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10 Tech How-To

How to Check Hardware Specs on a Chromebook

Guide 10-8355 · Updated · Step by step

This guide shows you exactly how to see the CPU, RAM, storage, and other hardware details on any Chromebook. You’ll learn both the built-in methods and a few extra tricks, so you can check specs before buying, troubleshoot slowdowns, or just satisfy your curiosity. No tools or extra software are needed.

What You’ll Need

  • Your Chromebook (any model or brand)
  • Optional: a USB keyboard if your Chromebook keyboard has issues (not usually needed)

Step-by-Step

  1. Open the Chrome browser. On a Chromebook, everything runs through Chrome, including system info. If you’re not on the desktop, press the Search key (the magnifying glass or circle key) and type “Chrome” to open it.
  2. Go to the internal system page. In the address bar, type chrome://system and press Enter. This opens a long list of technical details about your device.
  3. Find the key specs. Look for these entries in the list:
    • cpuinfo – shows the processor model, speed, and number of cores.
    • meminfo – shows total memory (RAM) in kilobytes. Divide by 1,048,576 to get gigabytes.
    • storage – shows the internal storage size (e.g., 32 GB, 64 GB).
    • os-release – shows the ChromeOS version and channel.
    • display – shows screen resolution and refresh rate.
  4. Use the keyboard shortcut for a cleaner view. Press Search + Esc (or Ctrl + Alt + Esc on some models) to open the Task Manager. This shows CPU and memory usage per app, but not the full specs.
  5. Check the model and OS version in Settings. Click the time in the bottom-right corner, then click the gear icon (Settings). Scroll down to “About ChromeOS” on the left sidebar. Here you’ll see the exact model name, ChromeOS version, and the option to check for updates.
  6. Get the full model number from the device. Flip the Chromebook over. Look for a sticker with a model number like “Celeron N4020” or a specific code like “Karma” (for an Acer Chromebook). This is useful for finding specs online.
  7. Use the Recovery tool for a quick summary (optional). Download the Chromebook Recovery Utility from the Chrome Web Store and open it. It shows the exact model name (e.g., “Acer Chromebook 314”) and the recovery media type, which helps identify the hardware.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing RAM with storage. RAM (memory) is temporary and affects multitasking; storage (e.g., 32 GB) is permanent space for files. In chrome://system, meminfo is RAM, storage is the drive.
  • Misreading kilobytes. Memory in meminfo is in kB. A value of 8,388,608 kB is 8 GB, not 8 MB. Always divide by 1,048,576 to get GB.
  • Assuming all Chromebooks have the same specs. Even within the same model line, configurations vary (e.g., 4 GB vs 8 GB RAM). Always check your specific device.
  • Looking for a “System Information” app. ChromeOS doesn’t have a separate app for this; the built-in pages are the way to go.
  • Forgetting to check the battery health. The battery isn’t in the basic list, but you can check it with chrome://system under battery – it shows charge and health percentage.

Tips

  • Use chrome://system for the most detail. It’s the only place that shows the exact CPU model (e.g., Intel Celeron N4020) and core count.
  • Bookmark the system page. If you check specs often (e.g., for work or school), save chrome://system as a bookmark for one-click access.
  • Copy the info. On chrome://system, each entry has an “Expand” button. Click it to see the full text, then copy-paste into a document if you need to share specs.
  • Check storage usage in Settings. Go to Settings > Device > Storage management to see how much space is used and what’s taking up room.
  • For a quick glance, use the Task Manager. Press Search + Esc to see real-time CPU and memory usage, which helps identify if a specific app is hogging resources.

Troubleshooting

  • If chrome://system doesn’t load: Make sure you’re in Chrome browser (not an incognito window, which sometimes blocks internal pages). If it still fails, restart your Chromebook and try again.
  • If you can’t find the “About ChromeOS” section: The Settings layout may differ slightly by version. Look for “About ChromeOS” at the bottom of the left sidebar, or click the three-dot menu in Settings and select “About ChromeOS”.
  • If the model number on the sticker is worn off: Use the Recovery Utility method (Step 7) – it reads the model directly from the hardware. Alternatively, open chrome://version and note the “Platform” line, which often includes the board name (e.g., “reef” for some Acer models).
  • If you need more detail than chrome://system provides: Some advanced specs (like RAM speed or exact storage brand) aren’t exposed. Use the model number to search the manufacturer’s official spec sheet online.
  • If the Task Manager shows high CPU but you don’t know why: Click the “CPU” column header to sort by usage. Close the top app or extension from the list (right-click > End process) to free up resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I see my Chromebook’s RAM in gigabytes?

Go to chrome://system, find meminfo, and note the “MemTotal” value in kB. Divide by 1,048,576 (e.g., 8,388,608 kB ÷ 1,048,576 = 8 GB).

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on a Chromebook?

Most Chromebooks have soldered RAM and storage, so they are not upgradeable. Some older models have a removable SSD, but it’s rare. Check your model’s manual or search for your specific model to know for sure.

Why does my Chromebook show less storage than advertised?

A portion of the storage is reserved for the ChromeOS operating system and system files. For example, a 32 GB Chromebook may show around 24–28 GB of usable space. This is normal.

What does “board” mean in chrome://version?

The board name (e.g., “reef”, “coral”) is the internal hardware platform. It helps identify the exact model and is used for recovery images. You can search it online to find detailed specs.

How do I check the battery health?

In chrome://system, expand the battery entry. Look for “battery_health” – a percentage close to 100% means the battery is in good condition. You can also use the Battery section in Settings under Device > Power.

Is there a way to see specs without opening a browser?

No, ChromeOS doesn’t have a standalone system info app. The browser is the primary interface, so chrome://system is the quickest way. You can also use the Settings app, but it shows less detail.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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