Understanding the generation of your Intel processor is essential when upgrading hardware or checking software compatibility. Your processor’s generation determines its performance, features, and compatibility with certain software or hardware upgrades. While there are different ways to check the processor generation on Windows 10, this article will walk you through the easiest and most efficient methods to identify your Intel processor’s generation.
Why Check Your Intel Processor Generation?
The generation of your Intel processor plays a key role in several aspects:
- Performance: Newer generations generally offer improved speed, power efficiency, and performance.
- Compatibility: Some applications or hardware may require a specific processor generation for optimal operation.
- Upgrades: Knowing your processor’s generation helps in making informed decisions about upgrading your PC or selecting new hardware.
Method 1: Check Intel Processor Generation Using System Information
Windows 10 comes with a built-in tool called System Information, which provides detailed hardware information about your PC, including the processor generation.
Steps to Use System Information:
- Open the Start Menu: Click on the Windows Start menu in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
- Search for System Information: Type “System Information” into the search bar and press Enter. The System Information window will appear.
- Look for Processor Information:
- Under System Summary, locate the Processor entry.
- The processor name will be listed in the format Intel Core i7-9700K, for example.
- Identify the Generation:
- Intel processors typically follow a naming convention where the first digit after the hyphen indicates the generation. For example, Intel Core i7-9700K is a 9th generation processor (the “9” in 9700K indicates the generation).
- If the processor is listed as Intel Core i5-10600, the “10” indicates that it’s a 10th generation processor.
Method 2: Use Command Prompt to Check Processor Generation
If you prefer using the Command Prompt, you can retrieve detailed processor information directly from the system via command line.
Steps to Use Command Prompt:
- Open Command Prompt:
- Right-click on the Start menu and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Enter the Command:
- Type the following command into the Command Prompt window and press Enter:
wmic cpu get name
- Type the following command into the Command Prompt window and press Enter:
- View Processor Information:
- The command will display the name of your processor, such as Intel Core i7-8700. Like the previous method, the first digit after the series number (e.g., 8 in 8700) represents the generation.
- Interpret the Processor Generation:
- The number immediately following the series name in the processor model gives you the generation. For example, i7-8700 is a 8th generation processor.
Method 3: Use CPU-Z to Check Processor Generation
CPU-Z is a free third-party application that provides detailed information about your system’s hardware, including your Intel processor.
Steps to Use CPU-Z:
- Download and Install CPU-Z:
- Visit the CPU-Z website and download the application. It’s a lightweight program, so installation is quick and easy.
- Launch CPU-Z:
- After installing, open CPU-Z from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
- Check the CPU Information:
- In the CPU tab, you’ll find detailed information about your processor, including its name, cores, and cache size.
- The Name field will display the processor model, such as Intel Core i5-7300HQ.
- Identify the Generation:
- As with previous methods, check the number following the series name. For example, i5-7300HQ refers to a 7th generation processor.
Method 4: Use Intel Processor Identification Utility
Intel provides a specific tool designed to identify the features of your Intel processor. This tool is ideal for those who want precise details about their CPU.
Steps to Use Intel Processor Identification Utility:
- Download the Intel Processor Identification Utility:
- Go to the Intel website and download the Intel Processor Identification Utility.
- Install the Software:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the tool on your system.
- Run the Utility:
- Once installed, open the Intel Processor Identification Utility.
- View Processor Details:
- The tool will show detailed information about your processor, including the generation, brand, cache size, and clock speed.
- Identify the Generation:
- The Processor Name field will clearly indicate your Intel processor’s generation. For example, Intel Core i7-1165G7 refers to an 11th generation processor.
Method 5: Check Processor Generation via Task Manager
For a quick look at your processor information, you can use Task Manager.
Steps to Use Task Manager:
- Open Task Manager:
- Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager, or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Go to the Performance Tab:
- Click on the Performance tab at the top of Task Manager.
- Select CPU from the left-hand column.
- View Processor Information:
- You’ll see the name of your CPU along with its usage, speed, and other details. The processor name will include information about the generation (e.g., Intel Core i5-8250U).
Conclusion
Knowing your Intel processor’s generation is crucial for understanding its capabilities and ensuring that your hardware and software are compatible. You can easily check your processor’s generation in Windows 10 through several methods: using System Information, Command Prompt, CPU-Z, the Intel Processor Identification Utility, or even Task Manager.
Key Takeaways:
- Intel processors follow a naming convention where the first digit after the series number indicates the generation (e.g., i7-9700 is 9th generation).
- System Information and Command Prompt are the easiest ways to check processor details without additional software.
- CPU-Z and Intel Processor Identification Utility provide in-depth processor information for more advanced users.
By using these methods, you can easily identify the generation of your Intel processor and make informed decisions about your system’s performance and upgrade needs.