How to Identify an Intel CPU

Purchase a used computer and not sure what's running inside of it? Looking to upgrade your current computer, but not sure what type of processor will work? Or just looking for more specific information regarding the processor you currently have? Opening up the case of your PC can sometimes seem like a daunting task, especially if you've never had to do it before. Even then, simply looking at the chip won't provide all the answers. Also, the sheer number of processors that have been made can make finding information on a specific one difficult. Thankfully, tools exist to help identify what's currently running your PC without having to ever peek inside.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Go to the CPUID website (link located in Resources section) and locate the latest version of CPU-Z. As of May 2009, the current version was 1.51. New updates and revisions are constantly being made, however, so be sure you've located the latest version.

2. Download the latest version of CPU-Z to a convenient location on your computer (such as your desktop). This will put the setup file onto your desktop, which you can then install at your convenience. You can also run the install instead of saving it directly to your computer by selecting "Run" instead of "Save" when prompted to download the program.

3. Run the setup file that you downloaded to install the utility. To make things easy, accept any defaults when prompted except where it asks to install the ASK Toolbar. Uncheck that, and continue with the install.

4. Locate and run the program upon completion of install (an icon would have been placed on the desktop if the installation defaults were accepted). The program will detect and provide you with the type of processor as well as any pertinent information including name, speed, socket type and cache.

Tips & Warnings

• CPU-Z is handy for identifying the type of processor in your computer without having to physically open up the PC. This will also work for identifying AMD processors as well as Intel processors.

References

• CPUID