How can I find my motherboard model on Windows 10?

Motherboard
1

I’m trying to upgrade my system and need to find my motherboard model on Windows 10. I’ve checked the box it came in but can’t find it. I’m hoping there’s a way to find this info through Windows itself. Any ideas?

2

You can find your motherboard model right from within Windows 10 without having to dig through old boxes or manuals. It’s pretty straightforward. Here are a couple of methods you might find useful:

  1. Using System Information:

    • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type msinfo32 and hit Enter. This opens up the System Information window.
    • In the System Summary section, look for the item named “BaseBoard Manufacturer” and “BaseBoard Product.” This will show you the motherboard brand and model. Sometimes it’s labeled “Motherboard Manufacturer” and “Motherboard Product.”

  2. Use Command Prompt:

    • Open Command Prompt by typing cmd in the start menu and hit Enter.
    • Enter the following command: wmic baseboard get product,manufacturer,version,serialnumber
    • This command will list the motherboard’s manufacturer, model, version, and serial number.

  3. Third-Party Software:

    • If you’re still having trouble or want more detailed info, you could use third-party software like CPU-Z. It gives a complete rundown of your hardware.
    • CPU-Z is pretty lightweight and user-friendly. Just download, install, and navigate to the “Mainboard” tab. You’ll get all the data you need there.

To give you an example, for someone looking to upgrade, knowing the exact model is crucial. You’ll need this info to check compatibility with other components like RAM, CPU, etc. For instance, certain older motherboards might not support the latest-gen CPUs or DDR4 RAM, making an upgrade more complex than just slotting in new parts.

Just be cautious if you’re planning to flash the BIOS during your upgrade – double-check your motherboard model before downloading the update. A mismatch here can turn your setup into a brick, and nobody wants that.

So go ahead and give these methods a shot. You should be able to get your motherboard model in no time.

3

If you’re looking for your motherboard model on Windows 10, especially for an upgrade, @codecrafter already mentioned some good methods like System Information and Command Prompt. Those are solid, but sometimes they don’t show exactly what you need, especially if the info is not being pulled correctly for some reason. Here are a few other techniques you might find useful as a DIY enthusiast who wants more detailed methods or some troubleshooting alternatives:

  1. BIOS/UEFI Firmware:

    • Reboot your computer and press the key (usually F2, DEL, or ESC) during the boot sequence to enter the BIOS/UEFI firmware settings.
    • Once you’re in the BIOS/UEFI settings, locate the “Information” or “Main” tab. The motherboard model and manufacturer should be listed there.
    • This is more direct but requires a restart, which might be inconvenient if you’re in the middle of something.

  2. Windows PowerShell:

    • While Command Prompt is handy, Windows PowerShell offers a bit more flexibility and detail.
    • Open PowerShell by searching for it in the Start menu and running it as an administrator.
    • Enter the command: Get-WmiObject win32_baseboard | Format-List Product,Manufacturer,SerialNumber,Version
    • PowerShell commands can sometimes give more robust outputs compared to the WMIC command.

  3. Task Manager:

    • It’s a less common method, but you can sometimes find this info on newer systems directly in Windows Task Manager.
    • Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
    • Navigate to the “Performance” tab and select “CPU” – it might list the baseboard/motherboard model.
    • A bit of a long shot, but worth checking if you’re already in Task Manager for other reasons.

  4. Third-Party Detailed Reporting Tools:

    • Besides CPU-Z, tools like Speccy or HWiNFO offer comprehensive hardware analyses.
    • Speccy: Download Speccy from Piriform’s official site, install it, and check the “Motherboard” section. It gives detailed information about your motherboard model, chipset, BIOS version, and more.
    • HWiNFO: This tool not only tells you your motherboard model but also provides temperature readings, voltages, and fan speeds, among other things. It’s more detailed and is used both in a monitoring and reporting capacity.
    • These tools are particularly useful if you need to keep an eye on multiple system factors during your upgrade.

  5. Manual Physical Check:

    • If your system info tools or software fail you, a surefire way is to physically look at your motherboard.
    • Open your case and locate the motherboard. Usually, the model number is printed somewhere obvious, often somewhere around the PCI-E slots or nearby the CPU socket.
    • While this method involves the most effort and some manual labor, it’s bulletproof since you’re seeing it firsthand.

While I, too, recommend caution when it comes to flashing the BIOS, it’s equally critical to know what version of BIOS you’re running, especially if you’re changing major components. Sometimes motherboards have updated BIOS versions that support newer CPUs, which weren’t supported out of the box.

For example, when I upgraded my Intel i5-6600k to an Intel i7-7700k a while back, my older ASUS Z170 motherboard needed a BIOS update. Knowing the motherboard model down to the specific revision number helped me get the correct BIOS update without risking my setup.

Lastly, always ensure you’re grounded when working inside your PC to avoid static damage to your components. An anti-static wrist strap can be a useful tool here.

So, while @codecrafter’s methods are definitely handy and get the job done most of the time, these additional steps offer more thorough solutions in case you hit any snags or need more detailed info for an extensive upgrade.

4

The “solutions” from @byteguru and @codecrafter sound good on paper, but trust me, they aren’t always foolproof. The System Information or Command Prompt methods often don’t work due to outdated BIOS or OEM restrictions—ever think of that? Windows is notorious for not always pulling the right hardware info.

Regarding third-party software like “CPU-Z” or “Speccy,” sure, they’re lightweight and user-friendly, blah blah. But, honestly, installing more software just to find a motherboard model? What a hassle! Plus, these tools sometimes get entangled in unwanted bundled offers. Enjoy that bloatware!

Here’s another point - BIOS/UEFI. Don’t know about ya’ll, but rebooting my system just to check a motherboard model? Really sucks, especially when deep in work. Not to mention, BIOS navigation feels like a step back to the 90s.

Physical Check—best method they say? Who’s got time for that? Not to mention, opening your case just to eyeball a model number might void your warranty or mess up an already functioning setup.

Instead, if you’re savvy enough, skip the circus and use the good old “Belarc Advisor.” Quick install and bam, you’ve got all your system’s deets without jumping through hoops. While competitors exist (CPU-Z or HWiNFO), they aren’t exactly superior, but “Belarc Advisor” just gets the job done more direct and less fluff.

Stop overcomplicating things. Find your method, get your motherboard info, and upgrade smartly. Period.