The fastest way to check your motherboard

On Windows, open the System Information app by pressing the Windows key, typing "msinfo32", and pressing Enter. Look for "BaseBoard Product" — that is your motherboard model. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", then click "System Report". Look for "Model Identifier" under Hardware Overview. On Linux, open a terminal and type sudo dmidecode -t baseboard to see the motherboard details.

If you want the information without opening system tools, you can also look at your computer's manual or receipt — both list the exact motherboard model. The manual is usually in a folder on your desktop or in your Documents folder if you downloaded it when you built the computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find their motherboard model when ready by opening System Information and looking for "BaseBoard Product".
  • Mac users should check System Report under the Apple menu and look for "Model Identifier" in the Hardware Overview section.
  • Linux users can type a single terminal command to see complete motherboard information.
  • Your original computer manual or receipt will also show the exact motherboard model if you have it saved.

Finding the motherboard model in Windows

Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type "msinfo32" without quotes. Press Enter, and the System Information window will open. Look down the list on the left side until you see "BaseBoard Product" — the value next to it is your motherboard model name. You may also see "BaseBoard Manufacturer" listed above it, which tells you who made the board (like ASUS, MSI, or Gigabyte).

If System Information does not open, you can also right-click on "This PC" or "My Computer" on your desktop, select "Properties", then click "Device Manager" on the left. Expand "System devices" and look for anything with "ACPI" in the name — right-click it and select "Properties", then the "Details" tab. Change the dropdown to "Hardware IDs" and you will see a code that includes your motherboard model, though it is less readable than the System Information method.

Finding the motherboard model on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "About This Mac". A window will open showing your Mac model and memory. Click the "System Report" button at the bottom right. In the new window, look at the left sidebar under "Hardware" and click "Board-ID" or scroll down in the main panel until you see "Model Identifier" — this is your motherboard identifier.

For Macs, the motherboard is soldered directly to the logic board and cannot be replaced, so the identifier is tied to your entire machine model. If you see something like "MacBookPro18,1" or "iMac21,2", you can search that code online to find the exact specifications of your board. The System Report also shows your board's serial number and manufacture date if you need that information.

Finding the motherboard model on Linux

Open a terminal window (usually Ctrl+Alt+T on most distributions). Type the command sudo dmidecode -t baseboard and press Enter. You will be asked for your password — type it in and press Enter again. The terminal will display your motherboard manufacturer, product name, and serial number in a readable format.

If that command does not work on your system, try cat /proc/cpuinfo to see processor and board information, or lspci to list all hardware components including the motherboard chipset. These commands show different levels of detail, but all three will give you enough information to identify your board.

Checking your motherboard through BIOS or UEFI

You can also see your motherboard model when your computer starts up, before Windows, Mac, or Linux loads. Restart your computer and watch the first screen that appears — it usually shows the motherboard manufacturer and model name for a few seconds. Write it down quickly, or take a photo with your phone.

If you want to enter the BIOS or UEFI menu itself (the setup screen where you can change boot order or enable hardware features), restart your computer and press Delete, F2, F10, or F12 repeatedly as it starts — the key depends on your motherboard brand. Once inside, look at the main screen or an "Information" section to see your board model listed. You do not need to change anything; just look and exit by pressing Escape or selecting "Exit Without Saving".

Using third-party software to identify your motherboard

Programs like CPU-Z (Windows), Speccy (Windows), or HWiNFO (Windows and Linux) will show your motherboard model along with other hardware details. read CPU-Z from cpuid.com, run the installer, and open the program. Click the "Mainboard" tab at the top, and you will see the manufacturer, model, and chipset all listed clearly.

These tools are useful if System Information is not working or if you want to see additional details like your BIOS version, power phases, or voltage regulators. They are free and do not require installation on most versions — you can run them directly from a USB drive if needed. However, the built-in system tools (System Information on Windows, System Report on Mac, or dmidecode on Linux) are usually faster and do not require downloading anything.

What to do once you know your motherboard model

Once you have your motherboard model, you can search for the manual online by typing the model number into Google followed by "manual" or "PDF". The manual will show you which slots hold RAM, where the power connectors go, what the LED lights mean, and which BIOS version you are running. You can also search for driver updates on the manufacturer's website — enter your motherboard model in their support section and read any BIOS or chipset drivers that are newer than what you have.

Knowing your motherboard model is also useful when buying upgrades. Some RAM, graphics cards, or storage drives may not fit in older boards, and the manual tells you the maximum amount of RAM your board supports and which generation of processors it can use. If you are troubleshooting a problem, the model number helps you find the right support forum or documentation for your specific board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if System Information shows a different name than what I see in BIOS?

Windows sometimes displays a shortened or generic name in System Information. The BIOS screen at startup usually shows the full model number. If they do not match, trust the BIOS version — that is what your hardware actually is. You can also check the motherboard manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm which name is correct.

Can I find my motherboard model from a Windows error message or Device Manager?

Yes, but it is not the fastest way. Open Device Manager (right-click "This PC" and select it), expand "System devices", and look for entries with your motherboard manufacturer's name. Right-click one and select "Properties", then the "Details" tab. The Hardware IDs dropdown will show a code containing your model number, though it is harder to read than System Information.

What if I built my computer and do not remember the motherboard brand?

Check your original receipt or invoice from when you bought the parts — it will list the exact model. If you do not have that, use System Information or CPU-Z to find the manufacturer name, then search that name plus "motherboard" online to narrow down which model you likely have. You can also open your computer case and look at the board itself — the model number is usually printed on the circuit board in large letters.

Do I need to know my motherboard model for anything other than upgrades?

Yes. If your computer is having problems, the model number helps you find the right drivers, BIOS updates, or troubleshooting guides. It also tells you what features your board supports — like how much RAM it can hold, whether it has WiFi built in, or if it supports overclocking. Knowing the model is also useful if you are selling your computer and need to list its specifications.