The fastest way to find your motherboard model

Your motherboard model is usually printed on the board itself, but if you cannot open your computer or the label is worn away, you can find it through Windows or Mac in under a minute. The System Information tool built into your operating system will show you the exact model name and manufacturer without installing anything.

On Windows, press the Windows key and R together, type msinfo32 into the box that appears, and hit Enter. Look for the line that says "BaseBoard Product" — that is your motherboard model. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, click System Report, then look under Hardware for "Model Identifier" or "Board ID".

If you need this information to buy a replacement part, check a driver or troubleshoot a problem, knowing where to look saves you from opening the case or guessing. The steps below cover Windows, Mac, and the physical method if you want to check the board directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows System Information shows your motherboard model in seconds — press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and look for "BaseBoard Product".
  • Mac users can find the board ID through Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Hardware.
  • If you open your computer case, the motherboard model is usually printed on a label near the CPU socket or along the edge of the board.
  • Some motherboards have multiple labels; look for the longest alphanumeric code, which is typically the full model number.
  • Knowing your exact model helps you find compatible RAM, storage drives, BIOS updates, and replacement parts.

Finding your motherboard model in Windows

The System Information window is the most direct route on Windows. Press the Windows key and the R key at the same time. A small box labeled "Run" will appear in the lower left corner of your screen. Type msinfo32 (no spaces) and press Enter. The System Information window will open.

Look down the list on the left side until you find "BaseBoard Product". The value next to it is your motherboard model number. You may also see "BaseBoard Manufacturer" on the line above it, which tells you whether it is an ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, or another brand. Write down both the manufacturer and the model — together they make up your full motherboard identification.

If the System Information window does not open, your Windows installation may be missing the tool. Try the second method instead: right-click the Start button, select Device Manager, expand "System devices", and look for an entry that includes your motherboard brand name. This will not always show the full model number, but it confirms the manufacturer.

Finding your motherboard model on Mac

Mac stores motherboard information under a different name. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "About This Mac". A window will open showing your Mac model and macOS version. Click the button labeled "System Report" (or "More Info" on older Macs).

In the System Report window, click "Hardware" in the left sidebar. Scroll down until you see "Model Identifier" or "Board ID". The value next to it is your motherboard identifier. On newer Macs with Apple Silicon chips, you may also see "Chip" listed separately — write that down too, since it affects which drivers and updates your machine can use.

If you need the manufacturer name as well, look for "System Manufacturer" or "Manufacturer" in the same Hardware section. Most Macs list Apple as the manufacturer, but the Model Identifier will tell you the specific board revision.

Finding the model number on the motherboard itself

If you want to verify the information or your operating system is not responding, you can open your computer case and read the model directly from the board. Power off your computer completely, unplug it from the wall, and wait 30 seconds. This discharges any remaining power and protects you from electrical shock.

Open the case according to your computer's manual — usually this means removing one or two screws on the side panel. Look at the large green circuit board inside. The motherboard model is printed on a label, most commonly near the CPU socket (the large square in the center-top area) or along the bottom or right edge of the board. The label will show the manufacturer name (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, Intel, or similar) followed by a model number like "B550-PLUS" or "Z790-E".

Some boards have multiple labels. The longest alphanumeric code is usually the full model number. Shorter codes like "Rev 1.0" or "Made in China" are revision or manufacturing information, not the model itself. Take a photo with your phone if the label is hard to read, or write it down carefully — model numbers are case-sensitive and must be exact when you search for drivers or compatible parts.

Why you need your motherboard model

Your motherboard model determines what hardware you can add to your computer. RAM, storage drives, and graphics cards all have compatibility requirements based on your board's socket type, chipset, and form factor. Knowing the exact model lets you check the manufacturer's specifications to see what your computer supports.

The model is also essential for finding BIOS updates, which are firmware patches that fix bugs and improve stability. Motherboard manufacturers release updates regularly, and installing the wrong BIOS version can damage your board. The manufacturer's support page for your exact model will have the correct updates and installation instructions.

If your computer is having problems, technical support will almost always ask for your motherboard model first. Drivers for audio, network, and chipset functions are all specific to your board. Knowing the model saves time when troubleshooting and ensures you download the right software.

What to do if you cannot find the model

If System Information shows no BaseBoard Product on Windows, try opening Device Manager and looking for "System devices" or "Other devices". Right-click any unknown device and select Properties, then the Details tab. Change the dropdown to "Hardware IDs" and look for codes that include a model number.

Another option is to use a free system information tool like CPU-Z or GPU-Z. Download CPU-Z from cpuid.com, run it without installing, and click the "Mainboard" tab. It will display your motherboard manufacturer and model even if Windows System Information does not.

If you have opened the case and still cannot read the label clearly, take a close-up photo and search for the visible text online along with your computer brand and model. You can also contact the computer manufacturer's support team with the photo — they can often identify the board from the image.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will opening my computer case void the warranty?

Most manufacturers allow you to open the case without voiding the warranty, as long as you do not remove or modify components. Check your computer's warranty documentation or contact the manufacturer before opening. If your computer is still under warranty and you are uncomfortable opening it, use the Windows or Mac method instead — it is just as accurate.

What is the difference between motherboard model and BIOS version?

The motherboard model is the name of the board itself, like "ASUS ROG STRIX B550-F". The BIOS version is the firmware running on that board, like "Version 3201". You need the model to find the correct BIOS update, but they are not the same thing. System Information shows the model; you check BIOS version by restarting your computer and pressing Delete or F2 during startup.

Can I find my motherboard model from a receipt or original packaging?

Yes, if you still have the original box or receipt. The model number is printed on the box label and listed on the receipt. This is the easiest way if you have not opened the computer yet, since you do not need to power it down or use any tools.

Why do some motherboards have multiple model numbers printed on them?

Manufacturers print revision numbers, manufacturing dates, and part codes on the board for internal tracking. The main model number is the longest alphanumeric code and usually appears on the largest label. When searching for drivers or compatibility information, use the main model number, not the revision or part codes.

Is the motherboard model the same as the computer model?

No. Your computer model (like "Dell XPS 13" or "HP Pavilion 15") is different from your motherboard model. A single computer model may use different motherboards depending on when it was manufactured. You need the motherboard model specifically to find compatible parts and drivers — the computer model alone is not enough.