The fastest way depends on your operating system

Windows users can find their motherboard model in about 30 seconds using the System Information tool. Mac users will need to check Apple System Report instead. Linux users have several command-line options. The method you choose depends partly on whether you want to open a graphical tool or run a command, and partly on how much detail you need — some approaches show only the manufacturer and model, while others display the BIOS version and release date as well.

You might need this information if you're troubleshooting a hardware problem, updating your BIOS, installing new drivers, or checking whether your motherboard supports a component you want to add. Knowing your exact model also helps when you're looking up the manual or checking the manufacturer's support page for firmware updates.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open System Information by pressing Windows key + R, typing msinfo32, and looking for "Base Board Product" in the System Summary.
  • On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then click System Report and look under Hardware for "Model Identifier" or "Board ID".
  • On Linux, run sudo dmidecode -t baseboard in the terminal to see manufacturer and model details.
  • If System Information shows only generic information, download CPU-Z (Windows) or Speccy to see the full motherboard model and BIOS version.
  • Your motherboard manual and driver downloads are usually found on the manufacturer's support page using your exact model number.

Finding your motherboard on Windows using System Information

Press the Windows key and R at the same time to open the Run dialog. Type msinfo32 and press Enter. This opens System Information, which displays your hardware details in a window.

Look for the line labeled Base Board Product in the System Summary section. This line shows your motherboard's model number. You'll also see Base Board Manufacturer above it, which tells you whether it's made by ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, or another company. If you need the BIOS version and release date, scroll down in the same window to find BIOS Version/Date.

If System Information shows only generic text like "System Product Name" instead of a specific model, your computer manufacturer may have hidden the details. In that case, move to the CPU-Z method described below.

Finding your motherboard on Mac using System Report

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select About This Mac. A window opens showing your Mac model and macOS version. Click the System Report button at the bottom of that window.

In System Report, click Hardware in the left sidebar. Look for Model Identifier or Board ID — this is the closest equivalent to a motherboard model on Mac. You'll also see Hardware UUID and Serial Number, which identify your specific machine. Unlike Windows motherboards, Mac motherboards are not typically sold separately and are not referred to by a separate model number in the way PC motherboards are.

Finding your motherboard on Linux using the terminal

Open a terminal window. Type the following command and press Enter:

sudo dmidecode -t baseboard

The system will ask for your password. After you enter it, the terminal displays your motherboard's manufacturer, product name, and serial number. The "Product Name" line is your motherboard model. If you want additional details like BIOS information, run sudo dmidecode -t bios instead.

If dmidecode is not installed on your system, you can also try cat /proc/cpuinfo or lsb_release -a, though these commands show less motherboard-specific information.

Using CPU-Z or Speccy when System Information is vague

If Windows System Information shows only your computer manufacturer's name (like "Dell" or "HP") instead of the actual motherboard model, download CPU-Z from cpuid.com. This free tool displays detailed hardware information in a graphical window. Open CPU-Z and click the Mainboard tab — you'll see the manufacturer, model, and chipset clearly listed.

Speccy is another option if you prefer a different interface. Download it from ccleaner.com, open it, and look for "Motherboard" in the left sidebar. Both tools show the same information but organize it differently.

These tools are useful because they read the BIOS directly rather than relying on Windows to report what it finds. Manufacturers sometimes configure Windows to hide motherboard details, but CPU-Z and Speccy bypass that limitation.

Finding your motherboard manual and drivers after you know the model

Once you have your motherboard model number, visit the manufacturer's website. ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock all have support pages where you can search by model. Enter your exact model number in the search box — for example, "ASUS ROG STRIX B550-F" — and the site shows you available downloads.

From there you can download the manual as a PDF, the latest BIOS update, chipset drivers, and audio drivers. The manual is especially useful if you need to know which slots support which RAM speeds, where the power connectors are, or how to enable specific features in the BIOS. Chipset drivers are important if you've just installed Windows fresh and need your storage drives or network to work properly.

Keep your motherboard model number written down or saved in a note on your phone. You'll need it again if you upgrade components, troubleshoot hardware problems, or need to contact support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my computer is a laptop?

Laptops have motherboards, but they're soldered to the chassis and not replaceable by users. System Information and System Report will still show you the model, but you won't find a separate manual or drivers for the motherboard itself — instead, download drivers from your laptop manufacturer's support page using your laptop's model number.

Why does my motherboard show a different name in CPU-Z than in System Information?

Some manufacturers use different names for the same board in different contexts. The BIOS name (what CPU-Z reads) is usually more specific and reliable. If you're looking for drivers or the manual, use the CPU-Z name.

Do I need to restart my computer to check the motherboard?

No. System Information, System Report, and CPU-Z all read your hardware details without requiring a restart. You can check your motherboard while your computer is running normally.

Can I check my motherboard model without opening any programs?

Not easily on Windows or Mac. The terminal method on Linux is the closest — you can run a single command without opening a graphical application. On Windows, you must open either System Information or a tool like CPU-Z.