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How To Check A Gaming PC Or Laptop Specifications

Do you ever wonder what’s under the hood of your Gaming PC or Laptop? Let’s dive in! Knowing your PC’s specifications is crucial. It helps you understand the machine you use every day. Moreover, it guides you in making informed decisions. Should you upgrade your hardware? Can your system run that new game or software? Let’s demystify it all.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps. By the end, you’ll be able to tell your CPU from your GPU and everything in between. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Understanding Computer or Custom Gaming PC Specifications

Before we start, it’s essential to know what we’re looking for. There are five key PC specifications. These are the CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and operating system. Each plays a unique role in your PC’s performance.

Let’s start with the CPU, the Central Processing Unit.

Think of it as the brain of your computer. It performs most of the processing inside your computer. Your CPU’s speed directly affects how fast your computer can complete tasks.

Next, we have the GPU, the Graphics Processing Unit.

This component handles the visuals. From the interface of your operating system to the graphics in your favorite game, the GPU has a hand in it all. A stronger GPU means smoother visuals and better performance in graphically intensive tasks.

Then comes RAM, or Random Access Memory.

It’s your computer’s short-term memory. When you open a program, it’s loaded into RAM. More RAM allows your PC to handle more tasks at once. That’s why having plenty of RAM is crucial for multitasking.

Our next stop is storage.

This is where your computer keeps all its files and programs. There are two main types: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs are faster but more expensive, while HDDs offer more storage for your buck.

Finally, we have the operating system.

This is the software that manages all of the hardware and software on your PC. It’s what you interact with when you use your computer. The most common operating systems are Windows, macOS, and Linux.

There you have it! Now that you have a basic understanding of PC specifications, let’s dive deeper into how to check them. Stay tuned!

Checking Gaming PC Specifications Using System Information

Ready to learn how to check your PC specs? First up, we have a built-in tool in Windows. It’s called System Information. Here’s how to use it.

Hit the Windows key and type “System Information”. You should see it pop up in the search results. Click on it to open the tool. It’s that simple!

Now, you’re in the System Information tool. It can feel a bit overwhelming at first, right? But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here’s a quick rundown of what you see.

The “System Summary” is up first. It provides a broad overview of your system’s specs. Look here for information on your OS, processor, and RAM.

Want more detailed information? Check the specific categories on the left. For instance, click “Components” then “Display” to see details about your GPU.

Checking Desktop Specifications Using Device Manager

Next up, we have the Device Manager. This tool offers another way to check your PC’s hardware specs. Let’s dive into the steps.

Method 1: System information

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to access system information on Windows to view your custom gaming PC’s specifications:

  1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Windows icon located at the bottom left corner of your screen to open the Start Menu.
  2. In the search bar, type “System Information” and click on the “System Information” app from the search results. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type “msinfo32”, and press Enter.
  3. The System Information window will open, displaying detailed information about your computer’s hardware and software.
  4. In the System Summary section, you’ll find essential details such as the operating system version, processor model, and installed memory (RAM).
  5. Expand the categories on the left side of the window to view specific hardware components. For example, expand “Components” to see details about your display, sound devices, and more.
  6. To check your graphics card information, expand “Components” and click on “Display.” You’ll find the details of your graphics card, including the manufacturer, model, and driver version.
  7. You can also find information about your storage drives by expanding “Components” and clicking on “Storage” or “Disk.”
  8. Take your time to explore the various categories and expand them to view detailed information about your PC’s hardware and software configuration.
Image credit: Simple How To Tips

Method 2: Device Manager

  1. Firstly, press the Windows key and “X” together. A menu will pop up. Then, select “Device Manager”. You’re now in!
  2. The Device Manager lists all the hardware connected to your PC. From processors to keyboards, it’s all there. It organizes everything into categories for easy navigation.
  3. Interested in your display adapter? Click on “Display adapters”. Curious about your sound card? Find it under “Sound, video and game controllers”. Also, remember, double-click any entry for more details.
Screenshot showing Device Manager
Image credit: Lifewire

Between System Information and Device Manager, you now have two powerful tools. They provide key insights into your PC’s specs. But what if you want a third option? That’s where third-party software comes into play. More on that in our next section!

