CPU-Z: Your Complete Hardware Information Tool

Get detailed information about your CPU, motherboard, memory, and graphics card. Essential for system diagnostics, hardware verification, and performance optimization.

CPU-Z Interface

Key Features

CPU Information

Detailed CPU specifications including name, code name, socket type, core voltage, clock speed, cache, cores, and threads.

Motherboard Details

Complete motherboard information including manufacturer, model, chipset, BIOS version, and graphics interface.

Memory Analysis

Comprehensive memory details including type, size, frequency, channels, and SPD information for each module.

Benchmarking

Built-in CPU benchmark tool to test and compare your processor's performance with other systems.

Graphics Card Info

Display GPU details including name, manufacturer, technology, and memory information.

Cache Information

Detailed L1, L2, and L3 cache specifications for optimal performance understanding.

Export Reports

Save hardware information as TXT or HTML reports for documentation and troubleshooting.

Free & Safe

Completely free, no adware, no spyware. Trusted by millions of users worldwide.

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Why Use CPU-Z?

CPU-Z in Action

Verify Hardware Purchases

Ensure you received the correct CPU, RAM, or motherboard you paid for. Essential for verifying new hardware installations.

System Diagnostics

Quickly identify hardware components for troubleshooting, driver updates, and system compatibility checks.

Performance Optimization

Understand your system's capabilities to optimize settings, overclock safely, and maximize performance.

Technical Documentation

Export detailed hardware reports for technical support, system documentation, or upgrade planning.

What is CPU-Z?

CPU-Z is a freeware system information and hardware monitoring tool developed by CPUID. It provides detailed information about your computer's central processing unit (CPU), motherboard, memory (RAM), graphics card, and other hardware components. Since its initial release in 2004, CPU-Z has become one of the most trusted and widely used hardware identification tools in the world, with over 100 million downloads globally.

Unlike many system information tools that require installation and may include bundled software, CPU-Z is completely free, lightweight (approximately 2MB), and available in both installer and portable versions. The portable version can run directly from a USB drive, making it perfect for technicians, system builders, and anyone who needs to quickly identify hardware on multiple systems.

CPU-Z reads information directly from your hardware's identification registers and system firmware, providing accurate, real-time data about your system's components. This makes it an essential tool for hardware verification, system diagnostics, performance optimization, and technical documentation.

How CPU-Z Works

CPU-Z uses advanced detection algorithms to read hardware information directly from your system's components. It accesses CPU identification registers, memory SPD (Serial Presence Detect) chips, motherboard BIOS data, and graphics card firmware to gather comprehensive hardware specifications.

The application displays this information in an organized, tabbed interface that makes it easy to find what you're looking for. Each tab focuses on a specific hardware component: CPU, Caches, Mainboard, Memory, SPD, Graphics, and Bench. The Bench tab includes a built-in CPU benchmark tool that allows you to test and compare your processor's performance.

CPU-Z updates regularly to support the latest processors from Intel and AMD, ensuring accurate detection of new hardware. The software is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, Windows Server, and Android 4.0 and later. It requires minimal system resources and runs efficiently even on older hardware.

CPU-Z Interface Details

Comprehensive Use Cases for CPU-Z

Hardware Verification

Verify that you received the correct hardware components when purchasing a new computer or upgrading your system. CPU-Z helps you confirm CPU model, RAM capacity and speed, motherboard specifications, and graphics card details match what you paid for.

  • • Verify CPU model and specifications
  • • Check RAM capacity and frequency
  • • Confirm motherboard model
  • • Validate graphics card details

System Diagnostics

Quickly identify hardware components when troubleshooting system issues, updating drivers, or checking compatibility. CPU-Z provides the exact model numbers and specifications needed for finding the right drivers and support resources.

  • • Identify components for driver updates
  • • Check system compatibility
  • • Diagnose hardware-related issues
  • • Document system specifications

Performance Optimization

Understand your system's capabilities to optimize settings, verify overclocking results, and ensure optimal memory configuration. CPU-Z's real-time monitoring and benchmarking features help you get the most from your hardware.

