Identifying motherboards

How do you find out what kind of motherboard you have ?

 

Download this and it will tell you exactly that and a lot more. A great little piece of software. http://www.sisoftware.co.uk/index.php?location=sware_dl

 

Sorry I should of been more clear. I want to know how to identify a motherboard by looking at it. What markings to look for, where on the thing to look, etc stuff like that.

 

Well then look at it and find the markings yourself.

If its a name brand MoBo it will have the manufacturer and model printed on the board. MoBos aren't that big, you should be able to find it.

Now if its a MoBo in a Gateway, D*ll , etc. it most likely will NOT be printed on the board. Maybe Woz's program will help.

 

Hex, what do I look for ?

 

Most MoBos are identified by a stamp on the board itself - not the various chips on the board. I took a quick look around the lab and the names are typically printed on the board between the PCI slots. My ASUS board had the model (A7V333) name printed quite large between the PCI slots, but the name ASUS was not.

If you can find what appears to be a model number you should be able to do a quick search to find the manufacturer.

 

It is a Compaq Presario made in 1998. It has a socket 7 for the processor.

Does this mean that Compaq made this motherboard ?

 

There is a website that is full of usefull stuff about identifying m/boards through the bios version number.

http://www.wimsbios.com/

 

Compaq either made it or had someone do it for them. Thats one of the many reasons why I don't buy computers from the 'big guys'. Stick with custom built boxes or build your own. That way you know whats in the box.

 

Matt:

Go to this site: HERE and you will find a very nice Compaq support page, which includes models and parts.

You may find what you are looking for.

Good luck!

Brangwen