This article shows you how to find the technical specifications of the motherboard installed in a computer. Normally this procedure is performed on Windows systems, since Macs cannot be updated by installing new, more modern and performing components at the user's discretion. To find information about your motherboard, you can use the "Command Prompt" or a free program called Speccy. Alternatively, you can perform a visual inspection of the device to trace the model by physically opening the computer case. If you're using a Mac, you can find the specifications of your motherboard by taking note of the computer's serial number and searching online.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use the Windows Command Prompt
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.
Step 2. Type the keywords command prompt in the "Start" menu
This will search your computer using the specified criteria.
Step 3. Click on the icon
related to the Windows "Command Prompt".
It should have appeared at the top of the "Start" menu. This will bring up the "Command Prompt" window.
Step 4. Run the command to find the information of the motherboard installed in the system
Type the following command into the "Command Prompt" window, then press the Enter key:
wmic baseboard get product, manufacturer, version, serialnumber
Step 5. Review the information received
The data will be displayed in tabular form respecting the following structure:
- Manufacturer - represents the manufacturer of the motherboard installed in the computer. This is usually the same company that assembled the device.
- Product - indicates the name with which the motherboard is identified.
- Serial number - represents the serial number of the motherboard currently in use.
- Version - indicates the version number of the device.
- You can use these technical specifications to determine what type of hardware and peripherals can be installed on your computer.
- If with this method you have not been able to trace any information regarding the motherboard installed in the computer, continue reading the article.
Method 2 of 4: Using Speccy on Windows Systems
Step 1. Log in to the Speccy website
You can use the following URL https://www.piriform.com/speccy and the internet browser of your choice.
Step 2. Press the Download Free Version button
It is green in color and is located on the right side of the web page.
Step 3. Press the Free Download button when prompted
In this way you will be redirected to the page from which you can select the actual link to download the installation file.
Step 4. Click on the "Piriform.com" link
It is visible in the "Download from" section of the "Speccy Free" box. The Speccy installation file will automatically download to your computer.
If the download does not start immediately after selecting the indicated link, you can force it to start by pressing the button Start Download located at the top of the page.
Step 5. Proceed to install Speccy
Double-click the file you just downloaded, then follow these instructions:
- When prompted, press the button Yup;
- Select the "No thanks, I don't need Ccleaner" checkbox in the lower right corner of the window that appears;
- Click on Install;
- Wait for the Speccy installation procedure to complete.
Step 6. When prompted, select Run Speccy
It is represented by a purple button located in the center of the installation window. Speccy's graphical interface will appear on the screen.
If you do not need to consult the information relating to the current version of Speccy online, deselect the "View release notes" checkbox located below the button Run Speccy.
Step 7. Go to the Motherboard tab
It is located on the left side of the Speccy window.
Step 8. Review your computer motherboard information
Under the heading "Motherboard", located in the upper part of the program window, all the information relating to the motherboard is displayed: manufacturer, model, version number, and so on.
You can use these technical specifications to determine what type of hardware and peripherals can be installed on your computer
Method 3 of 4: Identify the Motherboard Model of a Mac
Step 1. Access the "Apple" menu by clicking on the icon
The latter is characterized by the Apple logo and is positioned in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 2. Choose the About This Mac option
It is displayed at the top of the appeared menu.
Step 3. Make a note of the Mac serial number
Find the number located to the right of the "Serial Number" field.
Step 4. Go back to the motherboard model installed on the Mac
Go to an online search engine (eg Google), then search using the computer's serial number followed by the keyword "motherboard" and press the Enter key. This will display the list of motherboard models that match the search criteria.
Method 4 of 4: Visually Locate the Motherboard Model
Step 1. Turn off your computer
Make sure you save and close all currently open files, then shut down your computer and turn off the power switch that is normally located on the back of the case.
This method is valid for Windows systems only
Step 2. Disconnect any peripherals currently connected to the computer
These include the power cable, the network cable, the mouse, the keyboard and possibly the loudspeakers.
Step 3. Discharge your body's electrostatic charge to earth
This step is to prevent any static electricity present in your body from triggering an electric shock when you touch the motherboard or one of the computer components.
Step 4. Prepare the computer case for work
Place it on a table or stable surface. Lay the side of the case where all motherboard connectors protrude on the table or worktop. This will ensure that you have positioned the computer correctly and that you have direct access to the motherboard once you remove the external panel.
Step 5. Open the case
Most computer desktop drives have an access side panel secured by security screws that can be easily removed with your hands. However, older case models may require the use of a screwdriver. If the normal fixing knob screws are too tight, it will still be possible to loosen them using a screwdriver. Normally the fixing screws are located along the outside of the panel that gives access to the inside of the case.
After unscrewing the screws that hold it in place, you can remove the case panel by simply sliding it slightly and then lifting it up. In some cases you will have to open it as if you were opening a door depending on the model of the case used
Step 6. Find the motherboard model installed in your computer
It is normally printed directly on the board, but in a different location based on the manufacturer and model. For example, it could be reported near the slots of the RAM memory banks, near the microprocessor socket or between the PCI slots. The card model might be identified by a simple combination of numbers, but on more modern cards it is composed of a combination of the manufacturer name and the product name.
- There is usually a wide variety of lettering on computer motherboards, but typically the model is shown in a larger font.
- A motherboard model and serial number usually appear as a combination of letters and numbers.
Step 7. Track the component manufacturer using the model and serial number
If there is no manufacturer's name on the motherboard, you can easily obtain this information by searching online, using the model and serial number. Also include the keyword "motherboard" in the search criteria to reduce the list of results that will be produced, eliminating data that is not inherent to the world of computers.
