CPU-X
What it is
CPU-X is a free, open-source system profiling and monitoring application for GNU/Linux and FreeBSD. It gathers details about the processor, motherboard, memory, operating system, graphics card, and performance. The project supports 32-bit and 64-bit x86 and ARM processors. Information can be viewed through a GTK graphical interface, an NCurses text interface, or a command-line dump mode. Packages are listed for several Linux distributions and FreeBSD, along with a portable AppImage and a Flatpak on Flathub. Starting its daemon can unlock information from special devices, but this requires root privileges and uses Polkit for elevation. CPU-X is licensed under GPL-3.0 and has no paid plans or usage limits stated. The maintainer, The Tumultuous Unicorn Of Darkness, announced on September 27, 2026, that the project was being archived because newer CPU generations were not properly detected. New issues are no longer accepted.
For and against
For
- Free and open source under GPL-3.0
- GTK, NCurses, and command-line interfaces
- Supports x86 and ARM processors
- Portable AppImage and Flatpak available
- Reports processor, memory, graphics, and performance details
Against
- Project is being archived
- New issues are not accepted
- Daemon access requires root privileges
- Newer CPU generations may not detect properly
The verdict
CPU-X provides broad hardware reporting across GNU/Linux and FreeBSD, with several interface and distribution options. Its archived status and stated detection problems for newer processors are important considerations before adoption.
Who it suits
CPU-X suits GNU/Linux and FreeBSD users who want system component and performance information through graphical, text, or command-line interfaces. It also fits users needing support for x86 or ARM systems.
Plans and prices
Free and open source
No paid plans or usage limits stated
Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- CPU architectures
- CPU-X supports 32-bit and 64-bit x86 and ARM processors.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Daemon privileges
- Starting the daemon can provide access to special devices for more information; the daemon requires root privileges and uses Polkit for privilege escalation.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The README lists packages for several Linux distributions and FreeBSD, a portable AppImage, and a Flatpak on Flathub.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Issue support
- The README says new issues are not accepted because the repository is archived.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository identifies CPU-X as free and open source software and links to a GPL-3.0 license.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Maintenance status
- The maintainer announced the project’s end on September 27, 2026, saying the project was being archived and newer CPU generations were not properly detected.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The project site says CPU-X is maintained by The Tumultuous Unicorn Of Darkness.thetumultuousunicornofdarkness.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- CPU-X is a system profiling and monitoring application that gathers information about CPU, motherboard, and other system components.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Reported information
- The project lists processor, motherboard, memory, system, graphics card, and performance information.thetumultuousunicornofdarkness.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Supported operating systems
- The project lists GNU/Linux and FreeBSD as supported operating systems.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Target audience
- The project describes CPU-X as a GNU/Linux and FreeBSD system profiling and monitoring tool, similar to CPU-Z for Windows.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- User interfaces
- CPU-X offers a GTK graphical mode, an NCurses text interface, and a command-line dump mode.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
