How to Find out How Fast a Processor Is

A typical computer processor

The speed of a CPU or processor is one of the most important elements to consider when determining how fast a computer can run. Along with the amount of memory installed, faster processors allow games and applications to run smoother and more efficiently. Some games and programs have minimum processor requirements, so it's important to know what type of hardware your computer has before you purchase new software or attempt an upgrade. Here are a few methods to help you determine how fast the processor is in your computer.

Print this article

Computer owner's manual
Windows operating system
DirectX

Instructions

Use the System Information Tool
- 1
  
  Click "Start" on the left side of the desktop toolbar then click "Run."
- 2
  
  Type "msinfo32" in the command box omitting the quotes. Click "OK." This opens the System Information tool.
- 3
  
  Select "System Summary" in the left pane. Scroll down and select "Processor." The processor speed will be listed in the right pane.
Use DirectX
- 4
  
  Click "Start" on the left side of the desktop toolbar then click "Run."
- 5
  
  Type "dxdiag" in the command box omitting the quotes. Click "OK." This opens the DirectX Dialog tool.
- 6
  
  Click the "System" tab. The processor speed will be displayed under the System Information section.

Tips & Warnings

Processor speeds are listed differently now than they were a few years ago. For example, an AMD Sempron 3200 processor runs at 2.2GHz. Older processors are listed with their actual speed. For example, a Pentium 4 2.8GHz CPU runs at 2.8GHz.
If the original processor has not been upgraded, refer to the owner's manual to find out how fast the processor is.
If you are familiar with computer upgrades, you can also open the computer to find out what type of processor is installed. The manufacturer's name and CPU speed will be stamped on the processor.
If you are running a different type of operating system, like Ubuntu for example, go to "System" then "Preferences" and then "Hardware List" to find out how fast the processor is. Every operating system is different. Refer to the system help files if necessary.

Suggest item

Photo Credit Menno Groenevelt

Comments

How to Tell How Fast Your Computer Is
You computer speed is determined by a few different factors but mainly when people talk about computer speed, they are generally talking...
How to Check Computer Specs
Need to check how fast your computer CPU is or how much RAM it has or which operating system service pack is...
How to See How Fast Your Internet Is
Knowing how fast your internet connection is can be helpful for a number of reasons. First, it will help you determine what...
How to Find Out How Fast a Processor Is
Find out how fast a computer processor is by clicking on the My Computer feature and selecting Properties to gain access to...
How to Tell if a Processor Is Bad
Your computer's processor, sometimes referred to as the "CPU," is the machine inside your terminal that executes computer programs. Because of its...
Programs to Find Out Your Processor Speed
Programs to Find Out Your Processor Speed. Forgetting the speed of your computer's processor is surprisingly easy to do. Computers usually do...
Internet Connection: How to Check How Fast Your Computer Is Set
Internet connection speed can vary depending upon the connection type (such as dial-up, DSL or Cable), the Internet Service Provider, and the...
How to Know Your Computer Has Been Hacked
When a hacker gets into your computer, he needs to access the computer's resources by logging in your some account. You can...
How to Make a 1.6 GHz Processor Go Faster
By modern standards, a 1.60 GHz processor is pretty slow. Most machines that run at this speed are either older computers or...
How Fast is a Dual-Core Processor?
Dual-core processors are, theoretically, up to twice as fast as single-core processors. This is not because they operate at higher clock frequencies,...
How to Choose the Right Processor Speed for a Computer
A computer processor, often considered the brains of the machine, has the most significant effect on performance and price. If you want...
How to Check How Much RAM is on Your Computer
Random Access Memory (or 'RAM' for short) is the memory your computer uses to operate programs. The more things you have running...
How to Tell What Kind of Processor You Have
Are you trying to figure out what type of processor you have? Do you want to know how fast it is? Or...
How to Test to See How Fast My Internet Connection Is
A slow Internet connection can be a nuisance when you're trying to view content online. This is especially true if you use...
How to Tell How Much Memory is Left on a Computer
Computers use two main types of memory when they operate: hard drive memory, which is permanently stored data on a physical disk,...
How to Find Out the CPU Type & Speed
The central processing unit, or CPU, of a computer receives and executes information and commands from the computer's hardware. The type of...
How to Check CPU Temperature
To prevent potential computer problems, occasionally checking the temperature of the processor is recommended. Under normal operation a processor should remain cool...
How to Make Your Computer Fast Again
The speed of a computer is drained by numerous factors that can easily be restored by following some simple steps. As a...
How to Find Out How Fast My Computer Is
One of the indicators of how fast a computer is lays in the CPU (Central Processing Unit, or simply processor) information. Computer...

How to Find out How Fast a Processor Is

Other People Are Reading

Things You'll Need

Instructions

Use the System Information Tool

Use DirectX

Tips & Warnings

Resources

More Like This

Comments

You May Also Like

Related Ads

Kid-Approved iPad Apps by Mom.me

You May Like