Get Windows to display processor information

Helpline Q&A Directory

How can I check the speed of my processor? Is there a Windows tool that will let me do it, or do I have to delve inside my PC?

Fortunately, Windows does contain a tool that can show you the speed of your computer's processor. It's well hidden, though. Here's how to use it.

Click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools and launch System Information. When Microsoft System Information starts click Tools, Windows Report Tool.

When the Windows Report Tool opens click Options, then Collected Information. After the tool has collected the information from your system you will find the CPU speed displayed as the value 'Compspeed'.

Remember that if you have upgraded your computer's CPU to a type that is newer than your copy of Windows, the processor type may not be correctly identified. In that case the information may not be accurate.