Programs for determining iron. Useful utilities for diagnosing and testing iron
Every computer user at least once in his life was faced with the task of knowing the exact hardware characteristics of his computer. The most common case is when you need to find out if the computer meets the system requirements of the program you plan to install, or if it is already outdated and needs immediate modernization. In today's article, I will talk about some ways to get the information you need.
Let's start, as usual, from the beginning, that is, from the download. For most computers, immediately after the POST procedure (“beeping” at the start), the BIOS displays brief information about the main hardware (type and frequency of the processor, characteristics of random access memory and permanent memory). This stage is fast, so in order to have time to consider the information provided immediately when the help screen appears, you should click the “Pause-Break” button. 
However, the information issued by the BIOS is rather scarce, it is enough only for the most unassuming user. More data is issued at the operating system level, using the built-in applet "System Information". To call it, just press WIN + R, enter “msinfo32” in the appeared line and click on “OK”. The second way to access the same applet is to click "Start", select the menu All Programs\u003e Accessories\u003e Utilities\u003e System Information. 
This utility provides much more information. In addition to data on the processor, memory, and storage media, it shows the network devices and input-output devices installed in the computer. In addition to describing the hardware capabilities, the “System Information” applet provides information about a number of software settings for the current operating system (swap file size, running services, startup, list of environment variables, and some others). 
Speccy
But often, just “built-in” capabilities in the operating system is not enough (this is especially true for professionals working “in graphics”, engaged in CAD-design, or just lovers of modern and highly demanding games). Third-party utilities come to the rescue here. Consider a few of them. The first of today's kit is the free Speccy app. You can use it like this:
- Download the program installer from the link. Run it
- On the first screen, you will be asked to select the language of the installer. Do it and click “Next”
- Next, decide whether to place shortcuts and automatically update the utility
- The next screen is a hidden attempt to monetize by program developers. Uncheck the boxes () that suggest installing third-party programs, and click on the “Install” button
- On the last screen you will be informed about the completion of the installation and you will be prompted to immediately launch the program
- After starting the program, you will see its start window. The "General Information" tab displays a brief summary, largely similar to the "System Information" system applet
- On the “Operating System” tab, you can see data about the installed system, service packs, available platforms. Net Framework and system uptime
- The tab "Central processor" presents a lot of data about the "heart" of your computer. In addition to the names and clocks provided by the system, the Speccy utility reports on the manufacturing process by which the processor chip is made, its bus and core frequencies, stepping and supported virtualization instructions
- The “RAM” tab, in addition to the amount of available physical and virtual memory, reports the type of RAM and its latency (delays between measures)
- The tab “Motherboard” reflects data on the model of the motherboard, the manufacturer of microcircuits and BIOS, hardware revisions of the chips, and also the width of the expansion slots
- In the "Graphic Devices" section, the user will see the characteristics of the available monitor and graphics accelerator
- The tab "Data storage" provides an overview of the devices installed in the computer's permanent memory. The hardware characteristics of the disks are indicated (their type, connection interface, data exchange speed and capacity), as well as data on the available partitions and current drive layout
- If CD-ROM drives are installed in the system, data on them is available in the section “Optical drives”
- Speccy is quite concise when it comes to information about installed devices for recording and playing sound. In fact, it only reports that the microphone and speakers are as such
- The tab “Peripheral devices” describes in detail the characteristics of installed devices for image processing, printing and pointing devices (printers, scanners, mice, touchpads and cameras)
- The last tab, “Network,” tells the user about the available network adapters and their current settings.
There are various programs for detecting hardware and diagnosing PCs, both paid and free, fully functional, and with limited functionality. Some allow you to test the performance of the computer as a whole, and its individual components, such as CPU and GPU, RAM, hard disk and so on. Consider the most popular and trusted user programs for detecting computer hardware.
She is also known as Everest. Once upon a time, the program was free, but now paid. However, it can be used for the first 30 days completely free of charge, and this time is enough to determine all your hardware on a computer, carry out diagnostics and view detailed information on it. You can also check the temperature of the processor and video card.
Using the AIDA64 program, you can obtain the following information:
- Installed devices: hard drives, random access memory (RAM) modules, system (motherboard) boards, CPUs, audio cards and video cards, etc., as well as data on component manufacturers.
