How Do I Check How Many CPU Threads I Have

Atif Liaqat | Last Updated On February 15th, 2022

The number of threads in your CPU entirely depends on its model, the processor’s core count, and its generation.

If you wish to find out how many threads you have, you can go through the manufacturer’s specification sheet or built-in Windows Services.

Windows services include the Task Manager and System Information.

However, you can also find out your threads using some third-party applications.

Before we jump off to the main topic, let us have a quick review of CPU threads and how do these threads work.

What are CPU Threads?

So what are threads? In basic terms, these are virtual cores.

Threads are a set of pre-programmed instructions that cause a CPU core to seem to be categorized into 2 cores. So you get 2 threads for each core:

  • Two Cores – Four Threads
  • Four Cores – Eight Threads
  • Six Cores – Twelve Threads
  • Eight Cores – Sixteen Threads
  • Thirty-Two Cores – Sixty-Four Threads

However, not all CPUs have this 2x of the thread count. It is still becoming the norm, but there are still a variety of CPUs with four cores with four threads, eight cores with eight threads, etc.

These threads act as a defining feature of how efficient a CPU is in terms of multitasking.

When it is about the multi-core performance of a processor, the number of threads makes a noteworthy difference in the benchmark results.

How Do Threads Work?

Threads work in a fascinating way. Study the factors listed below to learn more about how threads function.

When you perform an operation on your desktop (such as launching Adobe software), a process is initiated. This process creates a thread in your system.

  • For the rest of your Adobe tasks, you’ll use a number of threads to carry out your task in Adobe.
  • Depending on the software and how it is developed, processes can utilize several threads.
  • For some special tasks, the additional threads you have, the better it gets. When numerous threads are available, a single process can perform a wide range of tasks.

The threads can make an intense difference while performing tasks such as video rendering, encoding, etc.

If you are into gaming, then having a higher thread count can indirectly benefit your gaming experience. If you wish to upgrade your GPU for better gaming experience or even upgrade it for 1440p 144hz gaming, we have articles for that.

How to Check How Many CPU Threads I Have?

It is time to discuss the main topic. In this section, we have discussed about the four best ways that can help you know how many threads your processor has:

  • Finding Thread Count Using Task Manager
  • Finding Thread Count Using System Information
  • Finding Thread Count Using Manufacturer’s Specification Sheet
  • Finding Thread Count Using Third-Party Software

Finding Thread Count Using Task Manager

Finding the thread count through Task Manager is one of the easiest methods. Using the task manager lets you find out the number of threads and their clock speed, cache memory, etc.

Follow these steps to find out your thread count using the Task Manager –

Step #1 Open Task Manager

There are two options to access the Task Manager. Try anyone you like –

  1. Press CTRL + ALT + DELETE. If you are using Windows 10, you will see a menu has appeared on your screen.
  2. Right-click on the Taskbar. A drop down menu will appear, click on Task Manager.

Step #2 Click on Performance Tab

When the Task Manager appears, click on the Performance Tab.

Step #3 Check the Logical Processor Count

After selecting the Performance Tab, click on the CPU Tab from the systems shown on the left-hand side of the box.

On the right side of the box, you will see many information like Base SpeedCores, Sockets, etc. you will find Logical Processors right below Core.

The threads of the CPU are also termed Logical Processor. Hence, check the number of logical processors shown by the Task Manager.

Finding Thread Count Using System Information

The System Information tool is another handy tool that helps you learn a lot about your system. Simply, you can use this tool to find out your thread count.

Step #1 Open System Information

There are two methods to access the System Information Tool:

  1. Click on the search bar and type System Information, and select the application
  2. Press Windows + R, and type msinfo.32.exe

Step #2 Look for Processor

When the System Information dialog box appears, you will see a lot of information has been given in a pretty organized manner.

What you must do is search for a processor from the Item field.

In this field, you will find an entry called Processor. Now look for the Logical Processor outline. The number you see represents the number of threads on your computer.

Finding Thread Count Using Manufacturer’s Specification Sheet

Processor manufacturers generally have a listing of their processor models and their specification online.

You can use this method if you plan to buy a processor or wish to know about the processor you have purchased, but it is yet to be installed.

For this, you have to do a quick search on google by your model of the processor, and it will redirect you to the manufacturer’s website. When you get the site, put your exact model number, and fetch the details.

Or, if you know who the manufacturer is, you can directly land on their website and look for your processor. Say you are planning to buy an Intel i5-11300H.

So search for intel.com, you will be redirected to their website, and you will find the details of your processor.

Finding Thread Count Using CPU-Z (Third Party Software)

If you happen to be a computer enthusiast, then a third-party software called CPU-Z can help discover the microscopic details about your system.

It is a hassle-free task. All you have to do is to go to your browser and search for CPU-Z. You will land on their official website, and from there the application can be downloaded and installed.

These free third-party apps are filled with information and can help you discover each and every minute detail about your PC.

It is easy to use, is often used by experts.

If you wish to install this application and discover each and every detail of your CPU, click here to get to their website.

What is Hyper-Threading?

As we have already mentioned that a processor has one or multiple threads per core. Many people term it as Hyper-Threading. Hyper-Threading is Intel’s proprietary method of multi-threading for their processors.

Not all tasks are designed or require a higher thread count. However, primarily games and professional tasks are thread-oriented.

Conclusion

Having a deep knowledge of the processors, cores, threads, and clock speeds or overclocking can be vital for understanding your PC’s capabilities.

Many people keep on asking about how many CPU threads they have, and here in this article, we have discussed those four golden ways.

As for the steps stated above you can use any of them. But, if you ask me, in our opinion, we would say the best way to know thread count is by using the in-built Windows Services.

So, now you know every possible way of knowing your processor’s thread count. And, if you are planning to build a PC, we hope this article proved to be resourceful for you.

Good luck!

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