The fastest way to find your motherboard model

Your motherboard model is easiest to find by opening System Information on Windows or About This Mac on macOS, without opening your computer. Both operating systems store this information and display it in seconds. If you are on Windows, press the Windows key and R together, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for the line that says "BaseBoard Product" — that is your motherboard model. On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then click System Report. Look for "Model Identifier" under Hardware Overview.

If System Information does not show the motherboard model clearly, or if you want to confirm what you see, you can also check the BIOS or UEFI settings — the firmware that runs before Windows or macOS loads. Restart your computer and watch for a prompt during startup that says "Press Delete" or "Press F2" or "Press F12" (the key varies by manufacturer). Enter that screen and look for a section called System Information or Main. The motherboard model and manufacturer will be listed there.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open System Information by pressing Windows key + R, typing msinfo32, and looking for "BaseBoard Product" to see your motherboard model.
  • On macOS, open About This Mac, click System Report, and find "Model Identifier" under Hardware Overview.
  • If the operating system does not show the model clearly, restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI screen during startup by pressing the key shown on your boot screen (usually Delete, F2, or F12).
  • The motherboard model tells you what upgrades are compatible, what drivers you may need, and what features your computer supports.

Finding the motherboard model on Windows

The System Information window is the most direct route on Windows. Press the Windows key and R at the same time to open the Run dialog. Type msinfo32 and press Enter. A window titled "System Information" will open. Scroll down until you see a line labeled "BaseBoard Product" — the value next to it is your motherboard model number. You may also see "BaseBoard Manufacturer" above it, which tells you whether it is an ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Intel, or other brand.

If you prefer not to use the Run dialog, you can reach System Information another way. Right-click the Start button, select System, then scroll down and click "Advanced system settings." In the window that opens, click the "Hardware" tab, then click "Device Manager." In Device Manager, look for a category called "System devices" or scroll to find your motherboard listed under its manufacturer name. Right-click it and select Properties to see more details, though the model number may not appear here — System Information remains the clearest source.

Some computers, especially those from large manufacturers like Dell or HP, may show a different name in System Information than the actual motherboard brand. For example, a Dell computer might show "Dell Inc." as the manufacturer instead of the underlying ASUS or Gigabyte board inside. If you need the true motherboard brand and model, the BIOS screen will show it more clearly.

Finding the motherboard model on macOS

On a Mac, the process is simpler than on Windows. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "About This Mac." A window will open showing your Mac model, processor, memory, and other basic information. Click the "System Report" button at the bottom of that window. A new window titled "System Report" will open. Under the "Hardware Overview" section, you will see "Model Identifier" — this is Apple's internal designation for your Mac model, which determines what upgrades and repairs are compatible with your machine.

The Model Identifier on a Mac is usually something like "MacBookPro16,2" or "iMac19,1" rather than a traditional motherboard brand and model. This is because Apple manufactures its own logic boards (the Mac equivalent of a motherboard) and does not use standard PC components. If you need to know the exact specifications of your Mac's logic board for repair or upgrade purposes, the Model Identifier is what service providers and parts suppliers use to identify it.

Checking the BIOS or UEFI for motherboard details

The BIOS or UEFI screen — the firmware that runs before your operating system loads — often shows the motherboard model more clearly than the operating system does. To enter this screen, restart your computer. As it boots up, watch for text that says "Press Delete to enter Setup" or "Press F2 to enter BIOS" or similar. The key varies by motherboard manufacturer. Common keys are Delete, F2, F10, F12, and Escape. Press that key repeatedly as soon as you see the prompt, before Windows or macOS begins to load.

Once you are in the BIOS or UEFI screen, look for a tab or menu item called "Main," "System Information," or "Board Information." The motherboard manufacturer and model will be displayed there, often at the top of the screen. You may also see the BIOS version, the date it was last updated, and other hardware details. Do not change any settings in this screen — straightforward note the information you need and exit. Press Escape or look for an "Exit" option, and choose "Exit Without Saving" to leave without making changes.

Entering the BIOS is safe as long as you do not change any settings. If you accidentally change something and are unsure how to undo it, restart the computer again and enter the BIOS once more to correct it, or look for a "Load Defaults" or "Reset to Defaults" option to restore the original settings.

Why you need to know your motherboard model

Your motherboard model determines what hardware upgrades are physically compatible with your computer. If you want to add more RAM, install a new graphics card, or upgrade your storage drive, you need to know your motherboard model to confirm that the new component will fit in the available slots and work with your current setup. Different motherboards have different numbers of RAM slots, different types of expansion slots, and different power requirements.

The motherboard model also tells you what drivers you may need to install or update. Manufacturers like ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte release driver updates for their boards that improve stability, add features, or fix bugs. You can find these drivers on the manufacturer's website by searching for your specific model number. Additionally, if your computer needs repair or warranty service, the motherboard model is one of the first pieces of information a technician will ask for.

What to do if you cannot find the motherboard model

If System Information on Windows shows "BaseBoard Product" as blank or generic, or if your Mac shows only a Model Identifier without clear details, you have a few options. First, try the BIOS or UEFI screen as described above — it almost always displays the motherboard brand and model clearly. Second, if you are comfortable opening your computer, you can look at the motherboard itself. The model number is usually printed on a sticker or silkscreened directly onto the board, often near the center or along one edge.

If you do not want to open the computer and the BIOS does not help, you can also search for your computer's serial number or service tag (usually found on a sticker on the back or bottom of the case) on the manufacturer's website. Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other large manufacturers can tell you the exact motherboard model when you enter your service tag. This is especially useful if you bought a pre-built computer from a major brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to look at the BIOS screen?

Yes, looking at information in the BIOS is completely safe. Do not change any settings unless you know what you are doing, but reading the information and then exiting without saving will not harm your computer. If you accidentally change something, restart and enter the BIOS again to correct it, or select "Load Defaults" to restore the original settings.

Why does my Windows System Information show a different motherboard name than what I expected?

Pre-built computers from Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others often use custom or rebranded motherboards. The manufacturer name in System Information may show the computer brand rather than the actual motherboard maker. The BIOS screen will show the true motherboard brand and model. You can also enter your computer's service tag on the manufacturer's website to find the exact motherboard specifications.

Can I upgrade my motherboard if I know the model?

Knowing your motherboard model helps you understand what upgrades are compatible with your current setup, but replacing the motherboard itself is a different process that usually requires professional help. Your motherboard model tells you what RAM, storage, and expansion cards will work with your computer, which is the most common type of upgrade.

What if the BIOS screen looks completely different from what you described?

BIOS and UEFI screens vary widely between manufacturers. Look for any menu item that mentions "System," "Board," "Main," or "Information." The motherboard details are usually on the first or main screen. If you cannot find it, restart and try again, or consult the manual for your specific motherboard model if you have access to it.