CPU-Z and GPU-Z on Windows: Detailed Hardware Information Guide
How to use CPU-Z and GPU-Z to view detailed CPU, GPU and RAM information on Windows. Check RAM timings, verify GPU specs, enable XMP profile and understand readings.
CPU-Z and GPU-Z are the most popular free utilities for detailed PC hardware information. Processor, graphics card, RAM — all in one place.
CPU-Z
winget install CPUID.CPU-Z
Or from cpuid.com — portable version available.
Key Tabs
CPU: Name, cores/threads, base and boost clocks, TDP
Memory:
- Type (DDR4/DDR5), size, channels
- DRAM Frequency — actual frequency (half of rated XMP speed)
- CAS Latency and timings
SPD: Per-slot RAM info — manufacturer, model, XMP profiles
Mainboard: Motherboard model, BIOS version, chipset
Check if XMP is enabled
CPU-Z → Memory → DRAM Frequency:
- 800 MHz = DDR4-1600 (XMP disabled)
- 1600 MHz = DDR4-3200 (XMP enabled)
Enable XMP in BIOS: AI Tweaker → XMP/EXPO Profile → Profile 1
Stress Test
Tools → Bench → Stress CPU
GPU-Z
winget install TechPowerUp.GPU-Z
Or from techpowerup.com/gpuz
Key Readings
Graphics Card:
- GPU chip name and architecture
- Technology (nm process)
- BIOS version
Memory:
- Type (GDDR6, GDDR6X), size, bus width
- Bandwidth
Sensors tab: Real-time temperature, GPU load %, clock speeds, power consumption
Verify GPU is Genuine
GPU-Z shows exact chip specs. Compare with official NVIDIA/AMD specifications — fake or relabeled cards will differ.
PowerShell Alternative
Get-CimInstance Win32_Processor | Select-Object Name, NumberOfCores, MaxClockSpeed
Get-CimInstance Win32_VideoController | Select-Object Name, AdapterRAM, DriverVersion
Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemory | Select-Object Manufacturer, Capacity, Speed
Summary
| Need | Tool | Location |
|---|---|---|
| CPU info | CPU-Z → CPU tab | cpuid.com |
| RAM timings | CPU-Z → Memory/SPD | cpuid.com |
| GPU specs | GPU-Z → Graphics Card | techpowerup.com |
| GPU sensors | GPU-Z → Sensors | techpowerup.com |
| XMP check | CPU-Z → Memory → DRAM Frequency | — |