The fastest way to find your motherboard model

Your motherboard model is printed on the board itself, but you do not have to open your computer to find it. Windows and Mac both store this information where you can read it in seconds without any tools.

On Windows, press the Windows key and R together, type msinfo32, and press Enter. A window opens showing "System Information". Look for the line that says BaseBoard Product — that is your motherboard model. Write down the exact text you see there.

On Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left, select About This Mac, then click the System Report button. In the window that opens, look for Model Identifier under the Hardware section. That is your motherboard identifier.

If you are using Linux, open a terminal and type sudo dmidecode -t baseboard. The output will show your motherboard manufacturer and model number.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find their motherboard model when ready by opening System Information (Windows key + R, then type msinfo32) and looking for BaseBoard Product.
  • Mac users should go to Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report and find the Model Identifier under Hardware.
  • Linux users can type sudo dmidecode -t baseboard in a terminal to see motherboard details.
  • The exact model number matters when you need drivers, BIOS updates, or replacement parts, so write down the full text exactly as it appears.
  • If the software method does not work, you can physically open your computer case and read the model number printed directly on the board.

Why you need to know your motherboard model

Your motherboard model determines which drivers your computer needs, which BIOS updates are available, and whether new hardware will physically fit and work with your system. When something stops working or you want to upgrade, the first question support staff will ask is your motherboard model.

Different manufacturers — Intel, AMD, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI — make different boards with different layouts and capabilities. Two computers that look identical on the outside can have completely different motherboards inside, which means they need different software and may support different upgrades.

Reading the information from System Information (Windows)

When you open System Information, you will see many lines of text. Most of them you do not need. Scroll down until you find the line labeled BaseBoard Product. The text to the right of it is your motherboard model number.

You may also see BaseBoard Manufacturer on the line above it — that tells you who made the board (ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, ASRock, and others). Write down both the manufacturer and the model number together, because that combination is what you will need when searching for drivers or support.

If you see a line that says BaseBoard Version, that is different from the model number and usually less useful. Stick with the Product line.

Finding it on a Mac

The Mac process is similar but the window layout is different. After you click System Report, you are looking at a list on the left side of the window. Make sure you are on the Hardware section — it is usually selected by default, but if you see other options like Software or Network, click Hardware.

In the main panel on the right, look for Model Identifier. This will be something like "MacBookPro15,1" or "iMac19,1". That identifier is how Apple labels its boards, and it is what you need if you are searching for Mac-specific drivers or repair information.

You may also see Serial Number and Hardware UUID in this same section. Those are different from the model identifier and are used for warranty and support purposes, not for finding drivers.

Opening your computer to read the motherboard directly

If the software method does not work or you do not trust the result, you can open your computer case and read the model number directly off the board. The model is printed in large text on the motherboard itself, usually near the edge or in a corner.

Before you open the case, shut down your computer completely and unplug the power cable. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button once to discharge any remaining electricity. This prevents damage to the board from static discharge.

Most desktop cases have screws on the back panel. Remove those screws and slide the side panel off. Look inside and find the large green or brown circuit board — that is your motherboard. The model number is printed on it in white or yellow text. It will look something like "ASUS ROG STRIX B550-F" or "Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master".

Once you have written down the model, close the case, replace the screws, and plug the power cable back in. You do not need to do anything else inside the computer.

What to do with your motherboard model once you have it

Once you know your motherboard model, you can search the manufacturer's website for drivers, BIOS updates, and documentation. Go to the manufacturer's support page (ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, ASRock, or whoever made your board), enter your exact model number in their search box, and you will see all available downloads for that specific board.

You can also use your motherboard model to check whether new hardware will work with your system. If you are thinking about upgrading your CPU, graphics card, or RAM, search your motherboard model plus the hardware name — for example, "ASUS ROG STRIX B550-F RTX 4070 compatibility". This tells you whether the hardware physically fits and whether your board's power delivery can handle it.

Keep your motherboard model written down somewhere you can find it later. You will need it again if you troubleshoot problems, upgrade components, or reinstall Windows or Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if System Information shows a generic name like "System Product Name"?

Some manufacturers, especially in laptops and prebuilt computers, use generic labels instead of specific model numbers. If this happens, look for the BaseBoard Manufacturer line and search that manufacturer's website with your computer's serial number. You can also open your case and read the model directly off the board if you are comfortable doing so.

Is the model number the same as the serial number?

No. The model number tells you what type of board you have (like "B550-F"). The serial number is unique to your individual board and is used for warranty and support. You need the model number for drivers and compatibility, not the serial number.

Can I find my motherboard model from the BIOS?

Yes. Restart your computer and press Delete, F2, or F12 during startup (the key varies by manufacturer). When the BIOS screen opens, look for a section called "Main" or "System Information". The motherboard model is usually displayed there. If you are not comfortable in the BIOS, use the Windows or Mac method instead.

What if I have a laptop instead of a desktop?

The software method works exactly the same way on laptops. Open System Information on Windows or About This Mac on a Mac, and you will see your motherboard model. You do not need to open a laptop case — the software method is the only practical way to find this information on a laptop.

Do I need my motherboard model to update Windows or Mac?

No. Windows and Mac updates work on any motherboard. You only need your motherboard model when you are looking for motherboard-specific drivers, BIOS updates, or checking hardware compatibility.