What Kind of Laptop Do I Have? (How to Check Model & Specs)

We’ll show you how to check what kind of laptop you have and what hardware is inside.

There are several reasons why you might need to check your laptop’s model and specs. You might be comparing your current laptop to a new one you’re considering upgrading to.

Or, you might be checking your laptop’s specs against a video game’s system requirements to see if you can run it. Whatever the reason, it’s relatively easy to find the model number and specs on a laptop.

In this guide, we’ll go over some quick steps you can take to find your model number and key hardware information.

Finding Your Laptop’s Model Number

The model number of your laptop can help you find your computer’s specs and locate troubleshooting information.

Luckily, in most cases, the model number is easy to locate.

1. Flip your laptop upside down and look for a sticker or printed label. It usually shows the brand and model number (e.g., “Acer Aspire 5517”).
2. If you don’t see it, open the Windows search bar and type “Control Panel”.
3. Click on Control Panel > System and Security > System.
4. Your laptop’s brand and model should be listed under “Device specifications.”

Checking Your Laptop’s CPU

Finding out what CPU your laptop has is very straightforward in Windows.

1. Right-click the Windows Start button and select System.
2. On the “About” page, look for “Processor” under the Device Specifications section.
3. You’ll also see the amount of installed RAM listed here.

Checking Your Laptop’s GPU

When it comes to gaming or comparing models, your GPU is critical. Here’s how to find it:

1. Right-click the Windows Start button and open Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display Adapters section.
3. Your GPU will be listed here. (If you see two options, the dedicated GPU is usually listed second.)

Checking How Much RAM You Have

Many of the methods above will also lead you to your system’s RAM info. Here’s another way to check it:

1. Right-click the Windows Start button and select System.
2. Scroll down to the Device Specifications section on the “About” page.
3. Look for “Installed RAM” to see how much memory your laptop has.

Finding Your Laptop’s Motherboard

While it’s rare to need motherboard information for a laptop, if you do, here’s how to find it:

1. Open the Windows search bar and type “System Information”.
2. Click on the System Information app that appears.
3. Look for “BaseBoard Manufacturer” and “BaseBoard Product” to find your motherboard’s brand and model number.

You can also use the System Information panel to find your CPU, GPU, and RAM information.

Can You Upgrade Your Laptop?

After checking your laptop’s specifications, you might be wondering if it’s possible to upgrade its components to improve performance. While laptops aren’t as upgradeable as desktop PCs, there are still a few options available depending on the model you have.

Which Laptop Parts Can You Upgrade?

In many laptops, the easiest components to upgrade are:

• RAM (Memory): Adding more memory can help improve multitasking and overall system responsiveness. Many laptops allow you to swap out the existing RAM sticks for higher-capacity ones, but some models have soldered RAM that can’t be upgraded.
• Storage (SSD or Hard Drive): Upgrading to a larger or faster SSD can make a huge difference in boot times and file transfers. Most laptops let you replace a 2.5″ SATA drive or M.2 NVMe drive fairly easily.
• Wireless Card: In some laptops, you can upgrade the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card for faster wireless speeds, although this is less common.
• External GPU (eGPU): Some high-end laptops support external GPU enclosures through Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports, allowing you to boost graphics performance without opening up your laptop.

What You Typically Can’t Upgrade

While RAM and storage upgrades are often possible, most other components in a laptop are soldered directly to the motherboard, meaning they can’t be replaced or upgraded. These usually include:

• CPU (Processor): In almost all modern laptops, the CPU is permanently attached to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
• GPU (Graphics Card): Discrete GPUs, if present, are also soldered on in nearly all laptops. Upgrading your GPU usually means buying a new laptop or using an external GPU setup.
• Motherboard: Laptops are designed with specific form factors, so replacing the motherboard isn’t feasible like it can be in desktops.

Because of these limitations, if your laptop is struggling to keep up with your needs — especially in gaming, video editing, or demanding software — it’s often more cost-effective to upgrade to a newer model rather than trying to upgrade internal components.

Need a new laptop? Check out our buyer’s guides:

• Best Gaming Laptops Under $1,000
• Best Gaming Laptops Overall