Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

CPU-Z VS HWMonitor

Compare CPU-Z VS HWMonitor and see what are their differences

CPU-Z logo CPU-Z

CPU-Z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system : Processor name and number, codename, process, package, cache levels.

HWMonitor logo HWMonitor

HWMonitor is a hardware monitoring program that reads PC systems main health sensors : voltages, temperatures, fans speed.
  • CPU-Z Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-13
  • HWMonitor Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-07

CPU-Z features and specs

  • Detailed System Information
    CPU-Z provides comprehensive information about your system's CPU, cache, memory, and motherboard, which can be crucial for system diagnostics and performance tuning.
  • Small Footprint
    The program is lightweight and does not consume extensive system resources, making it suitable for use on systems with limited processing power.
  • Real-time Monitoring
    CPU-Z offers real-time monitoring of the processor's clock speed and voltage, which can be extremely useful for overclocking and system stability checking.
  • Free to Use
    CPU-Z is available free of charge to all users, providing professional-level diagnostic capabilities without any cost.
  • Portable Version Available
    The software has a portable version that can be run without installation, allowing users to diagnose multiple systems easily.

Possible disadvantages of CPU-Z

  • Limited GPU Information
    While CPU-Z gives extensive details about CPUs and memory, it provides limited information about the system's GPU, which might necessitate using additional software for comprehensive diagnostics.
  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface of CPU-Z is somewhat dated and may not appeal to those accustomed to modern, slick UIs.
  • No Support for Non-Windows OS
    CPU-Z is only available for Windows operating systems, leaving users of macOS and Linux without support.
  • Lack of Automatic Updates
    The software does not automatically update to the latest version, requiring users to manually download and install updates to ensure they have the most recent features and fixes.
  • Basic Reporting
    Reporting features in CPU-Z are relatively basic, and those needing more advanced reporting capabilities might need to look for more specialized software.

HWMonitor features and specs

  • Comprehensive Sensor Monitoring
    HWMonitor provides a detailed view of various system sensors, including CPU, GPU, and motherboard temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds, helping users to monitor their hardware performance accurately.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software features a straightforward and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced users to monitor their system's health.
  • Lightweight
    HWMonitor is a lightweight application that consumes minimal system resources, ensuring that it doesn't impact system performance while running in the background.
  • Regular Updates
    The software receives regular updates, which ensures compatibility with new hardware and offers improvements to existing features.
  • Free Version Available
    A version of HWMonitor is available for free, providing a cost-effective solution for users looking to monitor their system hardware without financial investment.

Possible disadvantages of HWMonitor

  • Limited Advanced Features
    The free version of HWMonitor lacks some advanced features offered by competing hardware monitoring tools, which may be a drawback for users seeking more comprehensive functionality.
  • Reporting Limitations
    The software offers limited reporting capabilities, which can make it difficult for users to export or analyze historical data extensively.
  • No Cross-Platform Support
    HWMonitor is only available for Windows, which means it cannot be used on macOS or Linux systems.
  • No Active Alerts
    The application does not have built-in alert mechanisms to notify users about critical system thresholds being breached in real-time.
  • Static Interface
    The interface design is relatively static and lacks modern visual enhancements, which might not appeal to users who prefer more visually engaging software tools.

CPU-Z videos

CPU-Z Review

More videos:

  • Review - CPU-Z - Detailed PC System Information - Hardware Specs [Tutorial]

HWMonitor videos

HWMonitor Tutorial and Explanation, Awesome System Health Software [1080, Voice]

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Introduction to CPUID HWMonitor | Track CPU GPU Temperature Tutorial

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to CPU-Z and HWMonitor)
Device Management
81 81%
19% 19
Monitoring Tools
76 76%
24% 24
System Information
83 83%
17% 17
Utilities
83 83%
17% 17

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare CPU-Z and HWMonitor

CPU-Z Reviews

Top 8 BEST NZXT CAM ALTERNATIVES
This is an excellent alternative to Nzxt CAM that will give you with real-time information about your computer system. CPU-Z is a freeware system profiler app for Microsoft Windows, (all versions from 95 onwards) that detects and exhibits the central processor unit, RAM, motherboard chipset, and other hardware components of a modern personal computer in a single window. The...
Source: gisuser.com
8 Best CPU-Z Alternatives & Competitors in 2022 (Free & Paid)
CPU-z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system : Processor name and number, codename, process, package, cache levels. Mainboard and chipset. Memory type, size, timings, and module specifications (Spd). Real time measurement of each core’s internal frequency, memory frequency. The CPU-z‘s detection engine is now available for...
10 Best Nzxt CAM Alternatives
You will find CPU-Z easy to use. Installation is simple, all you need to do is launch the software and get to work. On PCs, the software is compatible with several function keys used as shortcut keys.
CPU-Z: 3 Top Alternatives compared
AIDA is the successor of Everest Home Edition. The program offers a clean Interface and a lot of information about your PC. AIDA is also one of the few Alternatives to CPU-Z, the cost of money. But if you really all want to find out and a lot of emphasis on the optics place, you should check out the 30-day trial version here download. Alternatively, you can the last...
20 Programs to Analyze and Benchmark Your Hardware
With monitoring covered, what about a specifications summary? Enter stage left: I-Nex. Developed by a small group of programmers in Poland, this Linux-only tool works a bit like CPU-Z does, but also provides additional details about the hard drives, audio system, and operating system structure.

HWMonitor Reviews

HWMonitor Review & Alternatives for 2023
Beyond the technical abilities of HWMonitor the low price point is another reason to consider the tool. The standard version of HWMonitor is available for free, putting it in the reach of SME’s and larger organizations. However, there is a Hardware Monitor Pro version that includes additional logging capabilities, remote operation, and graphing. The price of HWMonitor Pro is...
7 Best Speedfan Alternatives for 2023
HWMonitor is the last of my Speedfan alternatives and the good news is that it’s another free application. It’s a very popular hardware utility that works with all versions of Windows. HWMonitor is a really lightweight application and when I used it, I noticed a very small impact on my system resources.
11 Best CPU Temperature Monitor For Windows PC To Check Accurate CPU Temp Readings
For the ease of users, HWMonitor is available to download in two different versions either download HWMonitor portable or HWMonitor setup. Upon minimizing this tool doesn’t add up in the system tray so to check readings you need to open it up manually.
Source: www.softlay.com
20 Programs to Analyze and Benchmark Your Hardware
HWmonitor is for Windows PCs only, but it's free, and as a tool for keeping an eye on temperatures, fan speeds, and voltages, it fits the role perfectly. There is a program called HWMonitor for Mac, and the name suggests that it's a platform port of this tool -- unfortunately it's not.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing CPU-Z and HWMonitor, you can also consider the following products

Speccy - Speccy - find the details of your computer's specs. Great for spotting issues or finding compatible upgrades. Download the latest version free.

Open Hardware Monitor - Monitors temperature sensors, fan speeds, voltages, load and clock speeds, with optional graph.

HWiNFO - Professional System Information and Diagnostics. Comprehensive Hardware Analysis, Monitoring and Reporting for Windows and DOS. FREEWARE. download. Advertisements.

SpeedFan - Hardware monitor for Windows that can access digital temperature sensors located on several 2-wire SMBus Serial Bus. Can access voltages and fan speeds and control fan speeds. Includes technical articles and docs.

AIDA64 - AIDA64 is a system information, diagnostics and benchmarking solution for Windows PC.

GPU-Z - GPU-Z is a lightweight system utility designed to provide vital information about your video card...