You can find what motherboard you have by opening System Information on Windows, where the exact model and manufacturer are clearly shown. I use this same method when checking my clients’ PCs. It’s quick, safe, and helps you choose the right parts before upgrading anything.

If you’re trying to learn how to find out what motherboard I have, you’re not alone. Many PC users need this information when they upgrade parts, fix issues, or check compatibility. The good news is that you don’t need any special skills to find it. With a few quick steps, you can confirm your motherboard model on Windows without opening your computer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each method in a clear and friendly way, so you can understand everything easily and avoid mistakes. My goal is to help you get the right details fast and with full confidence.

Table of Contents

How to Find Out What Motherboard I Have (Complete Guide + All Working Methods)

If you’re trying to upgrade your PC, add new RAM, install a new SSD, or check if your processor is compatible, the very first question that comes to mind is:

“How to find out what motherboard I have?”

Don’t worry, this is one of the most common questions PC users ask.
And the good news?
It’s very easy once someone explains it in simple words.

In this ultra-detailed guide, you’ll learn:

✔ All easy and advanced methods
✔ Methods with and without software
✔ Windows, BIOS, Linux, laptop, and physical methods
✔ How to understand your motherboard model
✔ How to use the information for upgrades
✔ Full compatibility guidance
✔ Beginner mistakes to avoid

Think of this as the ultimate guide. After reading it, you will never get confused again.

What Is a Motherboard? (Simple Explanation + Family Example)

To understand your motherboard, imagine your computer is a big family living in one house.

CPU → The father (takes decisions)
RAM → The kids (active, doing quick tasks)
Storage → The cupboards (store everything)
GPU → The family member who handles all visuals
Motherboard → The entire house floor that connects everyone

Nothing can work without the motherboard.
It connects every part, gives power, and allows communication.

Just like a home floor connects all rooms,
The motherboard connects all components.

Why You Must Know Your Motherboard Model

You need your motherboard model when you want to:

✔ Upgrade CPU
✔ Add more RAM
✔ Install a new SSD (SATA or NVMe)
✔ Check if DDR4 or DDR5 fits
✔ Update BIOS
✔ Install new GPU
✔ Fix system issues
✔ Solve boot problems
✔ Check PCIe support
✔ Solve RAM not working issues

If you don’t know your motherboard model, you might buy the wrong part, similar to buying a bed that is larger than your room.
It won’t fit.
It won’t work.
And you will waste money.

How to Find Out What Motherboard I Have (ALL 12 WORKING METHODS)

You only need one method, but I’m showing everything so that you can choose the easiest option for yourself.

Method 1: Using Windows System Information (Fastest & Easiest)

This method works on all Windows versions.

Steps:

Press Windows + R
Type msinfo32
Press Enter
A System Information window will open.

Look for:

BaseBoard Manufacturer
BaseBoard Product
BaseBoard Version

Example:

Manufacturer: ASUS
Product: PRIME B450M-A
Version: Rev X.0X

This is your exact motherboard model.

This method is simple, like checking the name on a school notebook.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt (More Accurate)

Steps:

Search CMD
Right-click → Run as Administrator.
Type this command:

wmic baseboard get product, manufacturer, version,serialnumber

You’ll instantly see:

Manufacturer
Model
Version
Serial Number

This information comes directly from BIOS → 100% accurate.

Method 3: Using Windows PowerShell (Advanced Formatting)

Steps:

Search PowerShell
Run as Administrator
Type:

Get-WmiObject win32_baseboard

This method gives detailed output.

If CMD is like a quick text message,
PowerShell is like a full email cleaner and is more detailed.

Method 4: Check Through BIOS/UEFI (Works Even If Windows Is Not Booting)

If your Windows is not starting, this method can save the day.

Steps:

Restart your PC
Press BIOS key:

DEL / F2 → ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte
F1 / F2 → Lenovo
F10 → HP

Look for:

System Information
Motherboard Information
Mainboard Model

You will see something like:

MSI B560M PRO
ASUS PRIME B660M-A
Gigabyte B550 DS3H

This is extremely reliable because it reads the motherboard directly.

