by The Computing Australia Group | Viewing System Info
Whether you’re eyeing an upgrade, installing new software, or troubleshooting a slow machine, knowing your computer’s specifications is step one. This guide expands your original “Viewing System Info” post into a comprehensive, easy-to-scan reference that covers Windows 10/11 (with notes for Windows 7), macOS and Linux. You’ll learn the fastest GUI and command-line methods, how to export specs to a file, and how to interpret what those specs mean for compatibility and upgrades. We’ve also included a jargon buster, FAQs, and an SEO checklist.
Short on time? Use the Quick Checklist below to grab the essentials in under five minutes.
Quick Checklist: The Specs That Matter (and Where to Find Them)
Windows 10/11
- CPU: Settings → System → About → Processor
- RAM: Settings → System → About → Installed RAM
- GPU: Device Manager → Display adapters (or dxdiag)
- Motherboard (desktop): msinfo32 → BaseBoard Manufacturer/Model
- Storage: Settings → System → Storage (or Disk Management)
- OS build: Settings → System → About → Windows specifications
- Export everything: msinfo32 → File → Export
macOS
- All-in-one: → About This Mac → More Info / System Report
- GPU/Displays: About This Mac → Displays
- Storage: → About This Mac → Storage
- Export: System Information → File → Save
Linux
- All-in-one: sudo lshw -short
- CPU: lscpu
- Memory: free -h or sudo dmidecode -t memory
- GPU: lspci | grep -E "VGA|3D"
- Storage: lsblk -o NAME,SIZE,TYPE,MOUNTPOINT
- Export: redirect any command to a file, e.g., lshw > specs.txt
Why Specs Matter (Beyond Curiosity)
- Compatibility: Ensures new parts (RAM, SSD, GPU) match sockets, form factors and power limits.
- Performance planning: Confirms your machine meets the requirements for new apps or games.
- Troubleshooting: Quickly rules out bottlenecks (e.g., single-channel RAM, slow HDD).
- Lifecycle & security: OS version and firmware level influence support windows and features (e.g., BitLocker/TPM, virtualization).
Part 1: CPU / Processor
What to look for
- Model & generation (e.g., Intel Core i7-12700, AMD Ryzen 5 5600)
- Cores/threads, base/boost clocks
- Socket type (desktop; determines motherboard compatibility)
- Integrated graphics (some CPUs include iGPU; matters for troubleshooting and low-power use)
Windows 10/11 (and Windows 7 notes)
GUI (fastest):
1. Right-click Start → System (or Settings → System → About).
2. Under Device specifications, check Processor.
Command line (more detail):
- PowerShell (run as user):
Get-CimInstance Win32_Processor | Select-Object Name,NumberOfCores,NumberOfLogicalProcessors,MaxClockSpeed
- System Information:
Press Win+R, type msinfo32, Enter → Processor field.
Windows 7
- Right-click Computer on the desktop → Properties → Processor.
macOS
- → About This Mac shows processor and memory at a glance.
- System Report → Hardware → Hardware Overview for full details.
Linux
- lscpu for model, cores, threads, and flags (e.g., virtualization support).
- cat /proc/cpuinfo for granular per-core details.
Part 2: Graphics (GPU)
What to look for
- GPU model (e.g., NVIDIA RTX 4060, AMD Radeon RX 6600, Intel Iris Xe)
- VRAM (video memory)
- Driver version and Display outputs (HDMI/DP)
- Integrated vs dedicated: laptops may switch between both
Windows
GUI:
1. Right-click Start → Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters → note each GPU listed.
3. Optional (more detail): Press Win+R, type dxdiag, Enter → Display tab(s).
Tip: If two adapters show, the lower-power one is usually integrated, the other dedicated.
macOS
- About This Mac → More Info → Displays lists GPU(s) and VRAM.
- System Report → Graphics/Displays for connector and resolution support.
Linux
- lspci | grep -E "VGA|3D" identifies adapters.
- For NVIDIA: nvidia-smi (if proprietary driver is installed) shows model, VRAM and driver.
Part 3: Motherboard / Logic Board
Why it matters
The motherboard determines CPU socket, chipset features (PCIe lanes, USB standards), RAM generation (DDR4 vs DDR5), storage interfaces (SATA/NVMe), and form factor (ATX, mATX, ITX).
Windows (desktop PCs)
- Press Win+R → msinfo32 → BaseBoard Manufacturer, BaseBoard Product, Version.
- If model isn’t shown, you may need to open the case (desktop) or use a tool like wmic baseboard get product,manufacturer,version,serialnumber (WMIC is deprecated but still present on many systems).
macOS
- “Logic Board” details are limited; use System Report → Hardware for model identifiers (e.g., MacBookPro18,3) and map that to Apple’s specs page.
