How to Install CPU-X on Manjaro Linux

CPU-X is a versatile and powerful system monitoring utility that offers Manjaro Linux users a wealth of information about their computer’s hardware and software components. This open-source application provides real-time data on various system aspects, including CPU, GPU, memory, and motherboard. It offers a sleek, user-friendly interface that appeals to beginners and advanced Linux users. Here’s a detailed look at the key features and capabilities that make CPU-X a valuable addition to the Manjaro Linux ecosystem:

• Rich Information Display: CPU-X offers extensive details about your system’s components, making it easy to understand your hardware and software configurations. You can access information about your processor model, speed, cache size, temperature, utilization, memory usage, GPU specifications, and motherboard information.
• Real-time Monitoring: With CPU-X, you can monitor your system’s performance in real-time, allowing you to spot potential issues and take corrective action when necessary. This feature is handy for users who want to optimize their system’s performance or troubleshoot issues.
• Customizable Interface: CPU-X features a clean and intuitive interface that can be customized to suit your preferences. You can easily toggle between various tabs to view different system aspects and choose to display or hide specific details.
• Cross-platform Compatibility: Although this guide focuses on Manjaro Linux users, it’s worth noting that CPU-X is compatible with other Linux distributions and even supports macOS and Windows operating systems. This makes it a versatile tool for users who work with multiple platforms.
• Open-source and Community-driven: As an open-source project, CPU-X is transparent and accessible to a broad audience. Users can contribute to its development, report bugs, or suggest new features, ensuring the application remains up-to-date and responsive to user needs.
• Integration with the Arch Linux User Repository (AUR): Manjaro Linux, an Arch-based distribution, benefits from access to the extensive Arch Linux User Repository. CPU-X is available through the AUR, making installing and maintaining your Manjaro system simple.

With its impressive features, intuitive interface, and compatibility with Manjaro Linux, CPU-X is an excellent system monitoring utility for users who want to keep a close eye on their computer’s performance. This guide will demonstrate how to install CPU-X on Manjaro Linux using the Arch Linux User Repository and command-line terminal.

Step 1: Update Manjaro

First, update your system to ensure all existing packages are up to date. This will ensure no conflicts arise as best as possible during the installation.

sudo pacman -Syu

Sometimes, you may need a complete database download if you have not upgraded your Arch Linux system for a while; use the following command if the above update command does not work.

sudo pacman -Syyu

Step 2: Install CPU-X with AUR

Now you will install CPU-X using the natively installed Manjaro package manager Pamac.

Situational – Enable AUR for ‘pamac’

First, by default, AUR is disabled. You will first need to enable it, which you can do with the following command.

sudo sed -Ei '/EnableAUR/s/^#//' /etc/pamac.conf

Run CPU-X Build Command

Now you can use the install or build command. In most cases, I prefer the build command, which installs packages from the AUR.

In your terminal, run the following command.

pamac build cpu-x

Optionally, once done, you can verify the version installed in your terminal using the following command.

cpu-x --version

Example output:

Step 3: How to Launch the CPU-X

Now that you have the application installed, launching can be done in a few ways.

cpu-x

Additionally, you can launch from the applications menu by following the path.

Taskbar > System > CPU-X

Example:

Once launched, you will come to the application GUI, where you will have multiple tabs for CPU, Caches, Motherboard, System, Graphics, and Bench.

Example system benchmark tab:

I recommend browsing through them, and the settings toggle in the top left corner, where you can adjust start-up settings.

Examples:

Step 4: Getting Started with CPU-X on Manjaro Linux

Once you’ve successfully installed CPU-X on your Manjaro Linux system, it’s time to explore the wealth of features and customization options this powerful utility offers. This section will cover some general tips, customizations, and additional recommendations to help you make the most of CPU-X.

General Tips:

• System Overview: The main window of CPU-X provides a comprehensive overview of your system’s hardware and software components. Familiarize yourself with the layout and different tabs available to access the information you need quickly.
• Real-time Monitoring: Keep an eye on the real-time monitoring features provided by CPU-X, including CPU usage, temperature, and memory utilization. This will help you identify potential issues and optimize your system’s performance.
• Regular Updates: Ensure you’re running the latest version of CPU-X by checking for updates regularly. Newer versions may include bug fixes, performance improvements, and additional features.

Customizations:

• Interface Customization: Tailor CPU-X’s interface to your preferences by toggling between tabs and choosing which system components you want to display or hide. This way, you can focus on the information that’s most relevant to you.
• Adjust Refresh Rates: Customize the refresh rates for real-time monitoring in the settings. Depending on your needs, you may want to increase or decrease the update frequency to balance performance and resource usage.
• Change Theme: CPU-X supports multiple themes, allowing you to change the application’s appearance to match your desktop environment or personal preferences.

Other Tips:

• Compare Hardware Specifications: CPU-X can be useful for comparing hardware specifications between different systems or when considering an upgrade. The detailed information provided can help you make informed decisions about your hardware.
• Troubleshooting Assistance: CPU-X is an invaluable tool when troubleshooting system issues. By closely monitoring your system’s performance and components, you can identify potential problems and take appropriate action to resolve them.
• Community Support: As an open-source application, CPU-X benefits from a vibrant community of users and developers. If you encounter any issues or have questions about the application, don’t hesitate to consult forums or online resources for assistance.

By following these tips and customizations, you’ll be well on your way to getting the most out of CPU-X on your Manjaro Linux system.

Additional Commands & Tips

How to Update & Upgrade CPU-X

The best way to upgrade the software is to use the following terminal command.

sudo pamac checkupdates -a

sudo pamac upgrade -a

It is advised to run terminal commands occasionally, even if you have set up AUR auto-updates using the automatic GUI updater; this ensures you are not missing anything.

How to Remove (Uninstall) CPU-X

Use the following terminal command if you no longer want the CPU-X software installed.

pamac remove cpu-x

Lastly, this is optional but good practice, clear up orphans and clear your cache to reduce clutter.

Clear orphan leftovers that are no longer required.

pamac remove -o

Lastly, for users that enabled pamac and then had second thoughts about using it and instead wanted to use something else, you can easily disable it using the following command.

sudo sed -Ei '/EnableAUR/s/^/#/' /etc/pamac.conf

Conclusion

In conclusion, CPU-X is an incredibly versatile and powerful system monitoring utility that provides Manjaro Linux users with a comprehensive overview of their computer’s hardware and software components. The installation process is simple, thanks to the Arch Linux User Repository integration. With its extensive features, customizable interface, and real-time monitoring capabilities, CPU-X is invaluable to any Manjaro Linux system.

Additional Resources and Links

To help you make the most of CPU-X, we’ve compiled a list of essential resources and links that offer further information and support. These sources will provide you with official documentation, updates, and opportunities to connect with the CPU-X community:

• Official Website: CPU-X on GitHub – Visit the official GitHub repository for the latest source code, releases, and information about CPU-X.
• Documentation: CPU-X Wiki – Access the official wiki for in-depth documentation, usage instructions, and troubleshooting tips.
• Manjaro Linux Forum: Manjaro Linux Community – Join the Manjaro Linux forum to seek advice, share experiences, and learn from other Manjaro users.