How to Check Your Motherboard Model (6 Easy Ways)

Quick answer: On Windows, press the Windows key and R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for BaseBoard Manufacturer and BaseBoard Product. Together they tell you your motherboard model. You can also use PowerShell, the BIOS screen, or look at the board itself.

This guide shows six easy ways to find your motherboard model. It also explains what to do when Windows shows a strange or empty answer. It was updated in October 2026.

1. Why You May Need Your Motherboard Model

The motherboard is the main board inside your computer. Everything plugs into it. You need its exact model for a few jobs.

• Upgrades: to check if a new CPU or RAM will fit
• Drivers: to download the right ones
• BIOS updates: to find the right update file
• Repairs: to buy a matching board or part

Always use the exact model name. A small difference can mean a different board.

2. Check With System Information

This is the fastest way on Windows. You do not need to install anything.

1. Press the Windows key and R together.
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
3. Click System Summary on the left side.
4. Find BaseBoard Manufacturer, BaseBoard Product, and BaseBoard Version on the right side.

The Product line is usually the model. If you do not see these lines, right-click System Information in the Start menu and choose Run as administrator. On a laptop or a brand-name PC, you may see only the system model.

3. Check With PowerShell

PowerShell shows the same data as plain text. It is easy to copy.

1. Click Start and type PowerShell.
2. Open Windows PowerShell.
3. Paste the command below and press Enter.
4. Read the Manufacturer and Product lines.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BaseBoard | Select-Object Manufacturer, Product, Version, SerialNumber

Older guides tell you to use the command wmic baseboard get product. Do not use it. Microsoft has removed WMIC from current versions of Windows 11, so the command will fail.

4. Use a Free Hardware Tool

A free tool can show your board in one click.

1. Download CPU-Z from its official website.
2. Install it and open it.
3. Click the Mainboard tab.
4. Read the Manufacturer and Model lines.

The tab also shows the chipset and the BIOS version. Speccy is another free tool that does the same job. Download tools only from the official website.

5. Check the BIOS or UEFI Screen

This works even when Windows will not start. The BIOS is the small program that runs before Windows.

1. Restart the computer.
2. Press the BIOS key again and again as it starts. It is often Delete or F2, but it differs by brand.
3. Look at the main screen for the board name and the BIOS version.

Do not change any settings while you are in there. Just read and exit.

6. Look at the Motherboard Itself

On a desktop PC, the model is printed on the board. This is the best way when software shows a generic name.

1. Shut down the PC and unplug the power cable.
2. Touch a metal part of the case to remove static electricity.
3. Open the side panel of the case.
4. Look for the model name in large letters. It is often near the CPU socket or between the long expansion slots.

You can also check the box, the manual, or the invoice. If you are not sure how to open the case, ask a technician. Do not open a laptop yourself.

7. If You Have a Brand-Name PC or a Laptop

Brand-name computers, like Dell, HP, and Lenovo, often use special boards. The board name may be a code that means nothing outside the brand. These boards are not usually sold on their own.

Use the full computer model instead. You can find it with this command in PowerShell:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_ComputerSystem | Select-Object Manufacturer, Model

Then enter that model, or the service tag on the label, on the brand's support website.

8. Check on Linux

On Linux, you can read the board name in the Terminal. I have not tested these commands on every system.

cat /sys/devices/virtual/dmi/id/board_name
sudo dmidecode -t baseboard

The first line shows just the model. The second shows more details, and it needs your password.

9. What If It Says "Default string"?

Some boards show a blank answer, "Default string," or "To Be Filled By O.E.M." This means the maker did not enter the name in the board's firmware. It is not an error.

• Try CPU-Z or the BIOS screen
• Look at the board itself
• Check the box or the invoice

The name printed on the board is the most reliable answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to check my motherboard model?

Open System Information. Press the Windows key and R, type msinfo32, and read BaseBoard Product.

Can I check without opening my PC?

Yes. Use System Information, PowerShell, a free tool, or the BIOS screen.

Why does the WMIC command not work?

Microsoft has removed it from current versions of Windows 11. Use the PowerShell command instead.

Is the chipset the same as the motherboard model?

No. The chipset is one part of the board, like B550. The model is the full name of the board.

Does this work on a Mac?

Not in the same way. A Mac does not use a normal motherboard that you can swap. Use the Mac's model name and year in About This Mac.

Final Thoughts

Finding your motherboard model takes only a few minutes. Start with System Information. If the answer looks strange, try PowerShell, CPU-Z, or the BIOS. If all else fails, read the name printed on the board. Always check the exact model before you buy a part or download a driver.

Want to see what is new in PC parts and gadgets? Browse the latest gadgets at Tech Mart and ask about warranty before you buy.