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Software Utilities
Related Information:
Intel® Processors and Boards Compatibility Tool video
Intel® Processor Diagnostic Tool Guided Tour video
Intel® Desktop Boxed Processors and Sockets video
Intel386™ and Intel486™ processors
The CPUID Utility for DOS* identification tool is intended only to support legacy processors such as the Intel386™ or Intel486™ processor.
Identifying Package Types
Visual reference guides to assist in the identification of different package types used with Intel® processors.
Identifying Processor and Fan Markings
Guide to identification of current Intel processors and fans.
How to identify CPU and Fan markings?
Purpose of this Utility
The Intel® Processor Identification Utility is provided by Intel Corporation to enable customers to identify the brand, features, package, intended frequencies and actual operating frequencies of their Intel microprocessor. Customers can also use the utility to discern whether or not an Intel processor is being operated above its Intel rated frequency.
The main features of the utility are available via the menu items at the top of the screen:
- The Frequency Test section of the utility provides information regarding the operating status of the selected processor.
- The CPU Technologies section of the utility displays the Intel processor technologies and features present in the selected processor.
- The CPUID Data section of the utility identifies the Intel processor(s) in the system.
- The Save feature enables the processor information to be saved into a text file.
- The Web Update feature enables updating to the latest version of the Intel Processor Identification Utility.
- The Intel Processor Identification Utility is not intended to identify microprocessors manufactured by companies other than Intel.
How the Utility Works
The Frequency Test section of the Intel Processor Identification Utility runs a frequency determination algorithm (speed test) to determine at what internal speed the processor is running. The utility then examines internal data in the processor and makes a comparison between this data and the operating frequency it measured. The utility then informs the user of the overall system status as a result of this comparison.
The CPU Technologies section of the utility reads the internal registers of the processor to identify and display the Intel processor technologies that the processor supports.
The CPUID Data section of the utility identifies Intel processors by reading a precise instruction embedded in the processor. The utility translates this instruction and uses it to display information about the processor.
The Save link generates a text log file containing all of the information obtained by the Intel Processor Identification Utility. The utility asks for the filename and location in which to save the log file. Multiple writes to the same log file (e.g. in a multiprocessor system) are appended in that log file.
The Web Update link opens the default web browser on the system to the Intel web site containing the latest version of the Intel Processor Identification Utility.
Information Reported by the Utility
The Intel® Processor Identification Utility reports information on the Intel processor being tested.
The Frequency Test section displays the following information:
- Processor brand logo
- Processor brand name
- Processor number
- Expected processor operating frequency
- Reported processor operating frequency
- Expected system bus operating frequency when applicable
- Reported system bus operating frequency when applicable
- Expected Intel® QuickPath Interconnect speed when applicable
- Reported Intel QuickPath Interconnect speed when applicable
- Expected Integrated Memory Controller operating frequency when applicable
- Reported Integrated Memory Controller operating frequency when applicable
- Reported size of the highest level cache in the processor
- Number of processor cores in the processor
- Number of processor threads in the processor
The above information may be accompanied by a message about the operating frequency status. This message details whether or not the processor is operating at a frequency higher than Intel specifications for the tested processor. In some cases (e.g. processor overclocking or system bus overclocking, the frequency test will produce an Advisory button. Click this button to view advisory messages about the operating status of the tested processor.
The utility may report a current operating frequency that is slightly higher or lower than the expected frequency for your processor, without providing an advisory message. Frequency differences within 1% are due to slight variations in the manufacturing of system components, and are considered to be operating within specifications.
The CPU Technologies section lists all of the following technologies that are supported by the processor:
- Intel® Virtualization Technology
- Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology)
- Intel® 64 architecture
- Streaming SIMD Extensions (SSE)
- Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 (SSE2)
- Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 (SSE3)
- Streaming SIMD Extensions 4 (SSE4)
- Intel® SpeedStep® technology
- Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology
- Intel® Advanced Vector Extensions
- Intel® AES New Instructions
The utility may include a Technical Advisory button with the processor technologies. Clicking the button will display information about system support features required to be present to fully enable certain advanced Intel processor technologies.
Intel Virtualization Technology requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, enabling software and/or operating system, device drivers and applications designed for this feature. Performance will vary depending on your configuration. Contact your vendor for more information.
Intel Hyper-Threading technology (Intel HT technology) requires a computer system with a processor supporting Intel HT technology and an Intel HT technology-enabled chipset, BIOS, and operating system. Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware and software you use. Visit Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology for more information including details on which processors support Intel HT technology.
64-bit computing on Intel architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications enabled for Intel® 64 architecture. Performance will vary depending on your hardware and software configurations. Consult with your system vendor for more information.
Intel® AES-NI requires a computer system with an AES-NI enabled processor, as well as non-Intel software to execute the instructions in the correct sequence. For more information, see http://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/intel-advanced-encryption-standard-instructions-aes-ni.
