How to Determine What Type of Motherboard Your Computer Has
The motherboard on a PC is the main piece of circuitry on which your computer runs. It is the central hub of all the computer components. Motherboard specifications vary from board to board, meaning the each board may require a different set of drivers for the chipset and internal components. Knowing what type of motherboard you have will help you determine how much RAM your computer can handle and what types of hardware are compatible with your computer. All commercially-manufactured motherboards come with a model number that can give you the identity of that specific board.
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Instructions
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Download CPU-Z
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Go to the CPUID website (see Resources). CPU-Z is a safe and free application. No setup or registration is required.
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Click on the file link under "Download Latest Version." Select the "OK" or "Save" button.
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Select the folder to download CPU-Z. Some Internet browsers download in a default location, while others ask you to choose the folder. Click on the "Folder" icon at the top of the window to create a new folder. Rename the folder "CPUZ." The download takes less than 1 minute to complete. If your browser downloads to a default folder, go to Step 4 and skip this step.
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Use the mouse to right-click on the CPU-Z file in the download box. Click the "Open Folder" link. Right-click in the middle of the folder that pops up. Scroll to "New" and click. Name the folder, "CPUZ." Right-click on the "CPU-Z" file. Click "Copy" and then double-click on your new folder. When the folder opens, right-click in the middle again and select "Paste." The CPU-Z application is now in a folder by itself.
Download WinZip or WinAce
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Obtain WinZip or WinAce. When you download a .zip, .ace or .rar file extension, you unpack the file to acquire the executable .exe file. Go to Download.com and insert WinZip or WinAce in the search box. (Or, follow the direct links in the Resource section.)
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Click on "WinZip Self-Extractor 3.1" or "WinAce 2.6.9" link. Then select "Download Now." If you follow a Resource link, click "Download Now." Save according to Steps 3 and 4 in the CPU-Z section. This takes approximately 3 minutes to download.
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Use the mouse to double-click on the WinZip or WinAce file to install. Follow the onscreen instructions.
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Go to the download folder for CPU-Z. Right click on the file. Select the "Extract Here" tab. Wait approximately 10 seconds. Three files will extract.
Use CPU-Z
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Use your mouse to double-click on the CPU-Z.exe file. This will automatically check your system. CPU-Z reads the motherboard, processor and memory type, as well as memory specifications.
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Click on the Mainboard tab. You can obtain the manufacturer, model, chipset and the bios information.
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Make a note of your computers specifications. Click the "OK" button to exit the program.
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Tips & Warnings
In addition to CPU-Z, you can open your case. Use a flashlight to view the writing on the physical motherboard. Obtain the manufacturer and/or model number directly from the motherboard.
Other programs work similar to CPU-Z. However, many of these install unnecessary files on your computer. This can cause slow down in response time or applications not working.