Linux
- sudo dmidecode -t baseboard to list board/vendor/model.
Part 4: Memory (RAM)
What to look for
- Installed capacity (e.g., 16 GB)
- Slots used / total slots (upgrade headroom)
- Generation (DDR3/4/5; laptops use SODIMM)
- Speed (e.g., 3200 MT/s) and channel configuration (dual-channel recommended)
Windows
GUI:
- Settings → System → About → Installed RAM.
- Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Performance → Memory shows speed, form factor, and slots used.
PowerShell:
Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemory
Select-Object Manufacturer, PartNumber, Capacity, Speed, ConfiguredClockSpeed
macOS
- → About This Mac lists total memory.
- System Report → Memory for slots, size per slot and speed.
Linux
- free -h for total/used.
- sudo dmidecode -t memory for slots, sizes, and speeds.
Part 5: Storage (Drives & Health)
What to check
- Type (HDD vs SSD vs NVMe)
- Capacity & free space
- Interface (SATA vs NVMe PCIe)
- SMART health and TBW (for SSD longevity)
Windows
- Settings → System → Storage for usage.
- Disk Management: Press Win+X → Disk Management to see partitions and drive types.
- Device Manager → Disk drives shows model numbers (Google the model to confirm SSD/HDD/NVMe).
- SMART/Health: Use vendor tools (Samsung Magician, Crucial Storage Executive) or wmic diskdrive get status (very basic).
macOS
- → About This Mac → Storage for overview.
- Disk Utility for drive type and health (APFS/SMART status if available).
Linux
- lsblk -o NAME,SIZE,TYPE,MOUNTPOINT,MODEL
- SMART: sudo smartctl -a /dev/sdX (install smartmontools).
Part 6: OS, Firmware & Security Features
- Windows version/build: Settings → System → About → Windows specifications.
- UEFI/BIOS version: msinfo32 → BIOS Version/Date (firmware updates can fix stability and security issues).
- TPM (for BitLocker/Windows 11): Press Win+R, type tpm.msc.
- Virtualization: Task Manager → Performance → CPU → Virtualization: Enabled/Disabled (required for WSL2, VMs).
macOS
- Version: → About This Mac (macOS Sonoma, Ventura, etc.).
- Startup Security and FileVault visible in System Settings.
Linux
- Distro & kernel: cat /etc/os-release and uname -r.
- Secure Boot/UEFI: mokutil --sb-state (if installed); dmesg | grep -i secure.
Part 7: Network, Display & Misc Hardware
- Network:
- Windows: Settings → Network & Internet(adapter names, Wi-Fi standard).
- ipconfig /all (Windows), ifconfig/ip a (Linux), or System Report → Network (macOS).
- Display: Resolutions and refresh rates matter for GPU choice.
- Windows: Settings → System → Display → Advanced display.
- macOS: System Settings → Displays.
- Linux: xrandr (X11) / desktop display settings (Wayland).
- Battery health (laptops):
- Windows: powercfg /batteryreport → opens an HTML report with design vs full charge capacity.
- macOS: System Settings → Battery → Battery Health.
- Linux: upower -i $(upower -e | grep BAT).
Exporting Your Specs (Share with IT / Save for Upgrades)
Windows (all-in-one text export):
1.Press Win+R, type msinfo32, Enter.
2.File → Export → save systeminfo.txt.
Windows (PowerShell export):
Get-ComputerInfo > “$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\ComputerInfo.txt”
Get-CimInstance Win32_Processor, Win32_PhysicalMemory, Win32_VideoController, Win32_DiskDrive
Export-Csv “$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\Hardware.csv” -NoTypeInformation
macOS
- Open System Information, then File → Save to generate a .spx file (shareable with support).
Linux
sudo lshw -short > ~/hardware.txt
inxi -Fxxx > ~/inxi_full.txt # if inxi is installed
Upgrade Compatibility: A Quick Decision Map
1. CPU Upgrade
- Check socket (e.g., LGA1700, AM4) and chipset support (BIOS update may be required).
- Ensure cooler compatibility and case clearance.
2. RAM Upgrade
- Match generation (DDR3/4/5) and form factor (DIMM vs SODIMM).
- Prefer matched pairs for dual-channel.
- On Apple Silicon Macs, RAM is not user-upgradeable.
3. Storage Upgrade
- For laptops/desktops: confirm M.2 slot type (SATA vs NVMe) and length (2280 is common).
- Desktop add-in NVMe via PCIe adapter if the board lacks M.2 (check BIOS boot support).
4. GPU Upgrade (desktops)
- Ensure PSU wattage and 8-pin/12VHPWR connectors are adequate.
- Check case length clearance and PCIe x16 slot availability.
