CPU-Z – Free System Information & Monitoring Utility

What is CPU-Z?

CPU-Z is a free system information and hardware monitoring utility that provides detailed technical specifications about your computer’s processor, motherboard, memory, and system components with precision that rivals expensive professional diagnostic tools—making it essential software for PC enthusiasts, overclockers, system builders, and anyone wanting to verify hardware specifications or troubleshoot performance issues. Developed by CPUID and first released in 1999, CPU-Z has become the industry standard reference tool trusted by millions of users, hardware reviewers, and technology professionals worldwide for accurately identifying CPU models, verifying memory speeds, checking motherboard chipsets, and monitoring real-time system vitals with laboratory-grade accuracy completely free.

CPU-Z excels at exposing detailed processor information including exact model name, code name, manufacturing process, package type, cache sizes (L1, L2, L3), core count, thread count, base and boost clock speeds, voltage, TDP, instruction set extensions (SSE, AVX), and real-time core frequency and utilization monitoring. Memory tab reveals RAM details including type (DDR3, DDR4, DDR5), size, speed, timings (CAS latency, tRCD, tRP, tRAS), voltage, and SPD information from each module. Mainboard section identifies manufacturer, model, BIOS version, and chipset. Graphics tab shows GPU details. For anyone who’s ever wondered “What exact CPU do I have?” or “Is my RAM running at advertised speeds?”, CPU-Z provides authoritative answers that Windows system information simply cannot match.

Beyond static identification, CPU-Z offers validation features where users generate validation URLs proving system specifications for sharing on forums or with technical support, benchmark tools comparing single and multi-thread CPU performance against database of other processors, real-time monitoring of clock speeds and voltages useful during overclocking, and report generation saving complete system specifications to text or HTML files for documentation. The portable version requires no installation enabling quick hardware checks on any system. For anyone building PCs, troubleshooting performance, verifying hardware purchases, overclocking systems, or simply understanding their computer’s internals, CPU-Z delivers professional-grade system information tools that have made it indispensable for nearly twenty-five years.

Key Features

• Detailed CPU Information: Model name, code name, cores, threads, cache sizes, clock speeds, voltage, manufacturing process, and instruction sets.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Live tracking of CPU core frequencies, multipliers, and voltages during operation.
• Memory Details: RAM type, size, speed, timings, voltage, and SPD information from each module.
• Motherboard Identification: Manufacturer, model, chipset, BIOS version, and PCI-Express details.
• Graphics Information: GPU model, memory size, driver version, and DirectX support level.
• Benchmark: Single and multi-thread CPU performance testing with comparison to reference processors.
• Validation: Generate verification URL proving system specifications for sharing or support purposes.
• Report Generation: Save complete system information to TXT or HTML files for documentation.
• Cache Information: Detailed L1, L2, and L3 cache specifications and associativity.
• Sensor Monitoring: Temperature readings and voltage monitoring on supported hardware.
• SPD Dump: Read Serial Presence Detect data from memory modules showing manufacturer specs.
• Portable Version: Run without installation for quick hardware checks on any PC.
• Minimal Resources: Tiny footprint with negligible CPU and memory usage.
• Regular Updates: Frequent database updates recognize latest CPUs and hardware.
• Completely Free: No cost, ads, or limitations for personal or commercial use.

What’s New in CPU-Z 2024/2025

• Latest CPU Support: Recognition of newest Intel 14th Gen (Meteor Lake) and AMD Ryzen 8000 series processors.
• DDR5 Improvements: Better detection and reporting of DDR5 memory specifications and timings.
• Updated Chipsets: Support for latest Intel and AMD motherboard chipsets.
• Enhanced Monitoring: More accurate real-time frequency and voltage measurements on modern CPUs.
• Better ARM Support: Improved detection of ARM-based processors including Qualcomm Snapdragon.
• Windows 11 Optimization: Full compatibility and interface refinements for Windows 11.
• Improved Benchmarks: Updated reference scores and better multi-core scaling detection.
• Security Features: Detection of hardware security features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot status.
• Bug Fixes: Resolved detection issues with specific hardware configurations.
• Performance Improvements: Faster startup and reduced polling overhead on system resources.

System Requirements

Windows

• Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or Windows 11
• Works on 32-bit and 64-bit systems
• Intel, AMD, or ARM processors supported
• 5 MB RAM (extremely lightweight)
• 5 MB available disk space
• Administrator rights for full hardware access (optional for basic info)

Android Version

• CPU-Z for Android available separately on Google Play Store
• Android 5.0 or later
• Provides similar hardware information for Android devices

How to Get Started with CPU-Z

1. Download: Visit cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html and download installer or portable ZIP version.
2. Install or Extract: Run installer or extract portable version to folder—no configuration needed.
3. Launch CPU-Z: Open application—main window displays with CPU tab active showing processor information.
4. Explore CPU Tab: View processor name, architecture, cores, threads, frequencies, cache, and other details.
5. Check Caches: Caches tab shows L1, L2, L3 cache sizes and configurations.
6. View Mainboard: Mainboard tab displays motherboard manufacturer, model, BIOS version, and chipset.
7. Examine Memory: Memory tab shows RAM type, size, channel configuration, and current timings.
8. Check SPD: SPD tab displays individual module information—select slot to view manufacturer specs.
9. View Graphics: Graphics tab shows GPU details including model and memory size.
10. Run Benchmark: Tools > Bench CPU runs performance test comparing your processor to database.
11. Create Validation: Tools > Validation generates shareable URL proving your system specifications.
12. Save Report: Tools > Save Report as exports complete system information to text or HTML file.