The CPUID Data section of the utility provides the following information to help identify your Intel microprocessor:
- Processor classification:
- Processor brand name
- Processor number
- Processor type
- Processor family
- Processor model
- Processor stepping
- Processor revision
- Processor details:
- Cache information
- Packaging information
- Platform Compatibility Guide information
- Other Intel processor features:
- Execute Disable Bit
- Enhanced Halt State
- Additional information:
- Chipset ID
- System Graphics
The cache information in the CPUID Data section of the utility reports the total number of cache blocks available in the processor package. In processors with multiple cores, the cache blocks may be separate for each core (e.g. 2 x 1MB) or shared across cores (e.g. 2MB).
Multiprocessor or Dual Processor Support
The Intel Processor Identification Utility can identify and determine the frequency of each Intel processor in a multiprocessor system (between 2 and 32 processors).
Multiprocessor support in the Intel Processor Identification Utility is only available when using the utility on an operating system with multiprocessor support. Multiprocessor features are disabled when using the utility on other operating systems and in single processor systems.
To switch between processors, select the processor you wish to query from the Processor menu item (e.g. select CPU #2 to run the utility on Processor #2).
In a system with Hyper-Threading Technology (HT Technology) enabled, the utility will list each physical processor in the Processor menu, but it will not list a separate entry for each logical processor. If the system contains only one physical processor, the Processor menu will be disabled.
In a system with an Intel processor containing dual or multiple cores, the utility will display information for each processing core.
Multi-language Support
The Intel Processor Identification Utility for Microsoft Windows* operating systems is available in the following languages from the Intel support Website.
- English
- French
- Italian
- Spanish (Modern Sort)
- Brazilian Portuguese
- German
- Russian
- Korean
- Chinese (Traditional)
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Japanese
Effects of Power Management Features
Some power management features (e.g. Intel SpeedStep technology) throttle or reduce the operating frequency of components within the PC. These types of power management features may result in very low tested frequency results. This does not mean that the processor is operating at degraded performance levels. It means that the enabled power management feature is optimizing the efficiency of the processor, either to save power or reduce heat within the system. For instructions on how to disable these power management features, please contact your PC system manufacturer.
Utility Updates
Click the Web Update button to check for updates to the Intel Processor Identification Utility. The utility will open the default web browser to bring up the download page on the Intel Web site. On the download page (Windows* version or bootable version), select and download the utility in the desired language.
Definitions:
Cache Information
Cache is very high-speed memory that stores frequently used instructions and data. Cache information reported by the utility may include level 3, level 2, and level 1 data and instruction cache sizes, depending on what types of cache are present and enabled in the processor. In processors with multiple cores, the cache blocks may be separate for each core (e.g. 2 x 1MB) or shared across cores (e.g. 2MB). The Frequency Test section of the utility reports the cache size that the tested processor core has access to, for the highest-level cache in the processor. The CPUID Data section of the utility reports the total number of cache blocks available in the processor package.
Chipset ID
The Chipset ID field is used to provide information related to the Intel® Upgrade Service. For more information, please visit http://upgrades.intel.com.
Enhanced Halt State
The Enhanced Halt State processor feature is designed to improve acoustics by lowering the power requirements of the processor.
Execute Disable Bit
The Execute Disable Bit capability is a processor feature that can help prevent buffer overflow virus attacks.
Expected Frequency
This is the frequency at which Intel intended the processor and the system bus to run. This should be the speed physically marked on the processor’s packaging.
Gigatransfers Per Second (GT/s)
Gigatransfers per second (GT/s) refers to the effective rate of data transfers on the Intel QuickPath Interconnect, measured in billions of transfers per second.
Integrated Memory Controller
The Integrated Memory Controller is a key feature in Intel QuickPath Architecture. Integrating the memory controller into the Intel processor silicon die improves memory access latency and enables available memory bandwidth to scale with the number of processors added. Visit the Intel Website for more information on Intel QuickPath Technology.
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel HT Technology) enables the processor to execute multiple threads (a part of a program) in parallel - so your highly-threaded software can run more efficiently and you can multitask more effectively than ever before.
Intel® 64 Architecture
Intel® 64 architecture is an enhancement to the Intel® IA-32 architecture. The enhancement allows the processor to run 64-bit code and access larger amounts of memory.
Intel® Advanced Vector Extensions
Intel Advanced Vector Extensions or AVX is a 256 bit instruction set extension to SSE and is designed for applications that are Floating Point (FP) intensive.
Intel® AES New Instructions
The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm is now widely used across the software ecosystem to protect network traffic, personal data, and corporate IT infrastructures. Intel AES New Instructions or AES-NI is an instruction set for accelerating the encryption of data for use in AES.
Intel® QuickPath Interconnect
Intel® QuickPath Interconnect provides high-speed point-to-point connections between processors and other components in platforms designed with Intel QuickPath Architecture. Visit the Intel Website for more information on Intel QuickPath Technology.
Intel® SpeedStep® Technology
Intel® SpeedStep® technology allows the system to operate in maximum performance mode when plugged into an AC power source, and in battery-optimized performance mode when running on battery power. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology allows the system to dynamically adjust processor voltage and core frequency according to the power source and application demand. The results are decreased power consumption and decreased heat production.
