The fastest way to check your motherboard
On Windows, open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for the line labeled "BaseBoard Product" — that is your motherboard model. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", then click "System Report". Look under "Hardware Overview" for "Model Identifier", which tells you the Mac model; your motherboard is built into that model and cannot be upgraded separately.
If you are on Linux, open a terminal and type sudo dmidecode -t baseboard. The output will show your motherboard manufacturer and model number. If that command does not work, try cat /proc/cpuinfo to see processor details, which can help you narrow down the motherboard.
These methods work whether your computer is running or not — you do not need to restart or install anything. The information is already stored in your system and these tools straightforward read it.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, the Run dialog command msinfo32 shows your motherboard model under "BaseBoard Product" in seconds.
- On Mac, your motherboard is built into the computer and identified by the Mac model name, which you find in "About This Mac".
- On Linux, the terminal command sudo dmidecode -t baseboard displays the motherboard manufacturer and model.
- You do not need to open your computer case or restart your machine — the information is stored in your system and accessible through software.
Opening System Information on Windows
The Run dialog is the fastest entry point. Press Windows key + R at the same time. A small box will appear in the lower left corner of your screen. Type msinfo32 (no spaces) and press Enter. The System Information window opens.
Once the window is open, look at the list on the left side. You are looking for a line that says "BaseBoard Product" or sometimes "BaseBoard Manufacturer" and "BaseBoard Model" as separate entries. Write down both the manufacturer name (like ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, or Intel) and the model number. That combination is your motherboard's full identifier.
If you cannot find BaseBoard Product, scroll down in the list. The entries are alphabetical, so it will be near the top. If the window is showing only a few lines, you may need to scroll within the main panel on the right side to see all the details.
Finding your motherboard model in Device Manager
Device Manager is another Windows tool that can show motherboard information. Right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager" from the menu. Look for a category called "System devices" and expand it by clicking the arrow next to it.
Inside System devices, look for an entry that contains your motherboard name — it might say something like "Intel(R) 100 Series Chipset Family SMBus" or "NVIDIA nForce Chipset". This does not always show the full motherboard model number the way msinfo32 does, but it can confirm the chipset and manufacturer. If you need the exact model, msinfo32 is still your better option.
Checking your motherboard through BIOS or UEFI
Your motherboard information is also stored in BIOS (or UEFI on newer computers), the firmware that runs before Windows loads. To access it, restart your computer and watch the screen carefully as it boots. You will see a message that says something like "Press DEL to enter Setup" or "Press F2 to enter BIOS" — the key varies by manufacturer.
Press that key repeatedly as soon as you see the message. You will enter a menu with a dark background and white text. Look for a section called "Main", "System Information", or "Board Information". The motherboard model and manufacturer should be listed there. Write down the information, then press Escape or select "Exit" to leave BIOS and let Windows start normally.
This method is more involved than using msinfo32, so use it only if the software methods do not work or if you want to confirm the information you found.
What to do if you cannot find the motherboard model
If msinfo32 shows "BaseBoard Product" as blank or "System" or "Unknown", your computer may not have stored that information in the standard location. Try opening Device Manager and looking under "System devices" for chipset information, which can narrow down the motherboard family even if the exact model is not listed.
Another option is to look at the physical motherboard itself. If you are comfortable opening your computer case, the motherboard usually has its model number printed on the circuit board in large white letters. Take a photo of it with your phone so you have the exact spelling. If you are not comfortable opening the case, a computer repair shop can tell you the model in a few minutes.
You can also search for your computer's make and model (for example, "Dell XPS 13" or "HP Pavilion 15") along with the word "motherboard" — the manufacturer's specification sheet usually lists the exact motherboard used in that model.
Why you might need to know your motherboard
Knowing your motherboard model matters when you are upgrading hardware like RAM or a graphics card, because not all components work with all motherboards. The motherboard determines which processor your computer can use, how much RAM it can hold, and which expansion cards will fit. If you are buying a replacement part, the seller or support person will ask for your motherboard model to make sure the part is compatible.
You also need this information if you are updating BIOS firmware, installing new drivers, or troubleshooting hardware problems. The motherboard manufacturer provides drivers and updates specific to your model, so having the exact model number saves time and prevents installing the wrong software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find my motherboard model without turning on my computer?
Not through software — you need the computer running to use msinfo32, Device Manager, or terminal commands. However, you can open the case and read the model number printed directly on the motherboard circuit board. If you have the original purchase receipt or computer documentation, it may also list the motherboard model.
Is the motherboard the same as the CPU or processor?
No. The motherboard is the large circuit board that everything plugs into. The CPU or processor is a separate chip that sits on top of the motherboard. Knowing your motherboard model helps you find compatible upgrades and drivers, while knowing your processor helps you understand your computer's speed and performance.
What if msinfo32 shows a different motherboard than what I expected?
That is what your computer actually has. Sometimes manufacturers change the motherboard model between production batches of the same computer model, or a computer was repaired and the motherboard was replaced. The information msinfo32 shows is what is currently in your machine and is the correct one to use for compatibility checks and driver downloads.
Do I need administrator permission to check my motherboard?
No. Running msinfo32 and checking Device Manager do not require administrator rights. If you are accessing BIOS, you may need to restart your computer, but you do not need a password unless your BIOS is password-protected, which is uncommon on personal computers.
Can I check the motherboard model on a laptop?
Yes, the same methods work on laptops. However, laptop motherboards are usually not upgradeable — they are soldered directly to the case. Knowing the model is still useful for finding drivers, updating BIOS, or troubleshooting, but you cannot swap it out the way you can on a desktop computer.