You know your phone model. You probably know your laptop brand. But what motherboard do you have inside your PC? Most people have no idea — and that’s completely normal.
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What Motherboard Do I Have & How Do I Find Out? Here’s the thing though. Knowing your motherboard is more important than you might think. Whether you want to upgrade your RAM, install a new GPU, fix a crash, or update your firmware — you need to know your motherboard model first.
The good news? Finding out is easier than you think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every method to check your motherboard — on Windows, Mac, and Linux — step by step, in plain English.
What Is a Motherboard & Why Does It Matter?
Your motherboard — also called a mainboard, system board, or printed circuit board (PCB) — is the backbone of your entire computer.
Think of it like the foundation of a house. Every single component in your PC — your CPU, RAM, GPU, storage drives, and more — connects to and communicates through the motherboard. Without it, nothing works.
“The motherboard is the central circuit board that connects every component of your computer, allowing them to communicate with one another.”
Every motherboard has its own set of specs. These include the CPU socket type, RAM type, maximum RAM supported, expansion slots, PCI slots, chipset, form factor, and I/O ports. These specs decide what you can and can’t do with your system.
Why You Need to Know What Motherboard You Have
So why does knowing your motherboard actually matter? Here are the most common reasons:
Knowing your motherboard model helps you plan hardware upgrades. Before you buy new RAM or a new processor, you need to confirm your board supports it. Buying incompatible parts is an expensive mistake.
It also helps you with troubleshooting. If your PC keeps crashing or freezing, knowing your system board model helps you find the right driver updates or BIOS patches to fix the issue.
Updating your BIOS/UEFI firmware is another reason. To update your firmware correctly, you need to know your exact motherboard brand and motherboard manufacturer. Installing the wrong firmware can seriously damage your system.
Finally, if your system is under warranty or you need tech support, the motherboard model and serial number are usually the first things a technician will ask for.
How Do I Find Out What Motherboard I Have? (Multiple Easy Methods)
There are several ways to check your motherboard. You don’t need to be a tech expert to use any of them. Let’s go through each method one by one.
Find Your Motherboard Model Using Windows System Information
This is the easiest and fastest way to find your motherboard on Windows. It works on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. No downloads needed.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type msinfo32 and click OK.
Step 3: In the left panel, click System Summary.
Step 4: Look for these three entries on the right side:
- BaseBoard Manufacturer — This is your motherboard manufacturer (e.g., ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte)
- BaseBoard Product — This is your motherboard model (e.g., Z790 GAMING PRO)
- BaseBoard Version — This is the version or revision code of your board
That’s it. In less than a minute, you have your full motherboard details without opening your case or downloading anything.
“The Windows System Information tool has been a built-in feature since Windows 98 — it’s still one of the fastest ways to identify your motherboard today.”
This method is best for: Beginners or anyone who wants a quick answer with no technical steps.
Check Your Motherboard Model Using Command Prompt
Command Prompt (CMD) gives you a simple one-line command to pull your motherboard details instantly. This method works on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type cmd and click OK.
Step 3: In the black window, type the following command exactly:
wmic baseboard get product manufacturer version serialnumber.
Step 4: Press Enter.
Your Base Board Manufacturer, Base Board Product, serial number, and version will appear on screen.
Important Note: If you’re on Windows 11 version 25H2 or later, the WMIC command has been removed by default. In that case, use the PowerShell method below instead.
This method is best for: Users comfortable with typing basic commands who want fast, direct results.
How to Check Your Motherboard Using PowerShell
PowerShell is the modern replacement for CMD on newer Windows systems. It’s the best method for Windows 11 users, especially those on the latest updates.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
Step 2: Type power shell and click OK.
Step 3: Type the following command and press Enter:
Get-CimInstance Class Name Win32_BaseBoard | Format-Table Manufacturer, Product, Serial Number, Version -Auto Size
This command uses Win32_BaseBoard — a built-in Windows class that stores your motherboard data — to display your motherboard manufacturer, product name, serial number, and version in a clean table format.
“PowerShell is the best tool for modern Windows 11 systems when WMIC is no longer available.”
This method is best for: Windows 11 users, IT professionals, or anyone who wants detailed, accurate results from a reliable built-in tool.
Find Your Motherboard Info Through BIOS/UEFI
BIOS (Basic Input/ Output System) and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) are the firmware programs that run before your operating system loads. They manage your hardware configuration and boot process — and they also store your motherboard details.
Here’s how to access BIOS/UEFI to find your motherboard model:
Step 1: Turn off your PC completely.
Step 2: Press the power button to turn it back on.
Step 3: Immediately during startup, press the setup key repeatedly. This is usually F2 or the DEL key. Some systems use F10 or F12. You’ll see a brief message on screen telling you which key to press.
