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CPU-Z

ApplicationCPUID

Also called cpuz, cpu-z, cpuid cpu-z

CPUIDSystem

Identifies CPU, motherboard, and RAM. The process is cpuz.exe. It does not overclock. It is not Task Manager.

What you need to know

CPU-Z identifies the CPU and RAM. It does not overclock.

CPUID's CPU-Z names the processor, board, and memory. Get it from cpuid.com. Task Manager is the live-use window. GPU-Z is the graphics sibling from TechPowerUp, not this exe.

What is it?
A CPU, board, and RAM identifier
Does it overclock?
No. It only reports
Same as Task Manager?
No. Task Manager shows live use
Feex says
If you need the RAM part number, I would open CPU-Z before I guess from Task Manager. I would not move sliders here. There are none.

What is CPU-Z?

CPU-Z reports processor, board, and memory identity. cpuz.exe is the window. Task Manager shows utilization. CPUID's other tools (HWMonitor) are separate downloads.

If you have never used it

If you need the exact CPU name, motherboard, or RAM timings, CPU-Z is CPUID's identifier. Download it from cpuid.com. It reads what is installed. It does not change clocks. It is not Task Manager, not GPU-Z, and not an overclock tool.

What is it used for?

Read CPU name, cores, and caches

The CPU tab is identity. Task Manager's Performance tab is live use, not this SPD-style report.

Read motherboard and BIOS version

The Mainboard tab names the board. GPU-Z will not tell you the chipset the same way.

Read RAM size, part numbers, and timings

The Memory and SPD tabs are why people install this. It still does not overclock those DIMMs.

Who is it for?

  • People buying RAM and needing the current kit's part number
  • Anyone who was told "open CPU-Z" in a forum
  • Users who should not confuse this with Task Manager or an overclock utility

Current status

CPU-Z (2000) is a current hardware identifier from CPUID. The vendor still points Windows users at https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html.

How old is it?

CPU-Z launched in 2000. It is older than GPU-Z (2007) and older than the Windows 8 Task Manager redesign. Current builds still target everyday Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs.

Versions

Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.

Setup
ZIP portable
Windows Store listing (if offered)

System requirements

Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.

Minimum

Minimum system requirements
Operating system Windows 10 or Windows 11, per CPUID's current CPU-Z page
RAM Enough for Windows plus this app. Heavy projects want more.

Resource profile

CPU demand
Low. The bench tab is optional and short
RAM demand
Small for an identity tool

Installed processes

These executables belong to this product when it is installed.

Installed processes
cpuz.exe Identification window

Startup components

CPU-Z should not start with Windows. Close it when you have the screenshot.

File locations

Common CPU-Z locations
Typical install C:\Program Files\CPUID\CPU-Z\

File formats

TXT and HTML reports from the File menu

Common problems

People look for voltage sliders

CPU-Z is read-only identity. Overclocking lives in BIOS or a vendor tool. Task Manager is also not an overclock panel.

Validation screenshot used as a fake proof

The Validation tab can submit a report. A cropped PNG from a stranger is not CPUID's site.

Getting unstuck

Download from cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

Ad-network "CPU-Z Pro" hosts are not CPUID. Task Manager is already on the PC if you only wanted utilization.

If a tab is blank, run as administrator once

Some board and SPD reads need permission. That is CPU-Z, not a missing GPU-Z install.

Use GPU-Z or HWiNFO if you wanted GPU clocks and sensors

CPU-Z's graphics tab is thin. TechPowerUp GPU-Z is the GPU identity tool.

Alternatives

Task Manager for live CPU use. HWiNFO for deeper sensors. GPU-Z for the graphics card. None of those overclock from this window either.

Official help and downloads

Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.

Official contacts
Download www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html Official installer or vendor page
Help www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html Vendor support
Official site www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html Start here, not a random exe host

Related hardware

CPU-Z reads the CPU, board, and DIMMs that are already installed. It does not add Feex sensors.

Technical details

Technical details

Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.

Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.

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