CPU-Z by CPUID reports CPU, motherboard, memory, and GPU specs on Windows. See features, validation tool, pros, cons, and FAQs for 2026.
Category
DevOps
Pricing
Free freeware, no paid tiers or subscriptions, from Free
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 19, 2026
Founded
2001
Headquarters
Dunkerque, France
What Is CPU-Z
CPU-Z is a free Windows utility from CPUID that reads and displays detailed hardware specifications for a computer's processor, motherboard, memory, and graphics card, organized into dedicated tabs within a simple interface.
It reports both static specifications, such as processor codename and cache sizes, and real-time data, such as current core clock speed and memory frequency, making it useful for both identification and live monitoring.
Hardware Validation Links
CPU-Z's validation feature generates a unique web link that summarizes a system's full hardware configuration at a specific point in time, which users can share as proof of their setup.
This feature is commonly used in enthusiast forums, benchmark submissions, and hardware resale or trading listings to demonstrate that a system matches its claimed specifications.
Platform and Version Support
CPU-Z supports a wide range of Windows versions, from Windows XP and Vista through Windows 7, 8, 10, and Windows 11, in both 32-bit and 64-bit editions.
CPUID also offers a CPU-Z app for Android that reports equivalent hardware information on mobile devices, extending the tool beyond desktop PCs.
Key Features
Detailed CPU specifications — Displays processor name, codename, manufacturing process, package, core voltage, and multiple cache levels.
Motherboard and chipset info — Reports motherboard manufacturer, model, chipset, and BIOS details.
Memory and SPD data — Shows RAM type, total capacity, timings, and per-module specifications read from SPD data.
Graphics card detection — Reports the installed GPU model and core specifications alongside CPU and memory data.
Real-time frequency monitoring — Measures each CPU core's live operating frequency and current memory frequency for overclocking verification.
Hardware validation links — Generates a shareable web link summarizing a system's full hardware configuration for public verification.
Broad Windows version support — Runs on Windows XP through Windows 11, with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions available.
Android companion app — CPUID offers a CPU-Z app for Android that reports equivalent hardware details on mobile devices.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Completely free with no paid tier or subscription required
Trusted, long-standing reputation among PC enthusiasts and overclockers as an accuracy benchmark
Lightweight application with minimal system resource usage
Real-time monitoring supports overclocking verification, not just static specs
Validation links provide an easy way to share verified hardware configurations publicly
Cons
Windows-only; no native macOS or Linux version (Linux users typically use CPU-X instead)
Interface is utilitarian and has not changed significantly in visual design over many years
No official paid version means no dedicated commercial support channel for CPU-Z itself
Focused narrowly on identification and monitoring, without broader system optimization or cleanup tools
Occasional detection lag for very new or unreleased hardware until CPU-Z is updated
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CPU-Z do
CPU-Z reports detailed specifications for a Windows computer's processor, motherboard, memory, and graphics card, and provides real-time monitoring of core and memory clock speeds.
Is CPU-Z free
Yes, CPU-Z is completely free freeware published by CPUID, with no paid version or subscription.
Who makes CPU-Z
CPU-Z is made by CPUID, a French software company headquartered in Dunkerque, France, founded by Franck Delattre.
What is CPU-Z validation used for
CPU-Z validation generates a shareable web link summarizing a system's full hardware configuration, commonly used to prove a hardware setup in forums, benchmarks, or resale listings.
Does CPU-Z work on Windows 11
Yes, CPU-Z is fully supported on Windows 11, as well as earlier versions including Windows 7, 8, and 10.
Is there a CPU-Z app for phones
Yes, CPUID publishes a CPU-Z app for Android that reports equivalent hardware information for smartphones and tablets.
Is there a Linux version of CPU-Z
No, CPU-Z is Windows-only; Linux users typically use CPU-X, an open-source tool designed to provide similar functionality on Linux and FreeBSD.
What is CPU-Z commonly used for
CPU-Z is commonly used to verify that a PC's actual hardware matches its advertised specifications, confirm memory is running at rated speed, and monitor clock speeds during overclocking.