how to see pc specs on pc part picker

3 min read 15-04-2025

PC Part Picker is a fantastic tool for planning your next PC build or upgrading your existing one. But did you know it can also help you quickly identify the specs of your current computer? While it doesn't directly scan your PC, you can manually input your components to see a complete overview on PC Part Picker. This guide will walk you through the process.

Understanding PC Part Picker's Capabilities

PC Part Picker excels at visualizing your build, calculating compatibility, and providing pricing information. While it doesn't magically detect your PC specs, it's an excellent way to organize and understand your existing hardware once you've identified the components. Knowing your PC specs is crucial for troubleshooting, upgrading, and understanding your system's capabilities.

Step-by-Step Guide: Identifying Your PC Specs and Entering them into PC Part Picker

Before you start, you'll need to know the specifications of your computer components. Here's how to find that information and input it into PC Part Picker:

1. Identifying Your Components

First, gather the specifications of your PC components. This information is typically found in several places:

System Information (Windows): Search for "System Information" in the Windows search bar. This provides a summary of your hardware, including the processor, RAM, and operating system.
Device Manager (Windows): In the search bar, type "Device Manager". This tool provides a detailed breakdown of all devices connected to your PC, including specifics about your graphics card, motherboard, and storage devices.
CPU-Z: Download and install CPU-Z (a free program). This utility gives you extremely detailed information about your CPU, RAM, motherboard, and other components.
GPU-Z: Similar to CPU-Z, GPU-Z provides detailed information specifically for your graphics card.

Note down the manufacturer, model, and any other relevant specifications. For example, for your CPU, you'll need the exact model name (e.g., Intel Core i5-12400F). For your RAM, note the size (e.g., 16GB) and speed (e.g., 3200MHz).

2. Accessing PC Part Picker

Head to the PC Part Picker website: https://pcpartpicker.com/

3. Adding Your Components

Click the "Add parts" button to start building your list. You'll navigate through different component categories (CPU, Cooler, Motherboard, etc.).

For each component, carefully search for the exact model name you identified in Step 1. PC Part Picker's search function is very powerful, so you'll likely find your parts easily. Don't worry about exact specifications at this stage; just get the core model name correct.

Once you’ve added all your components, PC Part Picker will automatically check for compatibility issues.

4. Reviewing Your System Specs

Once all your components are added, PC Part Picker will show you a detailed summary of your PC's specifications on the main build page. This includes a comprehensive list of your hardware, system compatibility checks, and estimated pricing.

Troubleshooting

Part Not Found: If you can't find a specific component, try searching using different keywords or variations of the model name. If you still can't find it, you may need to manually add it. PC Part Picker occasionally lags behind in adding the newest hardware releases, but it's usually very comprehensive.
Compatibility Issues: PC Part Picker will highlight any compatibility issues that might arise from your chosen components. This is a valuable feature, helping you understand if you have any conflicts.

Beyond the Basics: Utilizing PC Part Picker for Upgrades

Once you have your current specs listed, PC Part Picker makes planning upgrades significantly easier. You can swap individual components and see the impact on system compatibility and pricing instantly, a valuable tool for any PC enthusiast.

By following these steps, you can efficiently use PC Part Picker to not only plan future builds but also to gain a clear and organized view of your current computer's specs. This knowledge is invaluable for troubleshooting, upgrading, and maximizing your PC's performance.