Using Third-Party Software to Check Gaming PC Specifications

Sometimes, you need more than the built-in tools. That’s where third-party software comes in handy. There are plenty of options out there. Some of the most popular include Speccy and CPU-Z. Let’s delve into why you might prefer these tools.

Speccy, for instance, is a comprehensive tool. It offers a clean, easy-to-read interface. You get a detailed overview of your system’s hardware. This includes the CPU, motherboard, RAM, and more.

Screenshot of Speccy displaying gaming PC specifications.
Screenshot of Speccy displaying gaming PC specifications. Image credit: speccy.en.lo4d.com

Then we have CPU-Z. It’s a lightweight software that provides a wealth of information. You can see details about your CPU, GPU, and RAM. Plus, it’s free!

Screenshot of CPU-Z displaying gaming PC specifications
Screenshot of CPU-Z displaying gaming PC specifications. Image credit: mediaket

However, third-party software isn’t for everyone. It’s another program to install and maintain. It also needs to be kept up to date for accurate results. But for those who want extra detail, they can be invaluable tools.

How to Check PC or Laptop Specifications on MacOS

Mac users, we haven’t forgotten about you! Checking your Mac’s specs is a breeze. Let’s see how it’s done.

Firstly, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner. Then select “About This Mac”. Then, a window will pop up with all the information you need.

Image credit: Apple Support

This window displays an overview of your Mac’s specs. Next, you’ll see the OS version, processor, memory, and more. For more details, click the “System Report” button.

Image credit: Apple Support

But what if you want information about your storage? Click the “Storage” tab. Here, you’ll see a breakdown of your Mac’s storage.

In just a few clicks, you can see your Mac’s specs. Also, It’s user-friendly and easy to navigate. With these steps, you’re well on your way to becoming a spec-checking pro, no matter the system!

Understanding Your Gaming PC’s Performance

Knowing your PC’s specifications is only half the battle. To fully grasp your PC’s performance, you need to benchmark it. Let’s explore this concept in more detail.

What is Benchmarking?

Benchmarking is like giving your PC a stress test. It pushes your hardware to its limit and shows you how your PC performs under intense conditions. Moreover, it helps you identify any potential bottlenecks in your system.

CPU Benchmarking

First up, we have the CPU. It’s the heart of your PC’s performance. Tools like Cinebench or Geekbench can help. They simulate intense processing tasks. Besides, these tools give you a score to help compare your CPU’s performance against others.

GPU Benchmarking

The GPU is next. It’s crucial for any visually intensive tasks. 3DMark and Unigine Heaven are popular tools for GPU benchmarking. They run demanding 3D tasks to test your GPU. Again, you’ll get a score to compare your GPU’s performance.

Watch the exhilarating 3DMark benchmark test showcasing the incredible performance of the RTX 3070 TI graphics card. Source: VOLTA PC’s Youtube channel

RAM and Storage Benchmarking

RAM and storage may not seem as exciting, but they’re vital. Tools like AIDA64 and CrystalDiskMark can help. They test your RAM’s speed and your storage’s read/write speeds. As a result. you can consider upgrading your RAM or storage.

Putting it All Together

After benchmarking, you’ll have a better understanding of your PC’s performance. If your scores are lower than expected, it may be time for an upgrade. Remember, regular benchmarking can help keep your PC in top shape.

After benchmarking, you’ll have a better understanding of your PC’s performance. If your scores are lower than expected, it may be time for an upgrade. Remember, regular benchmarking can help keep your PC in top shape. Hence, if you want to learn more about benchmarking, don’t miss our blog post, “Top Tools To Benchmark Your Gaming PC in 2023”.

Conclusion

You’ve made it to the end! Congratulations on your newfound knowledge. Understanding your PC’s specs is a key skill. Besides, it helps you make the most of your machine.

Remember, the better you know your PC, the better you can use it. Regularly checking your PC’s specs can help ensure optimal performance. So, don’t be a stranger to your System Information tool or About This Mac window!

Now that you’re a pro at checking PC specs, you might be thinking about an upgrade. If you’re in Singapore and in the market for a new gaming PC or laptop, look no further than VOLTA PC. With their impressive range of high-performance machines and hardware, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs and budget. Hence, don’t compromise on your gaming experience; visit VOLTA PC today and elevate your gaming to the next level!

That’s it for today’s post. We hope you found it helpful. Stay tuned for more tech tips and tricks. Happy computing!

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