quickly a process can perform certain tasks. Speed is less important today than it used to be because computers today use multi-core processors. But it can still be useful to determine your speed, for example if you buy a new program and you want to know whether your computer can handle it. It is also very useful to find out the true speed of a processor if you want to overclock for better performance.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Windows
Step 1. Open the system window
There are several ways you can do this quickly.
- Windows 7, Vista, XP - Right click on Computer/My Computer in the start menu and select 'Properties'. With Windows XP you may have to click on 'General' after selecting 'Properties'.
- Windows 8 - Right click on the start button and select 'System'.
- All versions - Press ⊞ Win+Pause.
Step 2. Look for the word "Processor"
This can be found in the "System" section, under the edition of Windows.
Step 3. Check out the processor speed
The processor model and speed are displayed. The speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). This is the speed of a single core of your processor. If your processor has multiple cores (most modern processors do), then each core will have this speed.
If you have an overclocked processor, you probably won't be able to find the actual speed here. See the next section for details on how to find the actual overclocked speed
Step 4. Check how many cores your processor has
If you have a multi-core ('multi-core') processor, the number of cores will not be displayed in this window. Multiple cores doesn't automatically mean that programs will run faster, but it can make a big difference with programs designed for it.
- Press ⊞ Win+R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type dxdiag and press ↵ Enter. Click Yes when asked if you want to check the drivers.
- In the System tab, look for the word "Processor." If your computer has multiple cores, you will see the number in brackets after the speed (eg 4 CPUs). This way you can see how many cores you have. Each core rotates at approximately the same speed (there will always be very small variations).
Method 2 of 4: Windows (overclocked CPU)
Overclocked processors are processors where the voltages have been adjusted to produce more power. Overclocking is popular among computer hobbyists, it gives you more bang for your buck, but it can damage your components.
Step 1. Download and install CPU-Z
This is a free utility that can monitor the components in your computer. It is designed for overclockers, and it indicates the exact speed at which your processors are running. You can download it at cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html.
CPU-Z does not install adware or toolbars during installation
Step 2. Run CPU-Z
By default, there is a shortcut on your desktop to launch CPU-Z. You must be logged in as an administrator, or you must know the administrator password to use it.
Step 3. Start a task on your computer that demands a lot from your processor
Your processor will automatically slow down when not in use, so the speeds you see in CPU-Z only show the correct speed when your processor is working hard.
A quick way to make your processor work as hard as possible is to run the Prime95 program. This program is designed to calculate prime numbers and is used to test computers. You can download Prime95 at mersenne.org/download/, extract the program files and select 'Just Stress Testing' if you are running the program
Step 4. Check the speed of your processor
Your speed will be displayed in the 'Core Speed' field in the CPU tab. The values will change slightly while the program is running.
Method 3 of 4: Mac
Step 1. Click on the Apple menu and select 'About This Mac'
Step 2. Find the word "Processor" in the "Overview" tab
This indicates the speed of the processor according to Apple. This does not have to be the actual speed of your processor. That's because the processor speed drops when you don't have to work hard to save energy and ensure a longer lifespan.
Step 3. Download the program 'Intel Power Gadget'
This is a free utility that allows you to view the actual speed of your processor. You can download it for free on this site.
Extract the file and double click the DMG file to install Intel Power Gadget
Step 4. Download and install Prime95
If you want to see the maximum speed of your processor, you have to put a heavy load on your processor. One of the most popular ways to do this is to use a program called 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' if you are running the program.
Prime95 is designed to calculate prime numbers, which puts maximum load on your processor
Step 5. Find the speed of your processor
The second graph in the program shows the speeds of your processor. The 'Package Frq' indicates your current speed at which your processor is working at that moment. That will probably be lower than the 'Base Frq', which is the speed according to Apple.
Method 4 of 4: Linux
Step 1. Open the terminal
Most of the tools available for Linux do not indicate the actual speed of the processor. Intel has developed a utility called "Turbostat" that you can use to check it. You have to install it manually using the terminal.
Step 2. Type
uname -r and press ↵ Enter.
Note the version number that is displayed (X.XX.XX-XX).
Step 3. 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 from the previous step. Enter your administrator password if prompted.
Step 4. Type
modprobe msr and press ↵ Enter.
This will install the MSR module needed to run the utility.
Step 5. Open another terminal window and type
openssl speed.
This will start the OpenSSL speed test, your processor will now be optimally loaded.
Step 6. Go back to the first terminal window and type
turbo stat.
By starting this utility you can collect all kinds of data about your processor.
Step 7. Look at the column
GHz. Each line is the actual speed of each core. The TSC column indicates normal speed. That way you can see the difference of the overclocking. Speeds look slow when your processor doesn't have to work hard.