Method 5: Use CPU-Z (One-Click Full Information)

(Recommended for beginners upgrading RAM or CPU)

CPU-Z is a free tool that gives complete motherboard details.

Steps:

Install CPU-Z
Open it
Go to the Mainboard tab.

You will find:

Manufacturer
Model
Socket
BIOS Version
PCIe Information
Chipset details

This is the easiest method for beginners and PC builders.

Method 6: Physically Check the Motherboard (For Desktop Users)

If you have a desktop PC, this is extremely simple.

Steps:

Turn off the PC
Remove the power cable.
Open the side panel
Look near:

RAM slots
CPU socket
PCIe slots

You will find something like:

ASUS PRIME B660M-A
MSI B450 Tomahawk
Gigabyte Z690 AORUS ELITE

It is written clearly on the board like a nameplate on a house.

Method 7: Check the Motherboard Box or Invoice

If your PC was built recently, the motherboard box will clearly show:

Brand
Model
Chipset
Socket
Form factor

If you bought a branded PC (Dell, HP, Lenovo), your invoice will include the model number.

Method 8: Laptop Users: Use Manufacturer Software

Laptop motherboards have internal codes, not simple names like desktop boards.

Use:

HP Support Assistant
Lenovo Vantage
Dell SupportAssist

Go to System Information → Motherboard.

You will see the motherboard ID like:

LA-H091P
VBW00
LNVNB161216

These codes are motherboard identifiers used by laptop brands.

✔ ADVANCED METHODS (Complete Coverage for Deep Accuracy)

These methods are important when basic tools don’t show full details.

Method 9: Windows Registry (Hidden but Deep Information)The registryy is like the “brain notes” of your PC.

Steps:

Press Windows + R
Type regedit
Go to:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\DESCRIPTION\System\BIOS

Here you will find:

BaseBoardProduct
BaseBoardManufacturer
BIOSVersion
SystemSKU

This method shows detailed motherboard info.

Method 10: Linux Users: Use dmidecode

For users of Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, etc.

Use this command:

Sudo dmidecode -t baseboard

Shows:

Manufacturer
Product Name
Version
Serial Number

Linux gives extremely accurate motherboard data because it reads hardware directly.

Method 11: Using Chipset Utility (Smart For Upgrades)

Download chipset software:

Intel Chipset Utility
AMD Chipset Software

These tools detect:

Chipset generation
Supported CPUs
Supported RAM types
PCIe lane support
USB compatibility

This helps you avoid buying parts that don’t work.

Method 12: Third-Party Tools Like HWInfo (Professional Use)

HWInfo is the most advanced hardware tool.

It shows:

VRM model
Temperature sensors
PCIe bandwidth
M.2 slot types
BIOS date
Chipset features

Perfect for PC builders and repair technicians.

Understanding Your Motherboard Model (Simple Breakdown for Beginners)

Once you find your motherboard model, the next step is understanding what it means.
Most model names look confusing, but don’t worry I’ll explain them using a family example, so everything feels simple.

Example motherboard:
ASUS PRIME B450M-A II

Breakdown:

ASUS → Brand
PRIME → Series
B450 → Chipset (controls features)
M → Micro ATX size
A → Variant
II → Second version

Think of it like a person’s full name:
Name → Middle name → Family name → City → House number → Street number.

Once you understand these parts, you can easily pick compatible hardware.

Understanding Chipsets (Easiest Family Example)

Imagine your home again…

Chipset = The mother
She decides what is allowed in the house.
CPU = Father
RAM = Kids
GPU = Relatives who visit

The chipset decides:

✔ Which CPUs can you use
✔ What RAM speed can you install
✔ How many SSDs can you add
✔ Whether overclocking is allowed
✔ How fast PCIe slots work

Simple chipset examples:

B450 chipset → Supports Ryzen 1000–3000 (and some 5000)
B660 chipset → Supports Intel 12th & 13th Gen
Z690 chipset → High-end; supports overclocking

So, knowing your chipset helps you upgrade safely without wasting money.

