Buzz
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to locate your computer's motherboard details. This process is usually only possible on Windows machines, as upgrading or replacing a Mac's motherboard is not feasible. You can find motherboard information by using the Command Prompt or the free tool Speccy. Another method to determine the motherboard type is by opening your computer's CPU case. Finally, you can find your Mac's motherboard details by locating the serial number and searching for it online.
Steps
Using Command Prompt on Windows
Type command prompt in the Start menu. This will search for the Command Prompt program on your computer.
Enter the command to retrieve motherboard information. You need to input the following command in Command Prompt:
- Press ↵ Enter.
wmic baseboard get product, manufacturer, version, serialnumber
View the motherboard information. The details you need will typically appear under the following headings:
- Manufacturer - The manufacturer’s name of the motherboard, which is usually the same as the company that built your computer.
- Product - The product number of your motherboard.
- Serial number - The unique serial number of the motherboard.
- Version - The version number of your motherboard.
Search for motherboard information online. If any of the details are missing, enter the available information along with the term 'motherboard' into a search engine.
- This information can help you identify compatible hardware for your computer.
- If you can’t find the motherboard details, try the next method.
Using Speccy on Windows
Open the Speccy website. Visit https://www.piriform.com/speccy using your browser.
Click on Download Free Version (Download the free version). This is the green button located on the left side of the page.
Click on Free Download when prompted. This action will take you to the download path selection page.
Click on the link "Piriform". You will find this link under the "Download from" heading below the "Speccy Free" section. The Speccy program will begin downloading to your computer after you click the link.
- If the file doesn’t start downloading immediately, click on Start Download at the top of the page to begin the download.
Install Speccy. Double-click the installation file and follow these steps:
- Click Yes when prompted.
- Check the box for "No thanks, I don't need CCleaner" at the bottom right corner.
- Click Install.
- Wait for Speccy to finish installing.
Click on Run Speccy when prompted. This is the purple button in the middle of the setup window. Speccy will then open.
- If you don’t want to see Speccy’s release notes online, uncheck the box labeled "View release notes" below the Run Speccy button before proceeding.
Click on Motherboard (Motherboard). This is the tab on the left side of the Speccy window.
View motherboard information. Below the "Motherboard" title at the top of the window, you’ll find details like the manufacturer, model, version, and many other specifications about the motherboard.
- This information can help you identify compatible hardware for your computer.
Find your Mac's motherboard information
Click on About This Mac (About This Mac). This option is located near the top of the menu bar.
Note the serial number. Look for the number displayed next to the "Serial Number" title.
Find your Mac's motherboard type. Open your preferred search engine (e.g., Google), enter your Mac's serial number followed by the word "motherboard", and press ⏎ Return. This will show you a list of compatible motherboard types.
Find motherboard information visually
Turn off the computer. Make sure all your data is saved, then press the "Power" button at the back of the CPU case.
- This method only works for Windows PCs.
Disconnect all cables from the CPU case. You’ll need to unplug the power cord, Ethernet cable, USB connections, and audio cables.
Learn how to ground yourself for protection. This will help prevent static discharge accidents when you accidentally touch the motherboard or other sensitive electronic components.
Preparing before opening the case. Place the case horizontally on a table or flat surface so that all the connections at the back are close to the table. These connections are attached to the motherboard and will help you determine whether the case is placed correctly.
Opening the case. Most case covers are secured with twistable screws, but older cases may require a small screwdriver. You can also use a screwdriver if the twist screws are too tight. These screws are typically found along the top edge of the rear of the case.
- Once you loosen the screws holding the case cover, you can slide or open the cover like a door depending on the design of the case.
Finding the motherboard's model number. This information is typically printed on the motherboard, but it can be placed in different locations such as near the RAM slots, near the CPU socket, or between the PCI slots. You might only find the model number without the manufacturer's name, but many newer motherboards have both the manufacturer’s name and the model number clearly printed.
- You will see various details on the motherboard, but the model number is usually printed in the largest font.
- The model number is a combination of numbers and letters.
Finding manufacturer information using the model number. If you can't find the manufacturer’s name on the motherboard, you can quickly locate it by searching the model number in a search engine. Make sure to include the word 'motherboard' in the search to exclude unrelated results.
Tip
Knowing the exact model and serial number of your motherboard helps narrow down the list of compatible hardware (such as the processor) you need when upgrading your computer.
Warning
Using a CPU and RAM that are incompatible with your motherboard will cause your computer to malfunction.