  • • Monitor CPU clock speeds
  • • Verify memory configuration
  • • Benchmark performance
  • • Optimize system settings

Technical Documentation

Export detailed hardware reports in TXT or HTML format for technical support, system documentation, upgrade planning, or warranty purposes. CPU-Z reports include all hardware information in a professional, easy-to-read format.

  • • Export HTML reports
  • • Save TXT documentation
  • • Share system specs
  • • Maintain hardware records

System Building

Essential tool for PC builders and system integrators. Verify component compatibility, check BIOS versions, ensure proper memory configuration, and document builds for clients. CPU-Z is the first tool many professionals install on new systems.

  • • Verify component compatibility
  • • Check BIOS versions
  • • Ensure proper RAM setup
  • • Document custom builds

Benchmarking & Testing

Use CPU-Z's built-in benchmark tool to test CPU performance, compare with other processors, verify overclocking stability, and measure performance improvements after upgrades or optimizations.

  • • Test CPU performance
  • • Compare with reference CPUs
  • • Verify overclocking
  • • Measure improvements

System Requirements

Windows Requirements

  • Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, or Windows Server 2008 and later
  • Architecture: 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) versions available
  • Disk Space: Approximately 2-5 MB for installation
  • RAM: Minimal requirements - works on systems with 512MB RAM or more
  • Additional: No internet connection required for basic functionality

Android Requirements

  • Operating System: Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or later
  • Architecture: ARM, ARM64, x86, or x86_64 processors
  • Storage: Less than 5 MB app size
  • Permissions: No special permissions required for basic functionality
  • Availability: Free download from Google Play Store

Supported Hardware

CPU-Z supports virtually all modern processors from Intel and AMD, including desktop, mobile, and server CPUs. The software is regularly updated to support the latest processor releases, typically within weeks of new CPU launches. CPU-Z can identify and display detailed information for:

Intel Processors

  • • Intel Core i3, i5, i7, i9 series
  • • Intel Xeon processors
  • • Intel Pentium and Celeron
  • • Intel Atom processors
  • • All generations from Pentium 4 to latest
  • • Desktop, mobile, and server variants

AMD Processors

  • • AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7, 9 series
  • • AMD EPYC server processors
  • • AMD Athlon and FX series
  • • AMD APU processors
  • • All generations from K8 to latest
  • • Desktop, mobile, and server variants

Memory Support

CPU-Z supports all memory types including:

  • • DDR SDRAM
  • • DDR2 SDRAM
  • • DDR3 SDRAM
  • • DDR4 SDRAM
  • • DDR5 SDRAM
  • • ECC and non-ECC memory

Getting Started with CPU-Z

1

Download CPU-Z

Visit the official CPUID website to download the latest version of CPU-Z. You can choose between the installer version (recommended for permanent installation) or the portable ZIP version (perfect for USB drives or temporary use). Both versions provide identical functionality.

The download is completely free, requires no registration, and contains no adware or spyware. CPU-Z is a trusted tool used by millions of users worldwide.

2

Install or Extract

If you downloaded the installer, run it and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation process is quick and straightforward. If you downloaded the portable version, simply extract the ZIP file to any folder and run cpuz.exe directly.

The portable version is ideal if you don't have administrator rights, want to run it from a USB drive, or prefer not to install software on your system.

3

Launch and Explore

Launch CPU-Z and explore the different tabs. Start with the CPU tab to see your processor information, then check the Memory tab for RAM details, and the Mainboard tab for motherboard information. Each tab provides comprehensive details about that component.

CPU-Z displays information in real-time, so you can see your CPU's current clock speed, which changes based on workload. This is normal behavior for modern processors with power-saving features.

4

Export Reports

Use the Tools menu to export your hardware information as a TXT or HTML report. These reports are perfect for documentation, technical support, or sharing system specifications. The HTML format is particularly useful as it creates a nicely formatted, easy-to-read report.

Reports include all information from every tab, making them comprehensive documentation of your system's hardware configuration.