Step 4: Once inside the BIOS/UEFI setup, look for a section called Main, System Information, or Hardware Information. Your motherboard model and version will be listed there.
Note: The exact layout of BIOS/UEFI varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer. ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock all have slightly different interfaces.
This method is best for: Users who can’t boot into Windows properly or want to access firmware settings directly.
Check Your Motherboard on Linux Using Terminal
If you’re running Linux, you can use the Terminal and a powerful tool called dmidecode to pull your motherboard details straight from the system.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Open Terminal. You can press Ctrl + Alt + T or search for it in your app menu.
Step 2: Type the following Linux system command and press Enter:
sudo dmidecode -t 2
Step 3: Enter your password when prompted and press Enter.
Step 4: Look for the section labeled Base Board Information. This will show your motherboard manufacturer, product name, serial number, version, and more.
“The dmidecode tool reads hardware data directly from your system’s BIOS, making it one of the most accurate ways to identify your motherboard on Linux.”
This method is best for: Linux users on Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, or any other major distro.
What Motherboard Do I Have on a Mac?
If you’re a Mac user, here’s something important to know: Macs don’t use a traditional motherboard. Instead, they use what Apple calls a logic board. It serves the exact same function — connecting all your computer hardware — but it’s designed and built specifically by Apple.
How to Find Your Mac Logic Board Information
Finding your logic board model on a Mac requires a slightly different approach. Here’s the easiest method:
Step 1: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
Step 2: Select About This Mac. A window will open showing your Mac’s basic system information, including your Mac serial number.
Step 3: Copy your serial number.
Step 4: Go to a Mac lookup website like EveryMac or PowerbookMedic. These are trusted Apple replacement specialist sites. Paste your serial number into the search box and press Enter.
Step 5: Your results will show your exact logic board model, built-in RAM, and other key specs for your specific device.
“Because Apple tightly controls its hardware, the serial number is the most reliable way to identify your Mac’s logic board and understand its upgrade limitations.”
This method is best for: Any Mac user who wants to check upgrade options, repair costs, or compatibility details.
How to Check Your Motherboard Using Third-Party Software
If you prefer a graphical interface over command lines, several free third-party system information software tools can identify your motherboard quickly and easily on Windows.
Best Free Tools to Find Your Motherboard Model
CPU-Z is one of the most popular free tools among PC enthusiasts. After installing it, click the Mainboard tab. You’ll see your motherboard manufacturer, motherboard model, chipset, revision code, and BIOS/UEFI version all in one place. Download it only from the official CPU-Z website.
Speccy is made by the same team behind Cleaner. Install and run it, then check the Motherboard heading on the System Summary page. Click Motherboard in the left panel for even deeper details about your PCB and chipset.
HW INFO / HWiNFO64 is a detailed hardware report tool loved by enthusiasts and professionals. After installing it, look in the Main window under the Motherboard section for your board’s make, model, and chipset information.
BelarcAdvisor creates a full local hardware report of your entire system. After running it, look under Main Circuit Board to find your motherboard manufacturer, model, and version.
Safety Warning: Before you download any third-party software, always make sure you’re on the official website. Check user reviews and ratings. Downloads from untrustworthy sources can carry malware. Having reliable antivirus protection, like Avast Free Antivirus, installed on your system before downloading anything is always a smart move.
Other Ways to Find Out What Motherboard Is in Your PC
Not comfortable with software or command lines? No problem. Here are a few more practical ways to find your motherboard details.
Check the Original Retail Box or Manual
If you built your own PC, the fastest way to confirm what motherboard you have is to check the box it came in. The motherboard brand, model, CPU socket type, chipset, form factor, RAM type, and key expansion slots are all clearly printed on the box.
If you’ve already thrown away the box, check the motherboard manual. It will have all the same information along with a full diagram of the board.
Check Your Purchase Receipt or Online Order History
No box or manual? That’s okay. Check your purchase history. If you bought your motherboard from Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, or any other online retailer, log in and look at your order history. The full product name, motherboard model, and specs will be listed in the product description.
Physical receipts from local computer stores will usually include the product name and model number as well.
Contact Your PC Manufacturer
If you have a prebuilt PC from brands like Dell, HP, or Lenovo, you can contact them directly to ask what motherboard is inside your system. Have your PC’s serial number ready before you call or start a live chat. You’ll find customer service contact details on the manufacturer’s official website.
OEM manufacturers often use custom mainboards that aren’t sold separately, so contacting them directly is sometimes the only way to get exact details.
Physically Inspect Your Motherboard
When all else fails, you can always look at the motherboard itself. This takes a little more effort but gives you a definitive answer.
