The processor on your PC configures the data handling speed. You might be wondering about your CPU model on your Mac to accurately compare it with other Macs and PCs that can help you decide whether to upgrade the processor for your latest apps or games or keep using the same one.
You can check what type of processor is installed on your Mac PC through the “About this Mac” option, via System Information, or by typing a specific command on your Mac Terminal.
An older version of the Mac processor is prone to bugs and viruses; it might also make your favorite apps crash.
Therefore, you need to understand how to identify the Mac processor. In this write-up, we will elaborate on the reasons and methods to look at the processor that comes with your Mac.
Best Processor for Mac
Currently, Apple’s M1 is the best processor with 8 processor cores; 4 for high performance and the other 4 for high efficiency. Furthermore, M1 has 8 graphic cores on a single chip.
So, if you are looking for an upgrade after finding out what you have in your Mac, this is the processor you should choose for running simple, complex, or multiple PC tasks.
Reasons To Check the Processor on Your Mac
Processors are the brain of your Mac as they are responsible for functioning and data processing. You might want to know what processors you have on your Mac for the following reasons.
- Upgrading software that requires more processing power.
- Installing Games that demand high CPU efficiency.
- Experiencing constant App Crashes due to low processing speed.
- Selling your Apple Mac.
- Curious to know the processor version.
- Checking the compatibility with any accessory.
Getting To Know Your Mac Processor
Checking what type of processor you have on your Mac is not difficult. However, our step-by-step instructions will ensure that you go through the process easily.
So, without any delay, here are the three methods that will let you know what processor you have on your Mac.
Method #1: Using the “About this Mac” Option
The “About this Mac” option can make you aware of your Mac Processor version. To do so
- Click the Apple logo in the upper left corner of your Mac screen.
- Select the “About this Mac” option at the top of the drop-down menu.
- Wait for a few seconds till the About this Mac window loads.
- Find the “Processor” heading under the “Software Update” button.
- All your CPU details will be shown here.
“About this Mac” section will give information about all software, hardware, external, and network devices.
Method #2: Using “System Information”
System Information displays detailed information about your hardware, including your Mac processor.
Do the following steps to open System Information automatically.
- First, press the “Options” key on your Mac Keyboard and hold it.
- Select the Apple menu.
- Choose “System Information”.
- Now locate the “Processor Name” heading under the “Hardware Overview” tab to find your Mac processor type.
You can also access System Information through Spotlight or Utilities Folder in the Apps Folder of your Mac.
Method #3: Typing Command on Mac Terminal
Mac has a Terminal where you enter commands to get an output. To Check the Mac processor, you can also get help from the terminal by typing in a few commands in the following way.
- Click on “Applications” then “Utilities”, using Finder on your Mac.
- Locate and select “Terminal” at the bottom.
- Type the command
sysctl -a | grep brandon Terminal and press Enter. - Exact information about your Processor will be displayed.
Terminal shows the complete information about the processors you have on your Mac, including its speed, number of cores, name of the processor, and number of processors.
Summary
In this guide about “what processor do I have on my Mac,” we have discussed the possible reasons why you might need to check the Mac processor version. We’ve also discussed checking the Mac CPU model and specifications using various easy-to-follow methods.
Hopefully, now you know which processor is installed on your PC and can decide to upgrade it or keep using it with your apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
The new Macs, including Macbook Air, Macbook Pro, Macbook Mini, and iMac, are available with M1 processors. Apple has launched these M1 processors for improved battery life, computing quality, and graphic results.
Apple products have strict control over the software on its devices. In addition, there are fewer Operating System viruses created for an Apple Mac compared to Windows PC. Apple’s customer service is also another reason for its better reputation.
Mac processor speed can be increased by closing extra apps, restarting your Mac, limiting the web browser pages, and limiting the number of apps in Dock.
