> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.edbb.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Check CPU resources on Linux

> Inspect the logical CPUs and virtual topology visible to Linux with lscpu, nproc and monitoring tools. Understand what those readings mean for a VPS.

<span id="conclusion" />

<span id="the-/proc/cpuinfo-file" />

<span id="the-hwinfo-command" />

<span id="the-lscpu-command" />

<span id="the-nproc-command" />

<span id="the-top-and-htop-commands" />

<span id="verifying-the-number-of-cores-available-to-linux" />

A Linux VPS reports the virtual processors and topology presented to its operating system. These values do not prove that the physical host cores are exclusively reserved for your VPS.

<span id="introduction-to-cpu-cores" />

## Inspect virtual CPU resources

```bash theme={"system"}
lscpu
nproc
```

`lscpu` displays logical CPU count and the socket/core/thread topology exposed to the operating system. `nproc` reports processing units available to the current process; affinity and execution limits can affect its result.

To inspect processor entries and model information directly:

```bash theme={"system"}
grep -E '^(processor|model name|cpu cores|siblings)' /proc/cpuinfo
```

Each `processor` entry represents a logical CPU visible to the operating system, not necessarily a distinct physical core on the host.

## Monitor use

Run `top` and press **1** to display per-logical-CPU usage, or use `htop` if installed. CPU saturation is only one possible bottleneck; also inspect memory, disk I/O and application limits.

If the count does not match an approved upgrade, check the activation instructions and perform the required [full power cycle](/vps-management/power-cycle-or-reboot-a-vps). See [CPU cores and sockets](/faq/upgrades-downgrades/cpu-cores-and-sockets).