How to Find the Type of Motherboard on a Computer

Finding the type of a motherboard can sometimes be a difficult task.

If you're planning on upgrading a computer, it's important to know what type of motherboard it uses. Without computer experience, this can be a difficult task. But don't fret: it's achievable if you've got the patience. The process to find out will differ depending on whether the computer is in working order and able to boot into an operating system like Microsoft Windows or whether it is non-functional and unable to boot. Although the software method is easiest to do, it may be necessary to use the hardware method to accurately determine many motherboard types.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight (optional)
• Screwdriver

Instructions

Software Method

1. Boot the computer into Windows.

2. Click the "Start" button.

3. Type "msinfo32" into the search field and press "Enter." This will load the System Information window.

4. Scan the System Summary for the "System Manufacturer" and "System Model." In many computers, this will list the motherboard information.

Hardware Method

1. Open the computer's case. This may require a screwdriver, depending on the case.

2. Ground yourself by touching a metal part of the computer's case to prevent any static electricity damage to the computer's components.

3. Look at the top of the computer's motherboard for printed identification. The location will vary from one motherboard manufacturer to the next. You can use a flashlight if it's difficult to see inside the case. If no identification is available on the top, you'll need to look on its bottom side.

4. Unplug all connections from the motherboard and unfasten it from the case using a screwdriver to remove the screws.

5. Remove the motherboard and look at its underside for printed identification. The location will vary from one motherboard manufacturer to the next.

Tips & Warnings

• An alternative software method for a bootable computer is to download a third-party software application that will "audit" your computer to precisely determine each of its components. Many auditing programs are available to be downloaded for free from the Internet.

• If you can't find a manufacturer and model number printed anywhere on the motherboard, all hope is not lost. Look instead for an FCC number, a three-digit company code and a 14-digit product code, separated by a dash, used by the Federal Communications Commission to brand electronic products. You can search this number on an FCC identification website (see Resources) to determine exactly what type of motherboard is installed in a computer.

References

• Computer Hope: How to determine what type of motherboard I have
• TechRepublic: Follow these clues to find a motherboard's manufacturer

Resources

• Driverzone: FCC ID Search