- Specifications: the frequency of the CPU, the amount of RAM (RAM), information about the graphics processor (GPU).
- AIDA64 also reads data from all sensors installed in the computer, such as: temperature of the processor, hard disk, video card. Shows the voltage of some components.
In AIDA64, you can see all the details about the Windows operating system, system files, installed programs and their licenses.
AIDA64 can also perform computer performance testing:
- The speed of reading and writing random access memory (RAM) from the processor.
- Copying information between memory cells through the processor cache.
- And etc.
All received data about the installed hardware on a PC using AIDA64 can be exported to an HTML file that is easy to read. You can download it on the official website:
A free utility designed to get detailed information about your hardware. Of course, the amount of data in this program is much smaller, but, as a rule, this is quite enough. It is intended for ordinary users, and not for professionals who need all the smallest details about each piece of hardware installed in the computer.
Using Speccy you can get the following information:
- All details about the CPU: clock frequency, name, family and more.
- GPU information: name, operating permit, status, year of release, etc.
- RAM: name, size, operating frequency, manufacturer.
- Hard disk: name, volume, temperature, file system, etc.
- Checking the temperature of the processor and video card.
There is a portable version of Speccy that does not require installation on a computer. Program website: piriform.com
CPU-Z
Another free utility. But, as the name implies, its main purpose is to obtain detailed information about the computer processor. In addition, it allows you to find out about the installed system (motherboard) board, BIOS version, and more.
In addition, there is a version of CPU-Z for devices running on the Android OS. Download here: cpuid.com
It is designed to read information from all sensors installed in the computer: temperature, voltage, cooler rotation speed. Download HWMonitor on the same site as CPU-Z.
Have you encountered such a situation - the computer starts to malfunction or shuts down completely. What is the problem? It turns out that you do not always need to contact a service center. Try to use specialized software. Using programs is useful not only in case of malfunctions. Consider the best programs for detecting computer hardware, and when to use them.
What is this software for?
Have you ever had a situation that you need to know some characteristics of a PC? And this is not the only reason to use such software. Software for determining iron is useful if:
- Drivers are updated;
- To find out the temperature of the HDD or CPU;
- When the system slows down and freezes.
Sometimes you need to know the hardware model or version. Users do not remember such parameters. They may not be in the documentation. Consider what software is needed in such situations.
Speccy
The official website of the program: filehippo.com/download_speccy. There will be a link on the main page where we download the “exe” file with the program. Installation is simple, and will not cause difficulties even for beginners. Shows information about RAM, sound devices, CPU and motherboard temperatures. Works on all versions of Windows.
The utility window displays equipment models and small icons showing the temperature. By double-clicking on them, look at the changes that have occurred in five minutes. The utility will not be released by developers as a professional monitoring tool, but you can find out that it is time to change the thermal paste on the video card using the program.
Speccy Features:
- Shows detailed information about the characteristics of the PC and its devices;
- It uses system tools for diagnostics.
Aida64 computer hardware detection software
Download the program from the official Internet project: aida64.com/downloads/latesta64xe.
Previously called Everest, but was renamed by developers in AIDU. Shows detailed information about the system, and what is installed. Aida64 is configured for advanced PC diagnostics. Has tests for RAM, CPU, video, HDD.
Important! When checking your computer, or before buying a new one, take a stress test. If the device worked for at least fifteen minutes, and the blue screen did not appear - everything is working properly.
Characteristics of AIDA 64:
- Shows information in real time;
- Generates a detailed report;
- Completely in Russian.
Aida may:
- Edit programs at startup. It is because of them that the PC starts to work more slowly;
- A section showing all connected devices. This will help determine its model and find the right driver. Shows a link from where to download it.
Hwinfo
The official website of the utility: www.hwinfo.com. Among the features, we note the ability to download the installer of the program, and the presence of a portable version. After starting, HWInfo displays general information about the PC.
A small but powerful program. If you look at the temperature sensors, then in addition to current indicators, the program will show the maximum permissible parameters for the equipment. If they are close to maximum, think about it. Works with all versions of Windows.
