The fastest way to find your motherboard model

Open the System Information tool on your computer — it takes 30 seconds and tells you exactly what you have. On Windows, press the Windows key and type "System Information," then open the app. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac," then click "System Report." On Linux, open a terminal and type sudo dmidecode -t baseboard.

The motherboard model appears as "Baseboard Product" (Windows and Linux) or "Model Identifier" (Mac). Write down the full model number — it usually looks like "B550-PLUS" or "Z790-E" — because you'll need it if you're looking for drivers, checking compatibility with new parts, or troubleshooting hardware problems.

If System Information doesn't show the model clearly, or if you want to verify what you found, you can open your computer case and read the model number directly off the board itself. It's printed on the circuit board, usually near the CPU socket or along an edge.

Key Takeaways

  • System Information on Windows or System Report on Mac will show your motherboard model in under a minute without opening your case.
  • The motherboard model number appears as "Baseboard Product" on Windows and Linux, or "Model Identifier" on Mac.
  • You can also physically read the model number from the motherboard itself if you open your case, usually printed near the CPU socket.
  • Knowing your exact motherboard model is necessary for finding compatible RAM, graphics cards, and BIOS updates.

Using Windows System Information

Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type "System Information" without quotes, and press Enter. The app opens when ready. Look for the field labeled "Baseboard Product" — this is your motherboard model. You may also see "Baseboard Manufacturer" (like ASUS, MSI, or Gigabyte) and "Baseboard Version," but the Product field is what you need.

If you see "System Information" but the Baseboard Product field is blank or says "Unknown," your system may not have this information stored in Windows. In that case, move to the physical inspection method or try the command-line approach below.

Using Mac System Report

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then select "About This Mac." A window opens showing basic information. Click the "System Report" button at the bottom. In the new window, look for "Model Identifier" under the Hardware section — this is your motherboard's identifier code.

Mac model identifiers are shorter and more coded than Windows motherboard names (for example, "iMac19,1" or "MacBookPro16,1"). If you need the full technical motherboard model, you can also look for "Board ID" in the same window, though the Model Identifier is usually sufficient for compatibility checks and support.

Using the command line on Windows or Linux

If you prefer typing commands, Windows users can open Command Prompt (press Windows key, type "cmd," and press Enter) and type wmic baseboard get product. The motherboard model appears on the next line.

Linux users can open a terminal and type sudo dmidecode -t baseboard to see the full baseboard information, including the product name. You may need to enter your password. The output shows "Product Name" — that's your motherboard model.

Reading the model number directly from the motherboard

If you want to verify the information or if your operating system doesn't show the model clearly, you can open your computer case and look at the motherboard itself. The model number is printed on the circuit board, usually in white or yellow text. Look near the CPU socket (the large square in the center of the board) or along the edges of the board.

The model number is typically short — something like "B550-PLUS," "Z790-E," or "X870-E" — and is printed directly on the green circuit board. Take a photo with your phone if you have trouble reading it, or write it down carefully. You don't need to touch anything; just look and read.

What to do with your motherboard model number

Once you have the model number, you can use it to find compatible parts, read drivers, and check specifications. Visit the manufacturer's website (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, or whoever made your board) and search for your model. You'll find the manual, BIOS updates, chipset drivers, and a list of compatible RAM and graphics cards.

The model number also helps when troubleshooting. If you're having problems with a specific component, you can search online for "[your model number] + [the problem]" and find others who had the same issue. Support forums and tech communities use the exact model number to give you accurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to know my motherboard model?

Your motherboard model determines what RAM, graphics cards, and processors will work with your computer. It also tells you where to find drivers, BIOS updates, and the manual. If something isn't working, the model number helps you find solutions specific to your hardware.

Is the model number the same as the serial number?

No. The model number (like "B550-PLUS") identifies the type of motherboard. The serial number is unique to your individual board and is printed elsewhere on the circuit board. You need the model number, not the serial number, for compatibility and driver searches.

What if System Information shows "Unknown" for the motherboard?

Open your case and read the model number directly from the board itself. It's printed on the circuit board near the CPU socket. If you can't open the case, try the command-line method for your operating system, which sometimes finds information that the graphical tool misses.

Can I find my motherboard model from the Windows Device Manager?

Device Manager doesn't show the motherboard model directly. Use System Information instead, or open your case and read the board. Device Manager shows individual components like network adapters and storage drives, but not the motherboard itself.

Do I need to turn off my computer to read the model number from the board?

Yes, turn off your computer completely and unplug it before opening the case. Wait a few seconds for any remaining power to drain. This protects you from electrical shock and prevents damage to components. You don't need to remove the motherboard — just look at it while it's in the case.