Understanding Motherboard Sizes (Form Factor Guide)

Motherboards come in different sizes:

1. ATX (Large)

More slots, more features.

2. Micro ATX (Medium)

Balanced, fits most cases.

3. Mini ITX (Small)

Very small, fewer ports.

Simple Example:

Think of them like beds in a room:

King-size bed → ATX
Queen-size bed → Micro ATX
Single bed → Mini ITX

A big bed doesn’t fit in a tiny room.
Similarly, a big ATX motherboard cannot fit in a small case.

Motherboard Information Cheat Sheet (Easy-to-Remember Table)

Term	Meaning	Example
Manufacturer	Brand	ASUS, MSI
Model	Specific name	B450 Tomahawk
Chipset	Controls features	B450, X570, Z690
Form Factor	Size	ATX, mATX, ITX
Socket	CPU fit type	AM4, LGA1700

If you know these five things, you can upgrade your PC correctly.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

❌ Mistake 1: Buying the wrong CPU

Every motherboard supports only one socket.

AM4 CPUs → AM4 motherboards
LGA1700 CPUs → LGA1700 motherboards

Wrong socket = it physically won’t fit.

❌ Mistake 2: Buying the wrong RAM

You cannot put DDR4 RAM into a DDR5 motherboard.

It’s like trying to put a big key into a small lock it doesn’t fit.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring BIOS version

Some motherboards need a BIOS update before newer CPUs work.

Example:
Older B450 motherboards need a BIOS update for Ryzen 5000.

❌ Mistake 4: Thinking laptop motherboards work like desktops

Desktop boards have big names.
Laptops use hidden internal codes.

That’s normal don’t get confused.

Signs Your Motherboard Information Might Be Wrong

If your model does not appear in:

msinfo32
CMD
CPU-Z
BIOS

Then your system may have:

✔ Corrupted BIOS
✔ OEM motherboard with hidden ID
✔ Prebuilt PC motherboard
✔ Laptop motherboard with internal code

If this happens, CPU-Z and BIOS give the most reliable results.

Motherboard Compatibility Guide (What You Can Upgrade)

Now that you know how to find out what motherboard I have, let’s see what upgrades you can make safely.

1. CPU Compatibility

Check two things:

Socket
Chipset support

Examples:

B450 → Ryzen 1000–3000 + some 5000
B550 → Ryzen 3000 & 5000
Z690 → Intel 12th & 13th Gen

Always check the official motherboard page before buying a CPU.

2. RAM Compatibility

Check:

DDR type: DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5
Maximum RAM speed (MHz)
Maximum capacity (ex, 64GB or 128GB)

Example:
If your motherboard supports DDR4 → only buy DDR4.
DDR5 RAM will not fit.

3. Storage Compatibility

Your motherboard may support:

SATA SSDs
NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSDs
NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDs
NVMe PCIe 5.0 SSDs

Older boards (before 2016) usually don’t support NVMe.

4. GPU Compatibility

All modern GPUs work on PCIe slots.
But check:

PCIe version
Case size
Power supply wattage

Example:
A big GPU won’t fit in a small case like trying to fit a large sofa in a tiny room.

5. BIOS Updates

BIOS updates add:

✔ New CPU support
✔ Performance upgrades
✔ Better stability
✔ Security patches

Always download from your official brand website.

Beginner-Friendly Upgrade Examples

Example 1: Upgrading RAM

If System Info says your board supports DDR4 → buy DDR4 only.

Example 2: Upgrading CPU

If your board is B450 → you cannot install Ryzen 7000.
Different socket → different family.

Example 3: Installing SSD

If you see an M.2 NVMe slot → you can install fast NVMe SSDs.

Simple as that.

Why It’s Important to Know Your Motherboard (Advanced Reasoning)

Your motherboard decides:

✔ How fast your PC can run
✔ How many SSDs can you install
✔ What CPU/GPU can you use
✔ Whether you can overclock
✔ How long your PC will last
✔ Whether your PC can support future upgrades

In short, your motherboard is the heart of your PC’s upgrade path.

