How to Check What Motherboard You Have

Are you looking for hassle-free ways to know what motherboard you have on your computer? There are many ways to find the motherboard’s model number and make, which I will tell you all about today. 

To see what motherboard you have, use the Windows built-in information tool, which will provide complete information about your motherboard’s model number. Alternatively, you also use 3rd party tools like speccy, HWinfo, Belarc Adviser, or CPU-Z. If your computer isn’t turning on, you can also resort to physically checking the model number tag on your motherboard or on the packaging box. 

Even if you haven’t dabbled into these tasks before, don’t feel intimidated. We will look at each method with a step-by-step guide so you can follow along. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive straight into the first method. 

How to check what motherboard you have on your Computer 

Before I begin with the methods, these are a few terms I would like you to know because they will frequently be used throughout the article. I don’t want you to get confused by them.

• Baseboard: BaseBoard is a technical term used for a motherboard. Mainly in the different Windows System information menus, you will find BaseBoard used instead of motherboard. It means the same, so don’t get fussed about it.
• Motherboard Model Number: The model number represents the version of the motherboard you have. For instance, Apple has iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max. These four versions are for the same model year. Similarly, motherboards have different versions for the same model year, and the model number shows which version of the motherboard you are using. 

With these two terms out of the way, let’s proceed to the first method on how to see what motherboard you have.

Check your motherboard with the Windows Command Prompt 

Using the Windows command prompt is the most direct and fastest way to know the motherboard in your computer on Windows 10 and 11. Here’s how to do it:

1. Navigate to the Windows search bar located at the bottom left corner of your desktop screen next to the Windows logo.
2. Type-in command prompt and press the Enter key on your keyboard.
   
3. A new window will open with a black background and retro-looking text. Type the exact text in that window: wmic baseboard get product,manufacturer,version,serialnumber
   

It is preferable to save the motherboard’s name and serial number in notes or on a paper sheet for ease of use later. 

To make this method work, ensure you type the wmic text exactly as it is written. That means no spaces between the commas. Preferably, just copy and paste the line exactly as it is: wmic baseboard get product,manufacturer,version,serialnumber

Check your Motherboard with the Windows System Information Tool 

If you want a more detailed look at your motherboard’s model number, the Windows System Information tool might help. However, getting information out of the Windows System Information tool requires a bit more effort, so you will have to stick with me. 

1. Press the Windows + R key combination simultaneously, which will open the run window. 
2. Type msinfo32 and press the Enter key.
    
3. It should open a system information menu with a list of different options and settings. You will need to dig a bit, but eventually, after scrolling, you will find the BaseBoard product, baseBoard version, and BaseBoard manufacturer options. As stated earlier, BaseBoard is a more techy name for a motherboard. 
   

Check your motherboard with 3rd Party System Information Tools 

Were you thinking I would leave out the folks using older versions of Windows – No, Sir! There are many 3rd party tools that you can use to extract motherboard information, and they work regardless of the Windows version. 

The ones I enjoy using the most are Speccy, HWinfo, Belarc Advisor, and CPU-Z. They all more or less have the same information, so you can pick any you like. 

For demonstration purposes, I will use CPU-Z because it is the easiest to install. Here’s how it’s done with CPU-Z. 

1. Download the CPU-Z client from the web and follow the installation process; it’s quite straightforward, requiring you to press next a few times. 
   
2. Once downloaded, open the CPU-Z client by typing the CPU-Z in the Windows search bar, or if you have an icon on the desktop, double-click on it. 
3. On the CPU-Z application, you will need to click on the mainboard tab, which has all the information regarding the motherboard you have on your computer, including its manufacturer name and model number. 
   

If you are keen on using other 3rd party tools than CPU-Z, the same process applies as I have demonstrated above. The only change will be that the application window will have a different look, so you might need to navigate a bit to find what you are looking for. 

I know for a fact Speccy has a similar intuitive interface as CPU-Z. However, HWinfo’s interface is tedious and throws an overwhelming amount of information right out of the gate.  

Check your Motherboard Through the BIOS

The motherboard BIOS is a very powerful tool that has all the information about the motherboard. Using the BIOS, however, is somewhat tricky, and if anything goes wrong, it could brick the motherboard. So, after knowing your motherboard, you are required to immediately exit the BIOS. 

To open the BIOS menu, restart your computer and keep tapping the F2 and Del keys until you reach the computer start screen. Once the BIOS opens, you won’t need to dig around because the motherboard’s name and model number are displayed right at the top of the screen. 

How to Check your Motherboard on Linux 

Linux is a more complex operating system than Windows – Well, it may seem like it. However, finding the motherboard on Linux is as simple as Windows. Here’s how you can do it. 

1. Press the CTRL + ALT + T keys simultaneously to open the Linux terminal. 
2. Now, type the exact same text and press the Enter key. I suggest copying the text, so you don’t run into any errors – sudo dmidecode -t 2
3. Subsequently, all the motherboard’s information will be displayed, including the motherboard’s make and model number. 

Check your Motherboard Type by Physically Examining it

Can’t turn your computer on? Don’t worry, I have heard you and this method is for you. Almost all motherboards have the model number imprinted on them. So, if your computer is not turning on, you can physically inspect the motherboard and find the model number. 

All you need is a screwdriver and some wits to go along with it. Unfasten the thumbscrews on the right-side panel of your computer. Set the side panel to a side after it is removed. 

Now, physically examine the motherboard. Typically, you will find the motherboard’s model number imprinted under the first PCIe slot where the graphics card is installed. 

Having a soft bristle brush will help immensely in removing any dust that might have accumulated around the motherboard’s model number, hindering its vision. 

Note: This method won’t work for a laptop because modern laptops have inverted motherboards. Even if you can access it, some laptops don’t even bother imprinting the motherboard model number on the motherboard. 

Suppose you are unwilling to open up your computer. In that case, you can always run by the neglected box drawer and find the box for your motherboard. It will also have the motherboard’s name and model number. 

Even if that isn’t possible and you misplaced the box, the last resort is to check the order history – maybe it will contain information on your motherboard. 

Conclusion 

These are some of the ways you can use to find out your motherboard. Whether you want to upgrade the motherboard’s BIOS and drivers or find which processor is compatible with it, this guide will help you find the most crucial piece of the puzzle – your motherboard’s model number.  

I have simplified each step. However, if you are having trouble following any of the methods, don’t hesitate to drop a comment, and I will get back to you. 

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