A Central Processing Unit , or CPU , consists of a piece of hardware that allows our computer to interact with all the applications and programs installed on it, interpreting the different instructions of the program, and generating the output with which the user interacts. when we use it.
It is an essential element, since it allows the computer to complete the different tasks that we request each time we open a certain application, for example, we make changes to a file. Ultimately, whether it is a painfully slow processor, or blazing fast, the reality is that it can end up having a huge impact on our computing experience.
Both the cores and the processor speeds are essential, since they determine how much information can be received at the same time, and how fast it is possible to process all that information on the computer. Thus, the clock speed and the speed at which the cores of the computer work together is what is considered as the processing speed .
In short, the speed of our CPU determines how fast the computer is able to carry out the different tasks that we request. Although it is true that, today, thanks to the arrival of different multicore processors, the speed of our CPU is less important than in the past, it is normal that we still want to know what the speed of the CPU is, especially when we go to use a new program, in order to ensure that, at least, our computer meets the minimum technical requirements.
On windows
We must access the control panel of the system. If you use Windows 7, Windows Vista or XP, you just have to right-click on Computer / My Computer that you will find in the Start menu, and click on Properties . In case of using Windows XP, it is possible that we must first click on General after selecting Properties .
In case of using Windows 8, it is necessary to right-click on the Start button, and select the System button.
Then we must look for the section dedicated to the Processor, which we will find located just below the version or edition of Windows that we are using.
In this section, both the model and the speed of our processor will be shown, which is measured in gigahertz (GHz), and indicates only the speed of a single processor core. Thus, if the processor has several cores, it means that each core will have this speed.
On macOS
On macOS, this information can be accessed more quickly. You just have to go to the Apple icon, to access the system information, and click on About this Mac .
A floating window will immediately open where the information related to the version of the macOS operating system installed (specific name and version number), the model you are using (for example, Macbook Pro or Mac Mini, among others) will be displayed, and finally we will access to Processor data.
However, if you want to go a little deeper, you can click on the System Report button, where even more information will be offered.