CPU-Z vs Alternatives

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Completely Free: No cost for personal or commercial use without ads or limitations.
• Industry Standard: Trusted reference tool used by hardware reviewers and enthusiasts worldwide.
• Accurate Information: Provides authoritative hardware details Windows System Information cannot match.
• Simple Interface: Clean, tabbed design presents information clearly without overwhelming users.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Live frequency and voltage tracking useful for overclocking verification.
• Validation Feature: Generate proof of system specs for sharing or technical support.
• Portable Version: No installation required for quick hardware checks anywhere.
• Minimal Resources: Tiny program uses negligible CPU and memory.
• Regular Updates: Frequent releases support newest processors and hardware.
• Benchmark Tool: Quick performance comparison against other CPUs in database.

Cons

• Limited Temperature Monitoring: Basic sensor support—dedicated monitoring tools show more sensors.
• CPU-Focused: Less detail on other components like storage drives or peripherals.
• No Logging: Doesn’t record sensor data over time like monitoring-focused alternatives.
• Basic Graphics Info: GPU details less comprehensive than GPU-Z.
• Windows Only: No macOS or Linux versions (though Android version exists separately).
• Requires Updates: New hardware requires updated database—may not recognize brand-new processors immediately.

Who Should Use CPU-Z?

CPU-Z is ideal for:

• PC Builders: Verifying components after building new systems or upgrading hardware.
• Overclockers: Monitoring frequencies and voltages during overclocking sessions.
• Hardware Enthusiasts: Learning detailed specifications about their computer components.
• Tech Support: Identifying exact hardware when troubleshooting or seeking help on forums.
• System Administrators: Documenting hardware configurations across multiple computers.
• Pre-Purchase Verification: Confirming used computer specifications match seller claims.
• Hardware Reviewers: Obtaining accurate specifications for review articles and videos.
• RAM Verification: Checking if memory runs at advertised speeds and timings.
• Warranty Claims: Documenting hardware specifications for warranty or RMA purposes.
• Students/Learners: Understanding computer architecture and component specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between CPU-Z and GPU-Z?

CPU-Z focuses on processors, memory, and motherboards while GPU-Z (from TechPowerUp, different developer) specializes in graphics card information. Both are free and complementary—CPU-Z provides detailed CPU and RAM specs, GPU-Z offers comprehensive graphics card details including BIOS version, shader counts, memory type, and GPU sensors. Most PC enthusiasts keep both installed since they cover different hardware aspects thoroughly.

Why does my RAM show different speed in CPU-Z than advertised?

CPU-Z displays actual running speed, which may differ from rated speed if XMP/DOCP profile isn’t enabled in BIOS. For example, DDR4-3200 RAM runs at DDR4-2133 (JEDEC default) until you enable XMP in motherboard BIOS. CPU-Z shows current operating frequency, not maximum rated speed. Check SPD tab for rated specifications, then enable XMP/DOCP in BIOS to achieve advertised speeds. Verify in Memory tab that speeds match after enabling profile.

Can CPU-Z damage my computer or void warranty?

No, CPU-Z is read-only software that monitors hardware without making any changes to your system. It doesn’t modify voltages, frequencies, or BIOS settings—merely reports current values. Using CPU-Z cannot damage hardware or void warranties. The software is trusted by manufacturers, reviewers, and millions of users. However, using information from CPU-Z to manually overclock in BIOS (separate action) could potentially void warranties if manufacturer prohibits overclocking.

How often should I update CPU-Z?

Update CPU-Z when you upgrade hardware (new CPU, motherboard, or RAM) or when new version releases supporting latest processors. Check cpuid.com every few months for updates, especially after building new systems or before buying hardware to ensure database recognizes newest components. Older CPU-Z versions may not identify newest processors correctly, showing “Unknown” or generic names instead of specific model information. Updates are free and quick to install.

Final Verdict

CPU-Z has earned its status as the indispensable system information tool through twenty-five years of accurate, detailed hardware reporting that Windows System Information simply cannot provide. The combination of comprehensive CPU and memory specifications, real-time monitoring, validation features, and professional-grade accuracy in a free, lightweight package makes CPU-Z essential software that belongs on every Windows PC. Whether you’re building systems, troubleshooting performance, verifying purchases, or simply curious about your hardware’s exact specifications, CPU-Z delivers authoritative answers that settle questions definitively.

For anyone serious about PC hardware—enthusiasts, overclockers, builders, reviewers, or support technicians—CPU-Z represents the reference standard that all similar tools aspire to match. The software’s focused approach on CPUs, memory, and motherboards means it does fewer things than comprehensive system monitors like HWiNFO, but what it does, it does perfectly. Download from cpuid.com and keep both installed and portable versions available for those inevitable moments when you need to know exactly what hardware you’re working with.