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Review a list of all of your computer's hardware and OS software details with ease

Review a list of all of your computer's hardware and OS software details with ease

Vote: (45 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Piriform

Version: 1.32.0.803

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(45 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Piriform

1.32.0.803

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Simple, attractive interface
  • Well-organized information

Cons

  • Somewhat limited sensor support

Speccy is a system information tool for PCs running Microsoft Windows. Available in both free and paid versions, Speccy offers an in-depth look at a computer's hardware and software.

That covers everything from RAM timings and CPU frequencies to motherboard BIOS details. Aimed mostly at enthusiasts and professionals, Speccy could seem superfluous to the average computer user. Among those who have an appetite for the information it provides, though, Speccy is a popular, highly regarded tool.

A Straightforward Way to Learn Almost Anything About a Computer

Modern PCs are designed to be easy to use, but they inevitably include many complex, advanced parts. People who enjoy tinkering with computers or who are professionally responsible for maintaining them sometimes find it helpful to be able to dive into the details.

Opening a computer's case is one way to figure out which components it includes, but that is rarely convenient. Simply installing Speccy makes it possible to call up a comprehensive listing of the hardware within a computer and even save it to an XML file or a screenshot.

The free version of Speccy is quite generous in providing access to hardware- and software-related information. Stepping up to Speccy Professional entitles a single user to technical support.

Speccy is also available as part of a bundle that includes the CCleaner PC optimization tool and a couple of other utilities. Most users will find the free Speccy download sufficient, but having some additional options can hardly hurt.

A Wealth of Technical Info, Packaged Up Nicely

There are a number of other free programs that serve roughly the same purpose as Speccy. Likely the single most distinctive thing about Speccy is that it features a relatively polished, clean-looking user interface.

That might not matter much in functional terms, but it does make using Speccy a pleasure. Particularly compared to competitors like HWiNFO, Speccy's slick interface makes it feel approachable.

This is not to say that Speccy comes up short in terms of the information it makes available. It offers up detailed information about everything from memory sticks and hard drives to graphics and networking cards.

Speccy can also monitor some of the temperature sensors, voltage meters, and other digital instruments found within many modern PC components. Users who are particularly interested in such readouts will probably opt for more specialized apps, but having the information available within Speccy can be welcome.

With a number of other free apps covering mostly the same ground, members of Speccy's target audience have plenty of options to consider. Speccy will likely appeal most to those who appreciate high-quality user interfaces and simplicity of presentation. While many PC users will never have a need for the information Speccy provides, others will do well to take a look.

Pros

  • Simple, attractive interface
  • Well-organized information

Cons

  • Somewhat limited sensor support