The fastest way to find your motherboard model

The quickest method on Windows is to open the System Information app. Press the Windows key, type "System Information" and open it. Look for the line labeled "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 the Hardware section.

If you want to see more detail than the system apps show, use a free tool like CPU-Z on Windows or Everest on Mac. Download it, run it, and the motherboard tab displays the full model number, manufacturer, and BIOS version. These tools do not require installation and do not change your computer settings.

The slowest but most reliable method is to open your computer and look at the motherboard itself. The model number is printed directly on the board, usually near the CPU socket or along the edge. This works if you are comfortable opening your case and want to be absolutely certain of what you are reading.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find the motherboard model in System Information by searching for "BaseBoard Product".
  • Mac users can find it in System Report under "Model Identifier" in the Hardware section.
  • Free tools like CPU-Z show the motherboard model, manufacturer, and BIOS version without requiring installation.
  • Opening your computer case and reading the model number directly from the board is the most reliable method if you are comfortable doing so.

Using Windows System Information

Open the Start menu and type "System Information" into the search box. Click the app when it appears. The window that opens shows basic computer details at the top, but you need to scroll down to find motherboard information.

Look for the line that says "BaseBoard Product" — this is your motherboard model number. You will also see "BaseBoard Manufacturer" which tells you who made it. Write down both pieces of information if you need them for driver downloads or support.

If you do not see these fields, your computer may not be reporting motherboard data through this method. Try the CPU-Z tool instead, which works on nearly all Windows machines.

Using Mac System Report

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "About This Mac". A window opens showing your Mac model, processor, and memory. Click the "System Report" button at the bottom of that window.

In System Report, look at the left sidebar and click "Hardware" if it is not already selected. Scroll down until you find "Model Identifier" — this is the closest equivalent to a motherboard model on Mac. You will also see "Board-ID" which is another identifier for your logic board, which is the Mac equivalent of a motherboard.

Reading CPU-Z on Windows

Download CPU-Z from the official CPUID website. You do not need to install it — just run the .exe file directly. When it opens, click the "Mainboard" tab at the top of the window.

The Mainboard tab shows your motherboard manufacturer, model, chipset, and BIOS version. This is the most complete information you can get without opening your computer. If you are looking for driver updates or checking compatibility with new hardware, this is the information you need.

CPU-Z also shows your processor details, RAM, and storage on other tabs. It does not modify anything on your computer — it only reads and displays information that already exists.

Opening your computer to check the motherboard directly

If you want to be completely certain, you can open your computer case and read the model number directly from the motherboard. Power off your computer completely, unplug it, and wait a few minutes for it to cool. Press the power button a few times to discharge any remaining power.

Open your case according to your computer's manual. The motherboard is the large circuit board that everything else plugs into. Look for printed text on the board itself — the model number is usually printed in white or yellow lettering near the CPU socket, along the edge, or near the power connectors.

Take a photo with your phone if the text is hard to read. Write down the manufacturer name and the full model number before you close the case back up. If you are not comfortable opening your computer, the software methods above will give you the same information.

What to do with your motherboard model number

Once you have your motherboard model, you can use it to find driver updates from the manufacturer's website. Search for your model number on the support page of the manufacturer — usually ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, or Intel. Download any BIOS updates or chipset drivers that are newer than what you currently have.

Your motherboard model also tells you what hardware you can upgrade. Check the specifications page for your model to see what processors, RAM types, and storage drives it supports. This prevents you from buying hardware that will not work with your computer.

If your computer is having problems and you need to contact support, having your motherboard model number makes the conversation faster. Support staff can look up known issues and solutions specific to your exact hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my System Information not show a BaseBoard Product?

Some computers, especially older ones or those with custom builds, do not report motherboard data through System Information. Try CPU-Z instead, which works on nearly all Windows machines. If CPU-Z also shows nothing, your motherboard may not be reporting this data, and opening the case to read it directly is your most reliable option.

Is it safe to download CPU-Z?

Yes. CPU-Z is made by CPUID and is widely used by tech professionals. Download it only from the official CPUID website, not from third-party sites. It does not install anything on your computer and does not modify any settings — it only reads and displays information.

Can I find my motherboard model from the Windows Device Manager?

Device Manager shows individual components like your graphics card and network adapter, but not the motherboard itself. System Information or CPU-Z are faster and more complete for motherboard details.

What if I see multiple model numbers on my motherboard?

Motherboards have several numbers printed on them: the main model number, revision numbers, and serial numbers. The main model number is what you need — it is usually the longest and most prominent text. If you are unsure, compare what you see to the model number shown in CPU-Z or System Information.