Important! It is convenient to update the driver, as the utility publishes a link to the manufacturer’s website.
GPU-Z
If there are malfunctions in the video card, pay attention to this application. It supports most existing video adapters. Shows information about the frequency, use of RAM resources, loading. Defines memory timings and BIOS version of the motherboard. Download it from cpuz.ru/gpuz_download.htm
Features:
- It works only with a video card;
- The main feature is the monitoring of the basic values \u200b\u200bof the device;
- Minimum settings.
CPU Thermometer
Download it from cputhermometer.com
Suitable for those who know what the normal temperature of the CPU. Performs one function - shows the percentage of processor core utilization. Minimizes to the system tray, and starts with the OS.
CPU-Z
Official website of the program: cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
The utility will measure the temperature of the CPU, evaluate its effectiveness and resistance to overloads. The creators have implemented many important functions in the application. In addition to testing, the utility receives information about the motherboard, each RAM bar and GPU. Creates a report exported to txt or html format.
Features:
- Shows CPU temperature;
- Detailed information about the hardware;
- Benchmark (solving a problem to determine performance) CPU;
- Powered by Windows and Android.
Monitor your temperature with Core Temp
Download the program from: alcpu.com/CoreTemp/
Receives information from PC temperature sensors. Checks if the system is heavily loading the CPU. A feature of the program is the function of protection against overheating. She will report this, and take certain actions. Put the PC into sleep mode, or turn it on (can be configured as desired).
Shows the values \u200b\u200bof the CPU core, frequency and voltage on the chip. It differs from similar programs in the ability to display the maximum heating temperature depending on the processor model. Even if you are a novice user, looking at the minimum and maximum values, you will understand whether the temperature readings are normal.
Benefits:
- It consumes little system resources;
- Clear interface;
- Protects the system from overheating;
- Ability to search for new drivers;
- BIOS update;
- Advanced diagnostic settings;
- Free
Open hardware monitor
Located at: openhardwaremonitor.org/downloads/
Dwaremonitor connects to sensors on the motherboard, so it displays accurate and detailed information. The window displays the current and maximum temperature readings. Looking at the values, it becomes clear whether the equipment has a tendency to overheat.
Main characteristics:
- Reports a fever;
- The results are logged;
- Support for all existing processors, information about which comes from special online databases;
- Compatible with all versions of Windows.
Speedfan
The utility is located on the site speedfan.ru.softonic.com/
Displays the temperature of the CPU, SMAPT drive and other parts of the PC. A distinctive feature is the regulation of the cooler rotation speed. For this, it will be applied. SpeedFan prevents overheating and helps reduce noise.
Important! For different settings, try different options. The main thing is to monitor the temperature.
Features:
- Information about the temperature is displayed in the system tray (near the clock);
- The number of fan revolutions is set in the menu.
Output
Of the programs listed above, use a combination of Core Temp and Hardware Monitor. The first will protect against overheating. The second one will show detailed information about other parameters. To reduce noise or optimize cooling, use SpeedFan. AIDA and CPU-Z are suitable for testing iron. Against the background of their counterparts, they show the most truthful results. If you don’t like sophisticated software, use the minimalistic CPU Thermometer.
Sometimes there is an urgent need to find out the characteristics of your computer. For example, in order to update the driver, upgrade some parts of the system unit or just boast to peers, and in many cases you just need to find out the marking of a particular component of the system. There are only two ways to do this: read the markings or check them using software.
The first method, although simple, but in most cases it may not be available due to violation of warranty obligations (if the computer is under warranty). Therefore, let's take a closer look at the second way, how to find out the characteristics of your computer using programs, both built-in means of the operating system, and additional specialized software.
We look at the characteristics of a computer using the operating system
1. In order to find out the three main parameters of the system, just go to the “My Computer” tab in the “Start” menu. To do this, you need to hover over it and right-click, in the list that opens, select "Properties".
You can also do this in another way: from the “Control Panel” tab, select “System”. In the window that opens below, you can view the same parameters.
2. You can find out what equipment is installed on the computer, but without detailed specifications, you can through the "Device Manager".