Key Benefits of Using CPU-Z

Accuracy and Reliability

CPU-Z reads information directly from hardware registers and firmware, ensuring accurate, reliable data. Unlike software that relies on Windows Device Manager or system information, CPU-Z provides detailed technical specifications that match manufacturer specifications exactly.

This accuracy is crucial when verifying hardware purchases, troubleshooting compatibility issues, or documenting system configurations for technical support.

Lightweight and Fast

At just 2-5 MB in size, CPU-Z is incredibly lightweight and launches instantly. It uses minimal system resources and doesn't slow down your computer. The portable version can run from a USB drive without leaving any traces on the system.

This makes CPU-Z perfect for quick hardware checks, system diagnostics, or running on systems with limited resources.

Completely Free

CPU-Z is completely free with no hidden costs, no subscription fees, and no premium versions. There are no ads, no bundled software, and no data collection. It's freeware in the truest sense of the word.

This makes it accessible to everyone, from individual users to large organizations, without any licensing concerns or budget constraints.

Regular Updates

CPU-Z is actively maintained and regularly updated to support the latest hardware. New processor releases are typically supported within weeks, ensuring CPU-Z remains current with the latest technology.

Updates are free and easy to install, and the software notifies you when new versions are available, though you can continue using older versions if preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CPU-Z safe to download and use?

Yes, CPU-Z is completely safe. It's developed by CPUID, a reputable software company, and has been used by millions of users for over 20 years. The software contains no malware, adware, or spyware. It's available directly from the official CPUID website and trusted download sources.

Does CPU-Z require an internet connection?

No, CPU-Z works completely offline. It reads information directly from your hardware and doesn't need internet access for basic functionality. The only time an internet connection is useful is for downloading updates or using the online validation feature to compare your hardware with an online database.

Can CPU-Z overclock my CPU?

No, CPU-Z cannot overclock your CPU. It's a monitoring and information tool, not an overclocking utility. However, CPU-Z is excellent for monitoring your CPU during overclocking - you can watch real-time clock speeds, voltages, and use the benchmark tool to verify overclocking results. To actually overclock, you'll need to use your motherboard's BIOS or dedicated overclocking software.

Why does my CPU speed show lower than advertised?

This is completely normal! Modern CPUs use power-saving features that reduce clock speed when idle to save energy and reduce heat. When you run a demanding application or the CPU-Z benchmark, you'll see the speed increase to the advertised boost clock. Check the "Specification" field in CPU-Z to see your CPU's base and boost clock speeds. The "Core Speed" field shows real-time speed, which varies based on workload.

What's the difference between the installer and portable version?

Both versions are identical in functionality. The installer version creates shortcuts, integrates with Windows, and is better for permanent installation. The portable (ZIP) version can run directly from any folder without installation - perfect for USB drives, temporary use, or when you don't have administrator rights. Choose based on your needs; many users keep both versions.

Latest Updates & News

December 2024

CPU-Z 2.09 Released

Latest version includes support for newest Intel and AMD processors, improved accuracy, and enhanced benchmark features.

Read More →
November 2024

New Features Guide Available

Comprehensive guide on using CPU-Z for hardware verification and system optimization now available.

View Guide →
October 2024

User Success Stories

Read how users worldwide are using CPU-Z to verify hardware, troubleshoot issues, and optimize their systems.

Read Stories →

Ready to Get Started?

Download CPU-Z now and discover everything about your hardware

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Explore More CPU-Z Resources

Complete Features Guide

Learn about all CPU-Z tabs and features including CPU, Memory, Mainboard, and Graphics information.

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Step-by-Step Guides

Follow our comprehensive tutorials on installing, using, and understanding CPU-Z results.

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Download CPU-Z

Get the latest version of CPU-Z for Windows or Android. Choose between installer or portable version.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about CPU-Z installation, usage, and troubleshooting.

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Troubleshooting Guide

Solutions to common problems and errors. Step-by-step fixes for installation and compatibility issues.

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