Intel® Virtualization Technology
Intel® Virtualization Technology is a set of hardware enhancements to Intel server and client platforms that can improve virtualization solutions. Virtualization enhanced by Intel Virtualization Technology will allow a platform to run multiple operating systems and applications in independent partitions.
Overclock
Operation of a processor above the manufacturer’s specified frequency (e.g. operating at 3.2 GHz with a processor that Intel manufactured to run at 2.8 GHz).
A processor being operated above its frequency specification (overclocked) may become unstable, or produce unpredictable or erroneous results. These conditions might not be readily apparent and the life of the processor may also be shortened. Intel’s warranty does not cover processors that have been overclocked.
Packaging Information
The Packaging entry on the CPUID Data section of the utility displays the type of physical package that contains the processor. The possible package types are:
- FC-PGA2 - the Flip Chip Pin Grid Array 2 package is a more compact version of the FC-PGA package. It appears as a smaller thin square of green material with shorter and more closely separated gold pins. An integrated heat spreader may obscure the top of FC-PGA2 processors.
- uPGA/BGA - a Micro Pin Grid Array or Ball Grid Array package.
- OOI - an OLGA (Organic Land Grid Array) On Interposer package. The interposer translates the fine pitch pads of the OLGA package to a pin field, which connects into the socket on the system main board.
- uFCPGA or uFCPGA2 - a Micro Flip Chip Pin Grid Array package
- uFCBGA or uFCBGA2 - a Micro Flip Chip Ball Grid Array package
- LGA1366 - a 1366 pin Land Grid Array package
- LGA1156 - a 1156 pin Land Grid Array package
- LGA775 - a 775 pin Land Grid Array package
- LGA771 - a 771 pin Land Grid Array package
For more information, see the packaging information on the Intel Website.
Platform Compatibility Guide
Platform Compatibility Guide (PCG) encompasses all of the platform power requirements necessary for the proper functionality of the processor as it relates to the motherboard. PCG also provides an easier method of identifying which processor works with which motherboard.
Processor Brand Name
Branded name assigned by Intel Corporation to a specific processor, e.g. Intel Pentium 4 processor.
Processor Family
This classification indicates the Intel microprocessor generation and brand. For example, Intel Pentium 4 processors have a Family value of "F".
This information can be useful for validating information from the "Quick Reference Guide" that is available for the specific family of your processor.
Processor Model
The "model" number identifies to Intel the microprocessor’s manufacturing technology and design generation (e.g. Model 4). Model number is used along with family to determine which specific processor in a family of processors that your computer contains. This information is occasionally needed when communicating with Intel to identify the particular processor.
Processor Number
Intel uses processor numbers to enable consumers to quickly differentiate among comparable processors and to analyze or take into account more than one processor feature during the selection process. Processor numbers should be used to differentiate between the relative overall features within a certain processor family (e.g. within the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor family) and within a numbering sequence (e.g. 550 vs. 540). Processor numbers are not a measurement of performance. For more information, visit the Intel processor number Website.
Processor Revision
The "revision" number indicates version information for Intel processors within a stepping. The revision information may be useful when communicating with Intel to determine the processor’s internal characteristics.
Processor Stepping
The "stepping" number indicates design or manufacturing revision data for production Intel microprocessors (e.g. Stepping 4). Unique stepping numbers indicate versions of processors to facilitate change control and tracking. Stepping also allows an end user to identify more specifically which version of the processor their system contains. This classification data may be needed by Intel when trying to determine the microprocessor’s internal design or manufacturing characteristics.
Processor Type
"Type" indicates whether the Intel microprocessor was designed for installation by a consumer (end user) or by a professional PC system integrator, service company, or manufacturer. Type 1 indicates that the microprocessor was intended for installation by a consumer (e.g. upgrade such as an Intel OverDrive® processor). Type 0 indicates that the microprocessor was intended for installation by a professional PC system integrator, service company or manufacturer. The processor type depends on whether the processor is a single processor, dual processor, or an Intel OverDrive processor.
Reported Frequency
This is the actual operating frequency of the processor and system bus as measured by the Intel Processor Identification Utility. The utility may report a current operating frequency that is slightly higher or lower than the expected frequency for your processor. Frequency differences within 1% are due to slight variations in the manufacturing of system components, and are considered to be operating within specifications.
Streaming SIMD Extensions
Streaming SIMD Extensions (SSE) are new instructions designed to reduce the overall number of instructions required to execute a particular program task, which can result in an overall performance increase. The Intel Processor Identification Utility reports the presence of SSE, SSE2, SSE3 and SSE4 instruction sets.
System Bus Overclocking
Operation of the system bus above the processor’s specified system bus frequency (e.g. operating the system bus at 533 MHz with a processor intended for operation on a 400 MHz system bus). This will typically force the processor to run at a frequency above its intended specification. Refer to the overclock definition for more information.
System Graphics
The Intel Processor Identification Utility will report either the type of Intel® HD Graphics detected, or it will report that an add-in discrete graphics card is currently in use. In certain instances, the utility may report System Graphics as "Unknown" if certain non-discrete graphics are detected, but the exact name and/or type cannot be determined.
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