To start it, you can simply type the key combination “Win \u200b\u200b+ Pause”. In Windows 7, in the window that opens, you will need to select the "Device Manager" tab. Now we can see what devices are installed on your computer and their name, for example, type of processor and its frequency, video card, sound card, network adapters, disks, etc. Device manager in XP can be launched via the key combination “Win \u200b\u200b+ Pause ", Then at the top you need to click on the" Hardware "tab, and already in it, launch the" Device Manager ".
3. This method consists in the use of the integrated software “System Information”. To start it, you need to click on the "All Programs" drop-down list in the "Start" menu, then "Accessories", open the "Utilities" tab in it and run the "System Information" utility there. You can also do this faster by pressing the key combination Win + R. A program launch window will open. In the line "Open" you need to type "msinfo32.exe." This same utility only runs through the console.
With this built-in software you can get basic information about the system and components. But this utility is not quite convenient due to the complexity of the branches of transitions on the tree. This software can be used in the absence of another, easier to understand and read.
4. You can also view system features through the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. This utility is mainly used for testing both video and audio cards. The utility window displays general information about the system and, more specifically, about the video card.
5. You can find out the characteristics of your computer from the BIOS. To do this, when the computer boots, you must press the F1, F2, Del or Esc key. It all depends on the version of the BIOS itself. Further some knowledge of English is required.
Programs for viewing computer characteristics
For a more detailed diagnosis of the system with performance, you can use special programs. For example, AIDA64, ASTRA32, PC-Wizard programs are excellent software both for diagnostics and for testing all components separately.
To begin with, let's say that the AIDA64 application (formerly Everest) belongs to the paid category. However, there is an opportunity to take advantage of the free 30-day period provided by the developers so that the user can get acquainted with the program’s capabilities. This is quite enough for us. In our case, we will use the version of AIDA64 Extreme Edition to get acquainted with the main parameters of the computer. There is, of course, another business version of this application, but for our purposes the Extreme version will be enough. This application must be downloaded from the developer's site () and installed on the computer.
AIDA is very simple and easy to use. The main application window is divided into two parts: on the left, a tree of the main subsystems of the computer is detected, and on the right, the detailed information selected on the left of the subsystem is displayed. To view the summary information on a computer, just open the “Computer” section, and then select the section “Summary Information” there.
Selecting this subsection will allow you to find out all the characteristics of your computer: computer type, data on the installed operating environment, information about the system board, available partitions, networks, peripherals, and more.
Viewing the data of the computer’s central processor can be done by selecting the “CPU” subsection in the root section of the “System Board”. The right side of the application displays the parameters of all processors installed on the PC. This data will tell you about the type of processor installed, its model, clock speed, supported instructions, and cache levels. Here you can find information about loading the cores of the microprocessor. If you need more detailed information about the supported functions by the microprocessor of the system, then feel free to click on the “CPUID” subsection.
If you move a little further in your choice and select the “System board” section, then detailed information on the motherboard will be displayed in the main application window. For a desktop PC, AIDA64 will display the properties of the board with its name, the properties of the system bus with its real and effective frequencies. The data on the properties of the memory bus with its width, frequencies, and bandwidth will be immediately demonstrated. No less important technical information on the physical parameters of the board: a supported socket for the CPU, installed connectors for expansion cards, the number of connectors for RAM strips, as well as the type of strips themselves and the type of supported memory. In the same section, the application will show data on the form factor of the motherboard, its physical dimensions and the chipset.
Selecting the “Memory” sub-section in the “System Board” section will demonstrate the summary information about the computer’s RAM. Here you can find out information about the available RAM and virtual memory in the system: how much it has already been used up and how much is currently available for use by the system and applications. Also, this section demonstrates the path to the system page file.
You can easily find out about the properties of installed RAM modules by clicking on the “SPD” subsection. This action will allow the application to show all the memory modules installed on the PC, which are displayed in the upper part of the main window area. Selecting one of the displayed modules will allow you to get the data that is displayed in the lower part of the main area of \u200b\u200bthe program window. By default, when going to the "SPD" subsection, this section displays the data of the first module displayed in the list. Here you can find the following properties of the module: its type, the amount of memory it provides, the type of this memory, its speed. Also, the width and voltage of the module, the characteristics of the timings and the functions supported by it are displayed here.
