This article shows you how to view the hardware specifications of a computer. This information concerns the type of processor and its working frequency or the amount of RAM memory present. It is very important to know aspects such as the amount of RAM installed in a computer, the CPU speed or the hard disk capacity before purchasing a new device or before installing a program that is very demanding in terms of hardware resources (for example a video game. last generation).
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use the Windows Information Window
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.
Step 2. Launch the Settings app by clicking the icon
It features a gear and is located at the bottom left of the "Start" menu. The "Settings" window will appear.
Step 3. Click the System icon
It features a small stylized laptop and is located in the upper left of the "Settings" window.
Step 4. Go to the About tab
It is located in the lower left corner of the window. In order to locate and select it, you may need to place the mouse cursor inside the left sidebar of the window and scroll down.
Step 5. Locate the "Device Specifications" section
It is visible at the bottom of the right pane of the window.
Step 6. Review your computer's technical specifications
The "Device Specifications" section lists the amount of RAM installed in the system, the type and speed of the CPU, and the type of operating system.
Method 2 of 3: Use the Windows Device Manager Window
Step 1. Understand when to use the "Device Manager" window
If you need to review the advanced and complete list of all hardware installed in your system, you will need to refer to the "Device Manager" window. This tool is very useful when you need to find the make and model of a specific device installed on your computer.
Step 2. Access the context menu of the "Start" button
Select the icon
with the right mouse button. It is located in the lower left corner of the desktop. Alternatively, press the key combination ⊞ Win + X. You will see a context menu appear on the left side of the screen.
Step 3. Choose the Device Manager option
It is one of the items listed in the context menu that appeared. The "Device Manager" system window will appear.
Step 4. Locate the hardware category you want to examine
Scroll through the list in the "Device Manager" window until you find the category to which the computer item you are interested in belongs.
- For example, if you need to have additional and more complete information regarding the computer processor, double-click the item Processors.
- Depending on the manufacturer of your computer, the list of categories in the "Device Manager" window may vary slightly.
Step 5. Expand the hardware category of your interest
Select it with a simple double click of the mouse or click the icon
on the left of its name. Under the name of the chosen category, aligned slightly to the right of the latter, you will see the list of all the elements included in the selected section.
If the list of elements it contains under the name of a certain category is already visible, it means that it has already been expanded
Step 6. Review your computer's hardware component list
Depending on the selected category, you will have a list made up of a single item or more than 10 items. Double-click one of these items to view its properties.
Make sure you do not uninstall or disable any of the devices or items listed in the "Device Manager" window without knowing exactly what you are doing or without following specific instructions provided by expert personnel, as making a mistake in this situation could seriously compromise normal computer operation
Method 3 of 3: Using the Apple Menu on Mac
Step 1. Enter the "Apple" menu
It features the Apple logo and is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 2. Select the About This Mac item
It is one of the first items on the "Apple" menu starting from the top. A Mac hardware information system window will appear.
Step 3. Review your Mac's technical specifications
Inside the "About this Mac" window you will find information about the processor installed in your computer, the amount of RAM present and the video card model.
Step 4. Press the System Report… button
It is located at the bottom of the "About This Mac" window. The "System Report" dialog box will appear.
Step 5. Expand the "Hardware" category
Click the right arrow icon next to the "Hardware" item listed in the left bar of the "System Report" window.
If the arrow icon on the left of the "Hardware" item is facing downwards, it means that the reference category is already expanded
Step 6. Select the hardware device you want to scan
Within the category Hardware all the devices and hardware peripherals present in the Mac are listed. Selecting an item from the list will show the related technical specifications in the right panel of the "System Report" window.
- For example, if you want to find out which graphics card model is installed in your Mac, you will need to select the item Graphics / Monitor.
- To get more information about the RAM memory of the Mac you will have to select the item Memory.
- To view the technical specifications of the processor you will have to select the item Hardware.
Advice
- If you have not yet purchased the computer for which you want to identify the technical specifications, you will normally find them listed directly on the product packaging, in the user manual or in the product description shown on the online store or in the shop where it is for sale.
- When buying a computer online, all technical specifications should be listed in the appropriate section dedicated to the product description (if not directly in the name).
