How to check the motherboard model on any PC?

The motherboard is the backbone of your computer, linking every essential component, from the processor and RAM to the hard drive and GPU. Whether you are planning a high-performance upgrade or troubleshooting persistent crashes, knowing your exact motherboard model is the crucial first step.

While the model number is physically printed on the board, you usually don’t need to open your PC to find it. This guide will show you the most reliable hardware and software methods for checking the motherboard on a PC.

Why is identifying your motherboard important?

Your motherboard is the foundation of your PC, and knowing its exact model is essential for maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting. Without it, you’re essentially guessing when selecting compatible components or software. Here’s why it matters:

Upgrading components (CPU, RAM, GPU): You can’t just buy the latest processor or RAM and expect it to work. Your motherboard determines:

• CPU socket: Whether you need an Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 processor.

• RAM type & speed: DDR4 or DDR5, and the maximum supported speed.

• Expansion slots: Availability of PCIe slots and space for GPUs or NVMe SSDs.

Installing the correct drivers: Generic drivers may limit performance. To get stable internet, clear audio, and full chipset support, you need motherboard-specific drivers, which require the exact model (e.g., ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E).

Updating BIOS/UEFI: The BIOS initializes your hardware. Firmware updates improve stability, fix security issues, and add support for new CPUs. Flashing the wrong BIOS can permanently damage your motherboard.

Troubleshooting hardware issues: If your PC fails to boot or hits a BSOD, support teams will ask for your motherboard model to check error codes, beep signals, or LED indicators specific to your board.

What are the four ways to identify a motherboard model and type on Windows?

Windows provides several built-in tools to check your hardware specs, but third-party tools can offer deeper insight. Below are the four most effective methods, ranked from easiest to most comprehensive.

Method 1: System Information (Easiest)

The native Windows System Information tool is the quickest way to check your specs without installing new software or memorizing commands.

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

• Type msinfo32 and hit Enter.

• In the window that opens, ensure System Summary is selected in the left pane.

• Look for the following fields in the right pane:   

• BaseBoard manufacturer: This is the brand (e.g., Gigabyte, MSI).  

• BaseBoard product: This is your specific model number.   

• BaseBoard version: This indicates the revision number of the board.

Method 2: Command Prompt (WMIC)

If the System Information tool is vague or you prefer a cleaner text output, you can use the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool.

• Type "cmd" in the Windows search bar and press Enter.

• In the black window, type or paste the following command exactly:

wmic baseboard get product,Manufacturer,version,serialnumber  

• Press Enter. Windows will output the manufacturer, model name, and serial number in a clean list.

Method 3: Third-Party Software (For detailed info)

For enthusiasts who want to know specific details like chipset voltages, real-time temperatures, and BIOS dates, third-party utilities are superior to Windows tools. Trusted free software includes:

• CPU-Z: A lightweight tool. Launch it and click the Mainboard tab to see the model, chipset, and BIOS version instantly.

• Speccy: Created by the makers of CCleaner, this tool offers a clean user interface that lists all hardware components, including motherboard temperatures.

• HWiNFO: This provides professional-grade detail, monitoring every sensor on the motherboard.

Method 4: Physical Inspection (If software fails)

If your PC is dead or the software lists the motherboard as "System Manufacturer," you must look at the board itself.

1. Power down safely: Turn off your PC and unplug the power cable.

2. Discharge residual electricity: Press the power button once to drain any remaining power.

3. Open the case: Remove the side panel of your computer.

4. Locate the model number: Look for the motherboard model printed on the circuit board. Common locations include:

• Between the CPU socket and the graphics card slot

• Near the RAM slots

• On the heatsink around the rear I/O ports

Note: Always ground yourself by touching a metal part of the case to prevent static electricity discharge, which can damage components.

How to check motherboard information on other systems?

Finding motherboard details varies outside Windows. Here’s how to identify your hardware on macOS and Linux.

Identifying a Motherboard on macOS 

Apple uses proprietary logic boards, so standard motherboard model names like “MSI Z790” don’t apply. You can identify the board via your Mac’s serial number:

1. Click the Apple Menu (top-left corner).

2. Select About This Mac.

3. Click More Info or System Report.

4. Copy the Serial Number.

5. Enter it into a Mac lookup service (e.g., EveryMac or PowerbookMedic) to find the exact logic board part number.

Finding Motherboard Details in Linux 

Linux users can query hardware information through the terminal using DMI data:

• Open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T).

• Type: sudo dmidecode -t 2

This displays the motherboard manufacturer, product name, and version.

• For PCI device-specific information, you can also use the command:

lspci

What are the special considerations for different PC types?

Not all computers use standard consumer motherboards. Pre-built desktops and laptops often require a different approach to identification.

Challenges with pre-built PCs (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.)

On major OEM systems, checking the “BaseBoard Product” may return a proprietary code (e.g., 0W7NK6) instead of a recognizable motherboard name.

In these cases, the system model is more useful than the motherboard model. For instance, knowing you have a Dell OptiPlex 7050 allows you to visit the manufacturer’s support site. There, you can find proprietary motherboard specifications and compatible parts.

Identifying laptop motherboards

Laptops use custom-shaped motherboards that aren’t sold individually, so the motherboard model corresponds to the laptop model number.

Upgrading the motherboard is usually not possible, but for RAM or SSD upgrades, you can check your laptop model number (found on the bottom sticker or in BIOS) using tools like the Crucial System Scanner for compatible hardware.

What to do after you find your motherboard model?

Once you know your motherboard model, you can take precise steps to maintain, troubleshoot, or upgrade your system effectively.

• Download the correct drivers: The support section on the manufacturer’s website provides drivers for your motherboard, including chipset, audio, LAN, graphics, and other components.

• Check component compatibility (QVL): The Qualified Vendor List (QVL) lists RAM kits, CPUs, and other hardware officially tested with your motherboard.

• Access the official support page and manual: The support page contains the digital manual (PDF), BIOS updates, and firmware downloads. The manual shows RAM slot layouts, front-panel header diagrams, diagnostic LED codes, and other technical details.

Conclusion

Knowing your motherboard model is a key skill for every PC owner. It allows you to upgrade components with confidence, install the correct drivers, and troubleshoot issues effectively.

Start with the simplest methods, System Information or Command Prompt, before relying on third-party tools. If software methods are inconclusive or return generic data, a physical inspection of the motherboard provides the most accurate confirmation of your hardware.