If you know it, you always make safe and smart upgrade decisions.

Check Your Motherboard Using Windows PowerShell

If you don’t want to install anything and prefer a cleaner tool than Command Prompt, PowerShell is your friend.
Think of PowerShell like a more organized “family helper” it gives you clear, neat information without shouting too much technical stuff.

Steps:

Press Windows Key
Type PowerShell
Click Windows PowerShell
Paste this command:

Get-WmiObject win32_baseboard | Format-List Product, Manufacturer, SerialNumber, Version

What You’ll See:

You’ll get:

Motherboard Model
Motherboard Manufacturer
Serial Number
Version

Why PowerShell Is Better Than CMD

Cleaner output
Fewer errors
Fast and reliable

Check Your Motherboard Using DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)

This method does not always show the motherboard name directly,
But it gives system details that can help confirm your hardware.

Steps:

Press Windows Key + R
Type dxdiag
Press Enter

You’ll Find:

CPU details
BIOS version
System model
System manufacturer

If your PC is pre-built, this can indirectly help identify the motherboard.

For example:

HP 280 G3 → comes with Higos motherboard
Dell Inspiron 3847 → usually has Dell 088DT1

So, dxdiag helps you verify your model quickly.

Check Your Motherboard Using BIOS/UEFI

BIOS is like the brain’s control room inside your PC.
Every PC motherboard stores its identity here.

This method works even if Windows is not installed.

How to Enter BIOS

Restart your PC and press the right key:

Brand	BIOS Key
ASUS	F2 or Del
MSI	Del
Gigabyte	Del
HP	Esc → F10
Dell	F2
Acer	F2
Lenovo	F1 or F2

Where to Check Motherboard Info

Look for:

System Information
Product Information
Main → Motherboard Model

You’ll typically see something like:

ASUS PRIME B450M-A
MSI PRO B660M-P
Gigabyte H610M-S2H

Check Your Motherboard Physically (Open Case Method)

If software doesn’t help, checking physically is the 100% accurate method.

Imagine checking a cupboard label in your home to know who owns it the motherboard works the same.

Safety First

Power off PC
Unplug cable
Press power button once to drain electricity

Where to Look

On the motherboard surface, usually near:

RAM slots
PCIe slot
SATA ports

You will find printed:

Model name
Brand
Serial number

Common examples:

ASUS PRIME B450M-K
MSI B550-A PRO
Gigabyte Z690 AORUS ELITE

How to Find Motherboard Details on a Laptop

Laptop motherboards are different.
You cannot open them easily (and you shouldn’t unless you know what you’re doing).

Use:

Speccy
CPU-Z
Command Prompt
DXDIAG
Manufacturer’s support website

Laptop Example

If your laptop model is HP 15-da1070wm, then your motherboard might be:

HP 84FD

You can check this on HP’s support website using your serial number.

How to Find Out What Motherboard You Have Without Turning On PC

This is helpful if:

Windows crashed
PC won’t boot
You installed new parts

You can:

Open the PC case
Check the printed model directly
Search the model on Google
Find full details (chipset, RAM support, etc.)

Find Motherboard Details Using Brand Support Websites

Every major brand allows you to check your motherboard using:

Serial number
Model number
Product ID

Examples

ASUS:
→ “MyASUS” app or Support → Enter serial number.

MSI:
→ “MSI Center” → Product Information.

Gigabyte:
→ Support page → Enter model.

Why Knowing Your Motherboard Model Really Matters

Many beginners think:

“Why should I even care about the motherboard name?”

But your motherboard is like the main wall of your house.
Every room (CPU, RAM, GPU, Storage) is connected to it.
If the main wall can’t support something, you can’t upgrade safely.

Knowing Your Motherboard Helps You:

1. Upgrade Your CPU Safely

Every CPU requires a specific socket.

Examples:

Intel 10th/11th Gen → LGA1200
Intel 12th/13th/14th Gen → LGA1700
AMD Ryzen 1000–5000 → AM4
AMD Ryzen 7000 → AM5

If your motherboard doesn’t support the CPU you want, your PC won’t turn on.