Video card
In order to view the data on the characteristics of the video adapter, go to the root section "Display". Among its subsections, you need to find the "GPU". Selecting this subsection will allow you to display data on the video adapter installed on the PC in the main area of \u200b\u200bthe program. Among them, information about the type of video chip, its BIOS version, the memory of the graphics card (volume, frequency, type), some characteristics of the graphics processor (frequency, manufacturing process).
The “Monitor” subsection of the same root section will allow the user to get acquainted with the main characteristics of the system monitor. Among them are the model, resolution, aspect ratio, vertical and horizontal scan.
AIDA64 provides extensive information about your computer’s hard drives. To view information about the HDD, click on the “Windows Data Storage” subsection of the “Data Storage” root section. In the upper part of the main area of \u200b\u200bthe application window, a list of all devices related to data storage will be displayed. Hard drives will be displayed first, and at the bottom of the main area of \u200b\u200bthe window information will be displayed on the characteristics of the hard drive, indicated first in the list of devices. Among the most useful features: hard form factor, spindle speed, read / write speed and more.
Sensor Data
It is necessary not only to be able to view data about the system, but also to analyze the current information supplied about the system by its sensors. Data on sensors can be found by going to the "Sensors" subsection of the "Computer" section in the general subsystem tree.
In the main window of the sensor information displays data on the temperature of the microprocessor, as well as its cores. The designation "CPU" shows data on the temperature of the processor under its cover. Traditionally, this indicator is lower than the temperature indicators of the processor cores, displayed as: “CPU1”, “CPU2”. This is due to the fact that the cover is in direct contact with the radiator of the heat sink assembly. Do not be afraid of the high parameters of the AUX indicator, since it means practically nothing. If its values \u200b\u200bnever change, then it is not used by the system. The sensor "GP diode" shows the temperature on the GPU.
Using ASTRA32, you can also find out the characteristics of your computer. Like the previous program, ASTRA32 is paid, but the demo version is quite enough for us. Its interface is similar to AIDA64, it is also so simple and straightforward. Download the program from the official website: www.astra32.com and install. By following the link you will see two versions - one for normal installation, and the other - portable, that is, does not need to be installed. I will use the second version of the program.
I run the program file astra32.exe as administrator.
In the window that opens, all information about my computer is immediately displayed (tab "General Information"), namely:
- what processor is installed, its operating frequency, cache levels;
- brief information about the motherboard;
- memory information;
- what drives are installed and their volume;
- data on the video card and sound card;
- information about the operating system, etc.
This can and will stop, but for those who want to study in detail the components of their computer, you can select the appropriate section in the left column and study the data that is displayed in the right column.
For example, you need to find out more information about the processor: what Socket it has, how many cores, what power consumption, sizes, etc. Go to the tab "Processor" and then "CPU". In the right window we look at detailed information about the processor.
Finally, we got to the free software. PC-Wizard is one of the best utilities for determining the characteristics, configuration and test of a computer. It can be downloaded by clicking on the link - http://www.cpuid.com.
The program interface is similar to the previously discussed utilities. The only difference is that in the right column, instead of boring lists, icons are displayed, and there are also tips for almost every action.
Good day.
I think that many when working with a computer or laptop came across a harmless and simple question: "how to find out certain characteristics of a computer ...".
And I must tell you that this question arises quite often, usually in the following cases:
- - when searching and updating drivers ();
- - if necessary, find out the temperature of the hard drive or processor;
- - in case of PC crashes and freezes;
- - if necessary, provide the main parameters of the components of the PC (for sale, for example, or show the interlocutor);
- - when installing a particular program, etc.
By the way, sometimes you need to not only know the characteristics of the PC, but also correctly determine the model, version, etc. I’m sure that no one holds such parameters in memory (and the documents to the PC hardly list those parameters that can be found directly in Windows itself 7, 8 or using special utilities).
And so, let's get started ...
How to find out the characteristics of your computer in Windows 7, 8
In general, even without the use of specials. utilities quite a lot of information about the computer can be obtained directly in Windows. Let's look at a few ways below ...
Method No. 1 - use of the system information utility
The method works both in Windows 7 and in Windows 8.
