Knowing what makes a PC tick is essential when deciding on upgrades. Whether it is the processor, memory, or graphics card, understanding performance helps with smarter choices. If Windows 10 or Windows 11 leaves you unsure about tracking PC performance, this guide is for you. It outlines simple ways to monitor a system today.
Technical guides for PC gamers
Menu About system
The quickest way to review a device configuration on Windows 11 is to open System Properties. There are several paths to reach it.
First method:
- Open Explorer and go to This PC.
- Right click an empty area and choose Properties.
Second method:
- Press the key combination Win plus I.
- Click the System item.
- Scroll down to locate the About tab.
This section lists key details about the processor, installed RAM with its speed, the Windows version, and other important data. To gain a fuller picture of PC characteristics, additional methods are described below.
System information
Utilizing the System Information app in Windows 11 is a straightforward way to obtain detailed specs about a PC.
- Open the Windows search bar and type MSInfo for quick access to the application.
- From the results, select the appropriate app to launch it.
The page that opens provides in depth details about the operating system, including the OS version, processor type, BIOS version, RAM amount and virtual memory, plus much more.
The information displayed covers not only the processor and memory but also the graphics processor. Additional hardware details such as USB ports, network connections, audio devices, monitors and other components can be explored by selecting sections from the left menu.
Using third party applications
For deeper insight into PC features, Windows users can turn to several third party tools. These programs offer more comprehensive analysis of system components and often present data in greater detail than standard Windows utilities. Here are popular options:
CPU Z
CPU Z presents extensive data about the processor including its name, architecture, and single core plus multi core performance. It also reveals information about the motherboard, memory and the operating system in a concise package.
GPU Z
GPU Z mirrors CPU Z but focuses on the graphics card. It shows the GPU frequency, video memory size, memory type and process technology in use.
Speccy
Speccy, from the makers of CCleaner, offers a complete overview of hardware. It covers the operating system, CPU, RAM, motherboard, graphics cards, storage, optical drives, audio, peripherals and network details.
H Wi NFO
HWiNFO stands out as a robust solution that delivers comprehensive hardware reports and supports current technologies. It also provides live system monitoring, including temperatures, voltages and fan speeds.
- Visit the official site and download the latest version. Install following standard instructions.
- Open HWInfo after installation. For immediate component status, choose Sensors Only. For a broader OS overview, skip this and get both general and detailed sensor data.
- Navigate to the Sensors section to view current readings such as processor core frequencies and video card power usage.
Although the interface appears dense, it holds all the data needed for a thorough check of a device’s health and performance.
AIDA64
AIDA64 delivers a comprehensive look at hardware and software, with built in diagnostics and benchmarking. It is useful for an in depth health assessment and ongoing performance monitoring of a computer.
The tools above are especially beneficial for gamers, IT professionals and PC builders. They help identify upgrade opportunities and troubleshoot issues efficiently.
No matter the goal, these utilities empower users to make informed decisions about upgrades and optimization across Windows 11 systems.