How to Determine CPU Speed
While every computer has a standard CPU rating, the actual CPU speed may vary depending on the number of applications running and your computer's overall performance features. Determining CPU speed is important for any computer user; without accurate CPU information, it can be difficult for you to know if your computer is has a fast enough processor to run certain programs. Luckily, PCs have built-in options for checking stock CPU speeds. The stock rating will give you a good CPU speed estimate, and you can even go one step beyond the Windows check to determine the real-time CPU rating by using free, downloadable software if you need an extremely accurate measurement.
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Instructions
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Checking the Stock CPU Speed in Windows Vista
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Select the "Start Menu."
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Click to select "Control Panel." This will open a new window with several clickable options.
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Choose "System and Maintenance," typically located near the top left-hand corner of the Control Panel.
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Click to select "System" from the new list of options.
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Look for the CPU's stock speed as indicated under the "Processor" heading. This is a ballpark, relatively close estimate of your computer's CPU speed, as provided by the manufacturer.
Checking the Stock CPU Speed in Windows XP
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Click the "Start Menu."
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Right-click on "My Computer."
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Select "Properties." By default the Properties window will usually be set to the "General" tab, but if the window is set to a different tab you'll need to click on the "General" tab located near the top of the window.
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Check the CPU rating as listed underneath the "Computer" heading.
Determining Real-Time CPU Speed
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Go to CPU Speed Professional's website (see Resources) and download "CPU Speed Professional." While other free CPU clocks exist, many are beta programs with glitches and unwanted bugs. CPU Speed Professional is well-known and reputable, receiving the "Vista 5 Star Software Award" according to its website.
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Install the recently downloaded "setupcpuspeedpro.exe" file by double-clicking on it and following on-screen prompts to complete the automated install procedure.
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Open CPU Speed Professional.
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Click "Test Your Speed" on the main program interface. A real-time, active measurement of your CPU speed will appear numerically, and CPU Speed Professional will also display your CPU speed on a stylish meter for easy visual comprehension.
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