1) Open the "run" tab (in Windows 7 in the "Start" menu) and enter the command "msinfo32" (without quotes), press Enter.
By the way, you can run this utility from the menu Start: All Programs -\u003e Accessories -\u003e Utilities -\u003e System Information.
Method number 2 - through the control panel (system properties)
1) Go to the Windows control panel and go to the " system and safety“, Then open the“ System “tab.
2) A window should open in which you can view basic information about the PC: which OS is installed, which processor, how much RAM, computer name, etc.
To open this tab, you can use another method: just right-click on the “My Computer” icon and select properties from the drop-down menu.
Method number 3 - through the device manager
1) Go to the address: Control Panel / System and Security / Device Manager (see screenshot below).
2) In the device manager, you can see not only all the components of the PC, but also problems with the drivers: opposite to those devices where everything is not all right, a yellow or red exclamation mark will light.
Method number 4 - DirectX diagnostic tools
This option focuses more on the audio-video characteristics of the computer.
1) Open the "run" tab and enter the command "dxdiag.exe" (in Windows 7 in the Start menu). Then press Enter.
2) In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window, you can get acquainted with the main parameters of the video card, processor model, number of paging file, version of Windows OS, etc. parameters.
Utilities for viewing computer features
In general, there are a lot of similar utilities: both paid and free. In this short review I gave those that are most convenient to work with (in my opinion they are the best in their segment). In my articles I refer more than once to some of (and I will still refer) ...
1. Speccy
One of the best utilities to date! Firstly, it is free; secondly, it supports a huge amount of equipment (netbooks, laptops, computers of various brands and modifications); thirdly, in Russian.
And finally, in it you can find out all the basic information about the characteristics of a computer: information about the processor, OS, RAM, sound devices, processor temperature and HDD, etc.
By the way, on the manufacturer’s website there are several versions of programs: including a portable one (which does not need to be installed).
Yes, Speccy works in all popular versions of Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8 (32 and 64 bits).
2. Everest
One of the most famous programs of its kind. True, her popularity has fallen somewhat, and yet ...
In this utility, you will not only be able to find out the characteristics of the computer, but also a bunch of necessary and unnecessary information. Particularly happy, full support for the Russian language, in many programs this is not often seen. Some of the most necessary features of the program (all of them have no special sense to list):
2) Editing auto-loading programs. Very often, the computer starts to slow down due to the fact that a lot of utilities are written into startup, which most of the everyday work on a PC is simply not needed! About that, there was a separate post.
3) A section with all connected devices. Thanks to it, you can determine the model of the connected device, and then find the right driver! By the way, the program sometimes even prompts a link where you can download and update the driver. It is very convenient, especially since drivers are often to blame for the unstable operation of a PC.
3. HWInfo
A small but very powerful utility. She can give information no less than Everest’a, only the lack of the Russian language depresses.
By the way, if, for example, you look at sensors with temperature, then in addition to current indicators, the program will show the maximum allowable for your equipment. If the current degrees are close to the maximum - there is reason to think ...
The utility works very quickly, information is collected literally on the fly. There is support for different OS: XP, Vista, 7.
It’s convenient, by the way, to update drivers, the utility below publishes a link to the manufacturer’s website, saving you time.
By the way, the screenshot on the left shows the total information about the PC, which is displayed immediately after starting the utility.
4. PC Wizard
A powerful utility for viewing many parameters and characteristics of a PC. Here you can find the configuration of programs, and information about the hardware, and even test some devices: for example, the processor. By the way, it is worth noting that PC Wizard, if you do not need it, can be quickly minimized in the taskbar, occasionally flashing notification icons.
There are also disadvantages ... It takes a long time to load at the first start (something about a couple of minutes). Plus, sometimes the program slows down, showing the characteristics of the computer with a delay. Honestly, you get tired of waiting for 10-20 seconds., After you click on any item from the statistics section. The rest is a normal utility. If you look at the characteristics rarely enough, then you can safely use it!
By the way, some information about the computer can be found in the BIOS: for example, the processor model, hard drive, laptop model, etc. parameters.
Notebook Acer ASPIRE. Information about the computer in the BIOS.
By the way, what utilities do you use to view PC specifications?
And that's all for me today. Good luck to all!