When it comes to building or upgrading your PC, the motherboard plays a crucial role in determining what components and upgrades are compatible. From RAM and storage options to CPU upgrades and peripheral compatibility, knowing your motherboard model is essential. If you’re one of those asking “How to check what motherboard I have?” we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will show you how to do this with our latest updates, regardless of what operating system you’re using.
How to Check What Motherboard I Have?
Before putting new hardware on your computer, you should make sure that the old hardware will work with the new hardware. You need to know what kind of motherboard you have to do this. In short, it’s very important to know the type of motherboard to update hardware and make sure it works with newer devices.
Method 1: Check System Information for Motherboard Model
The easiest and quickest way to view your motherboard model is by accessing the System Information tool on your Windows PC. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to the Start Menu and search for “System Information” or “msinfo32”.
- Open the System Information app.
- Look for the “Baseboard Manufacturer” and “BaseBoard Product” fields under the System Summary section.
- Note down the manufacturer and model of your motherboard.
While the System Information tool provides accurate motherboard information in most cases, it may not always recognize or display the complete details. In such situations, there are alternative methods you can try.
Method 2: Use Command Prompt to Check Motherboard Model
For those comfortable with using the Command Prompt, this method offers a straightforward way to check your motherboard model. Follow these steps:
- Open the Command Prompt by searching for “CMD” in the Start Menu.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
wmic baseboard get product,Manufacturer
- The Command Prompt will display the manufacturer and model of your motherboard.
Command Prompt
Using the Command Prompt provides a direct way to retrieve your motherboard information without relying on system tools. However, if you prefer a more user-friendly approach, there are third-party software options available as well.
Method 3: Utilize Third-Party Software to Get Motherboard Model
There are a number of software programs that are meant to give you detailed information about your hardware, including information about your motherboard. Here are some well-known choices:
- HWInfo: HWInfo offers a detailed report on your PC’s hardware, including the motherboard model.
- CPU-Z: CPU-Z is a widely used utility that displays detailed information about your CPU, motherboard, and other components.
- Speccy: Speccy provides a complete overview of your system’s hardware, including motherboard details.
You can easily find out what kind of motherboard you have and other useful information by installing and running these apps.
Method 4: Check the Physical Motherboard or Box
If you have access to your computer’s physical motherboard or its original packaging, you can find the motherboard model directly. Here’s how:
- Open your computer’s case and locate the motherboard.
- Look for the manufacturer’s name and model number printed on the motherboard.
- If you have the original box, check the label or any documentation included.
Keeping the motherboard box and documentation can be helpful, especially if you need to reference the model number for future upgrades or troubleshooting.
Method 5: Check Receipts or Order History
If you purchased your computer or motherboard from a store or online retailer, checking your receipts or order history can provide valuable information. Here’s what you can do:
- Search your email inbox for purchase receipts or order confirmation emails.
- Check your account history on the retailer’s website for the specific order details.
- Look for the name and model of the motherboard in the purchase information.
By reviewing your receipts or order history, you can easily retrieve the motherboard model you have.
Method 6: Consult Manufacturer Apps or Utilities
Some motherboard manufacturers provide dedicated software or utilities that can identify the motherboard model for you. Here are a few examples:
- Asus Armoury Crate: Asus offers the Armoury Crate utility, which provides information about your Asus motherboard.
- MSI Center: MSI provides the MSI Center software, which includes features to identify your MSI motherboard.
- Gigabyte Control Center: Gigabyte offers the Gigabyte Control Center, which can help you determine your Gigabyte motherboard model.
Checking if your motherboard manufacturer has provided any specific software can simplify the process of identifying your motherboard.
How to Find the Motherboard in Prebuilt Computers and Laptops
If you have a prebuilt PC or laptop, identifying the motherboard may require different methods. Here are some specific considerations:
Prebuilt PCs
- Standard Parts: Some prebuilt PCs use standard off-the-shelf motherboards, making identification easier. Check the manufacturer’s website or documentation for the specific model.
- Proprietary Motherboards: Certain companies, such as HP and Dell, use proprietary motherboards, which may require additional steps to determine the exact model. However, you can still retrieve basic information about the chipset.
Laptops
- Maintenance Manuals: For laptops, you may need to open the device or consult the maintenance manual to find the motherboard model. Upgrades are typically limited to components like RAM, storage, and Wi-Fi cards.
- Online Resources: If you are unable to find the motherboard model physically, searching for your laptop model online may provide information about its motherboard.
Also Read: How to Roll Back Nvidia Drivers? (Windows 11 and Windows 10)
In Closing
For compatibility, updates, and troubleshooting, you need to know the model number of your computer’s motherboard. We’ve looked at a lot of different ways to help you figure out what motherboard you have in this guide. You can easily find out what model motherboard you have now that you know how to use system tools, command prompts, third-party software, or a direct check. So go ahead and look up the model number of your PC or laptop’s motherboard to find new ways to fix problems and make improvements.