2. Choose the Right RAM

Motherboard decides:

DDR3 / DDR4 / DDR5
Speed support (2666 / 3200 / 5600 MHz)
Maximum capacity (16GB / 32GB / 64GB / 128GB)

Knowing the model stops you from buying the wrong RAM.

3. Install the Right GPU

Some motherboards only support:

PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 5.0

If your GPU is much faster, your PC performance drops.

4. Add SSD/HDD Properly

Your motherboard decides:

M.2 NVMe support
SATA ports
PCIe lanes

Some boards only support SATA M.2, not NVMe.

5. BIOS Updates

BIOS updates help you:

Support new CPUs
Fix bugs
Improve performance
Stabilize RAM speed

But you can only update BIOS when you know your motherboard model.

How to Understand Your Motherboard Model (Simple Breakdown)

Let’s decode a common example: ASUS PRIME B450M-A

ASUS = Brand

Company who made the motherboard.

PRIME = Series

Type of motherboard (budget, mid-range, high-end).

B450 = Chipset

This tells you:

CPU support
PCIe support
Overclocking support
RAM speed support

Example: B450 supports Ryzen 1000–5000 CPUs.

M = Form Factor

Motherboard size:

ATX = Full size
Micro-ATX (M-ATX) = Medium
Mini-ITX = Small

A = Version

Small variations of the same board.

Common Motherboard Brands and How to Identify Them

1. ASUS

Look for:

TUF GAMING
PRIME
ROG STRIX
PROART

2. MSI

Look for:

3. Gigabyte

Look for:

AORUS
GAMING X
UD (Ultra Durable)

4. ASRock

Look for:

Steel Legend
Phantom Gaming
Pro Series

Most Common Locations Where Motherboard Model Is Printed

1. Under RAM Slots

Many brands print it here.

2. Near PCIe Slot (Where GPU Goes)

Clear big letters.

3. On the Top-Right Corner

Common in ASUS, Gigabyte.

4. On the Back Side (rare)

Some OEM manufacturers do this.

What To Do After Finding Your Motherboard Model

Once you know your model, here’s what to do next:

✔ Step 1: Search It on Google

Example: “MSI B450-A PRO specs”

You’ll get:

Supported CPUs
RAM support
BIOS download
Slot details

✔ Step 2: Check Upgrade Options

You can decide:

CPU upgrade
RAM upgrade
SSD upgrade
GPU upgrade

✔ Step 3: Download Correct Drivers

Motherboard website → Support → Drivers.

✔ Step 4: Save Model Number for Future

Write it somewhere safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I check my motherboard without opening my PC?

Use:

CMD (wmic)
PowerShell
System Information
Speccy
CPU-Z

How do I check my motherboard on Windows 10?

The fastest way:

wmic baseboard get product,manufacturer

How do I check my motherboard on Windows 11?

Use:

Settings → System → About
CPU-Z
Speccy

Will checking motherboard info damage my PC?

No.
These methods are completely safe.

How can I check my laptop motherboard?

Use:

dxdiag
System Information
Manufacturer website

How do I know what kind of motherboard I have?

You can check it inside System Information on Windows (type msinfo32), or use tools like CPU-Z which show the motherboard model.

How do I see what motherboard I have without turning it on?

Open the PC case and look for the printed model name on the motherboard (usually near the RAM slots or CPU area).

How do I find my motherboard in Device Manager?

Device Manager does not show your motherboard model directly; you must use System Information or a tool like CPU-Z.

What motherboard and BIOS do I have?

In Windows, open System Information → check BaseBoard Manufacturer, BaseBoard Product, and BIOS Version/Date to see both.

Conclution:

Whether you:

Upgrade CPU
Install new RAM
Add an SSD
Update BIOS
Fix performance issues

…knowing your motherboard helps you make smart, safe, and future-proof decisions.

This complete guide gives you every possible method, simple explanations, and expert-level tips to make the process easy, even if you’re a beginner.

You now have the most complete, optimized, and beginner-friendly motherboard identification guide on the internet.