5. When to Replace Instead of Upgrade
- Multiple outdated components, OEM proprietary boards, or end-of-life OS → complete system replacement may be more cost-effective.
Troubleshooting Tips While Checking Specs
- Specs missing in msinfo32? Update chipset drivers and BIOS/UEFI; some fields populate after drivers load.
- Laptop shows only integrated graphics? Dedicated GPU may engage only under load; check vendor control panel (NVIDIA/AMD) and ensure correct drivers.
- RAM not all detected? Reseat modules, check slot pairing (A2/B2 typical), update BIOS.
- Storage not visible? NVMe may need a BIOS setting; verify physical seating and format/partition in Disk Management or Disk Utility.
Privacy & Security When Sharing Specs
- Remove serial numbers and MAC addresses from screenshots/reports before posting publicly.
- Share text exports instead of full screen recordings.
- Avoid third-party “system cleaners” or unknown spec tools-stick to vendor utilities or OS tools.
Jargon Buster (Expanded)
- CPU/Processor: The “brain” that runs instructions.
- Cores/Threads: Parallel lanes for multitasking; more is better for heavy workloads.
- GPU: Graphics Processing Unit-renders images/video; crucial for gaming, 3D, AI workloads.
- RAM: Short-term memory your system uses to keep active tasks fast.
- SSD/HDD/NVMe:,/span> Storage types. SSDs are faster than HDDs; NVMe SSDs are the fastest consumer option.
- Motherboard/Logic Board: The main board connecting all components.
- Chipset: Controller set on the motherboard that dictates features/compatibility.
- Form Factor: Physical size standard (ATX, microATX, Mini-ITX).
- UEFI/BIOS: Firmware that initializes hardware before the OS loads.
- TPM/Secure Enclave: Security modules enabling encryption and secure boot features.
- TDP: Thermal Design Power-guides cooling and PSU sizing (approximate).
- Dual-Channel RAM: Two sticks working together for higher bandwidth.
Step-by-Step: Your Original Tasks, Modernised
1. Find Your CPU/Processor (Windows 10/11, Windows 7)
- Windows 10/11: Right-click Start → System → Processor.
- Windows 7: Right-click Computer on desktop → Properties → Processor.
- Bonus: msinfo32 → Processor; or PowerShell Get-CimInstance Win32_Processor.
2 Find Your Graphics (GPU)
- Right-click Start → Device Manager → Display adapters.
- If you see two entries: one is integrated (Intel/AMD) and the other dedicated (NVIDIA/AMD).
- Bonus: Press Win+R → dxdiag → Display tab for driver/VRAM.
3)Find Your Motherboard (Desktop PCs)
- Press Win+R → msinfo32 → check BaseBoard Manufacturer and BaseBoard Product.
- If only the manufacturer appears, open the case to read the silkscreened model (desktop) or use wmic baseboard get product,manufacturer,version,serialnumber.
4)Find Your Memory (RAM)
- Right-click Start → System → Installed RAM.
- Task Manager → Performance → Memory shows speed, slots used, and form factor for upgrade planning.
Implementation Tips for Businesses & Teams
- Standardise a specs capture process for support tickets (attach msinfo32 export or Mac .spx).
- Keep a hardware inventory spreadsheet (model, serial, purchase date, warranty end).
- Plan upgrades by cohorts (e.g., all HDD → SSD this quarter; RAM to 16 GB next quarter).
- For Perth clients, coordinate on-site checks to validate PSU capacity, thermals, and firmware before GPU/CPU upgrades.
When It’s Better to Replace Than Upgrade
- End-of-life OS (e.g., Windows 7) and incompatible hardware for Windows 11.
- Soldered RAM limited to 8 GB with heavy workload needs.
- Aging platform (e.g., old DDR3, SATA-only) when modern workloads demand NVMe and more cores.
- Power/space constraints in small OEM cases that block GPU or cooler upgrades.
If multiple constraints apply, a new system often saves time and money.
FAQ
Do I need admin rights to view specs?
Most info is viewable without admin rights; exporting some reports or running dmidecode on Linux may require elevated privileges.
Can I upgrade my laptop GPU?
Typically no-most laptop GPUs are integrated or soldered. External GPU (eGPU) is an option on some Thunderbolt-equipped models.
Is 8 GB RAM enough in 2025?
For basic browsing and office work, it’s workable; 16 GB is the sweet spot for multitasking; creative/engineering workloads often need 32 GB+.
Will Windows 11 require TPM?
Yes, Windows 11 expects TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Check tpm.msc.
Is NVMe always faster than SATA SSD?
Yes in raw throughput, but for light office tasks you may not feel a big difference; heavy file operations and program loads benefit more.