Here’s how to do a physical motherboard inspection safely:
Step 1: Shut down your PC completely and unplug it from the wall.
Step 2: Touch a metal surface to discharge any static electricity from your body. This protects your components.
Step 3: Remove your PC case panel. For prebuilt PCs, check the manual for instructions on opening the case safely.
Step 4: Locate the motherboard inside the case.
Step 5: Look for the silkscreened model name printed directly on the PCB. It’s usually found between the PCI slots or RAM slots.
Step 6: Look for a small sticker on the board. This may show a revision code like REV: 1.1 or REV: 1.3.
“The silkscreened model name on the PCB is the most definitive way to identify your motherboard — it’s printed right there on the board itself.”
What Are Motherboard Revision Codes & How Do You Find Them?
What is a motherboard revision code? It’s a printed identifier that tells you which exact version of a motherboard model you have.
Motherboard manufacturers like ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte regularly update and improve their board designs. These updates can include better component placement, hardware design changes, stability improvements, or bug fixes. Each updated version gets a new revision code.
Why does the revision code matter? Because some BIOS updates, driver downloads, or compatibility notes apply to specific revisions only. Using the wrong version could cause problems.
You can find the revision code by physically inspecting your motherboard. Look for it printed directly on the PCB or on a small sticker near the model name. It usually looks like this: REV: 1.0, REV: 1.1, or REV: 2.0.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finding Your Motherboard
Can I find my motherboard model without opening my PC?
Yes. You can use Windows System Information (msinfo32), Command Prompt, PowerShell, BIOS/UEFI, or third-party tools like CPU-Z and Speccy — all without ever opening your case.
Is it safe to use third-party software to check my motherboard?
Yes, as long as you download from the official website. Tools like CPU-Z, HWiNFO64, Specey, and BelarcAdvisor are well-established and trusted. Always check reviews before downloading.
What’s the difference between a motherboard and a logic board?
They serve the same purpose. A motherboard is the term used for Windows PCs and Linux systems. Apple calls theirs a logic board. The logic board is simply Apple’s custom-built version of a system board, designed specifically for Mac hardware.
How do I know if my motherboard supports a CPU or RAM upgrade?
Once you know your motherboard model, visit the manufacturer’s website and look up your board’s official spec page. It will list compatible CPU sockets, RAM types, maximum RAM supported, and supported upgrade options.
Can I check my motherboard model on a laptop?
Yes. The same methods work — msinfo32, CMD, PowerShell, or BIOS/UEFI. However, laptops are often harder to upgrade than desktop computers due to their compact design. Many laptop components are soldered directly onto the logic board or mainboard.
What does the motherboard model number tell you?
The motherboard model tells you the manufacturer, chipset generation, feature set, and form factor. For example, a model number like “Z790 AORUS ELITE AX” tells you it uses Intel’s Z790 chipset, belongs to Gigabyte’s AORUS line, and supports current-gen features. It’s the key to understanding your system’s full compatibility and performance potential.
How to Keep Your Motherboard & System Running Smoothly
Now that you know what motherboard you have, the next step is making sure your entire system performs its best.
Knowing your motherboard model helps you understand your BIOS features, power limits, and upgrade path. But your system performance depends on software health too — not just hardware.
Over time, PCs slow down because of bloatware, unnecessary background processes, junk files, and software errors. These issues don’t mean you need new hardware. They just mean your system needs a good cleanup.
Tools like Avast Cleanup are designed exactly for this. It can identify and remove bloatware, clear out junk files, manage background processes, fix software errors, and help with crash prevention — all automatically. Think of it as routine maintenance for your computer hardware without any technical skills needed.
“Keeping your software optimized is just as important as knowing your hardware. A clean, well-maintained system makes the most of whatever motherboard you have.”
If you download any third-party tools — for system info or maintenance — make sure Avast Free Antivirus or a similar trusted antivirus is running to protect your system.
Conclusion
Knowing what motherboard you have is one of the most practical things you can do as a PC owner. It helps you upgrade smarter, troubleshoot faster, and understand exactly what your system can do.
On Windows, use msinfo32, Command Prompt, or PowerShell for the fastest results. Check your BIOS/UEFI if you can’t access Windows. On Linux, run sudodmidecode -t 2 in the Terminal. On a Mac, find your serial number via About This Mac and look up your logic board on a trusted site like Every Mac. For a visual approach, use free tools like CPU-Z, Specey, or HWiNFO64. And if all else fails, check your box, receipt, or physically inspect the PCB itself. If you need info related Affect vs. Effect: How to Use the Right Word Every Time then visit this page.
Start with the easiest method for your system — Windows System Information takes less than a minute and requires zero technical knowledge.
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