The fastest way to find your motherboard model

The quickest method depends on whether your computer is running. If it is powered on, use the command line tool built into your operating system — it takes 30 seconds and requires no software. If your computer is off or you prefer to look at the physical board, open the case and read the model number printed directly on the motherboard itself, usually near the CPU socket or along an edge.

On Windows, open Command Prompt (search "cmd" in the Start menu), type wmic baseboard get product,manufacturer, and press Enter. The result shows your exact motherboard model and maker. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", then click "System Report". Look for "Model Identifier" under Hardware Overview — this is not the motherboard model itself, but you can search that identifier online to find the motherboard Apple installed in your machine. On Linux, open a terminal and type sudo dmidecode -t baseboard to see the motherboard information.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find the motherboard model in 30 seconds by typing one command into Command Prompt: wmic baseboard get product,manufacturer.
  • Mac users should check "System Report" under "About This Mac", then search the Model Identifier online to find which motherboard Apple included.
  • Linux users can run sudo dmidecode -t baseboard in a terminal to display motherboard details.
  • If your computer will not start, you can physically open the case and read the model number printed on the motherboard itself, usually near the CPU socket.
  • Once you have the model number, you can search it on the manufacturer's website to read drivers, check specifications, or find upgrade compatibility.

Finding the model number on a physical motherboard

If your computer is off or you need to see the board in person, you will need to open the case. Power down completely, unplug the power cable, and wait 30 seconds. Press the power button once to discharge any remaining electricity. Most desktop cases have a side panel held by two or three thumbscrews or a latch — remove these and slide the panel off.

Look at the motherboard itself, the large green or brown circuit board mounted flat against the case. The model number is printed in white or light-colored text, usually in one of these locations: along the top edge near the RAM slots, near the CPU socket in the center, along the bottom edge, or near the power connectors on the right side. The text is typically small but readable without magnification. Write down the entire model number exactly as it appears — for example, "B550-PLUS" or "Z790-E".

If you cannot find a clear model number on the board itself, look for a sticker on the back of the case or inside the case near the power supply. Some manufacturers also print the model on documentation that came with your computer or motherboard box.

Using system information tools on Windows

Beyond Command Prompt, Windows offers two other built-in ways to find your motherboard model. The first is System Information, which shows the same data in a graphical window. Press the Windows key and R together, type msinfo32, and press Enter. In the window that opens, look for "BaseBoard Product" in the list on the right side — this is your motherboard model.

The second method is Device Manager. Right-click the Start button, select "Device Manager", then expand "Processors" or look for "System devices" at the bottom of the list. This does not always show the motherboard model directly, but it confirms what you found through other methods. If you see your motherboard listed under "System devices", click it to view its properties.

All three Windows methods (Command Prompt, System Information, and Device Manager) pull from the same source — the BIOS or UEFI firmware that your motherboard stores. They will all show the same model number, so use whichever interface you find easiest.

Finding the model on Mac and checking compatibility

Mac computers do not display the motherboard model the same way Windows does, because Apple designs and manufactures the entire machine as one unit. Instead, go to the Apple menu in the top left, select "About This Mac", then click the "System Report" button. In the window that opens, look at "Model Identifier" under the Hardware Overview section — you will see something like "MacBookPro18,3" or "iMac21,1".

Take that Model Identifier and search it on Apple's support website or on a Mac specification database. This will tell you which exact Mac model you own and which motherboard (or logic board, as Apple calls it) is inside. From there, you can find driver updates, check RAM or storage upgrade options, or determine if a particular external device will work with your machine.

If you need the actual motherboard part number for repair or replacement, contact Apple Support with your Model Identifier — they can provide the internal part number that a repair technician would use.

What to do once you have the model number

Once you know your motherboard model, you can use it to find drivers, check specifications, and determine what upgrades are possible. Visit the manufacturer's website — for example, ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, or Intel — and search for your exact model number. The manufacturer's page for your board will list the BIOS version you are running, available driver downloads for your operating system, the maximum RAM it supports, and which CPUs are compatible.

If you are planning to upgrade your CPU, RAM, or storage, the motherboard model number tells you what will fit. Different motherboards use different CPU sockets (Intel LGA1700, AMD AM5, and so on), support different maximum amounts of RAM, and have different numbers of storage slots. Knowing your exact model prevents you from buying incompatible parts.

The model number is also useful if you need technical support. When you contact the manufacturer or post a question in a tech forum, providing the exact motherboard model helps others give you accurate information about your specific hardware.

Motherboard model versus BIOS version and chipset

The motherboard model number is different from the BIOS version and the chipset, though all three appear in system information. The model number is the specific product name — for example, "ROG STRIX B550-F". The BIOS version is the firmware version running on that board, like "3805" or "F32h". The chipset is the chip that controls how the CPU, RAM, and storage connect to each other — for example, "B550" or "Z790".

When you search for drivers or compatibility information, use the full model number. When you need to update your BIOS, you will use the BIOS version to check if a newer one is available. The chipset tells you what generation of CPU your board supports and what features are available, but it is not specific enough on its own — many different motherboards use the same chipset.

If you see all three pieces of information in your system details, you now have everything you need to understand what your motherboard is and what it can do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find the motherboard model without opening my computer?

Yes. On Windows, use Command Prompt with the command wmic baseboard get product,manufacturer. On Mac, check System Report under "About This Mac". On Linux, run sudo dmidecode -t baseboard in a terminal. All three methods work without opening the case, as long as your computer powers on.

What if the model number is not visible on the physical motherboard?

Check the back of the case for a sticker, look inside near the power supply, or search through any documentation that came with your computer. If you still cannot find it, use the command line method for your operating system — the BIOS always knows the model, even if the label is worn or missing.

Is the model number the same as the serial number?

No. The model number identifies the product type — for example, "B550-PLUS" — and is the same for thousands of boards. The serial number is unique to your individual board and is printed separately, usually as a barcode or string of numbers. You need the model number for drivers and compatibility; the serial number is for warranty claims and repairs.

Why do I need to know my motherboard model?

The model number tells you what drivers are available, what CPU and RAM your board supports, and whether new parts will fit. It is also essential for troubleshooting, getting technical support, and planning upgrades.

Can I find the motherboard model from the BIOS menu?

Yes. Restart your computer and press Delete, F2, or F12 during startup (the key varies by manufacturer) to enter the BIOS setup screen. The motherboard model is usually displayed on the main screen or in a system information section. However, this method is slower than using the command line, so use it only if the other methods do not work.