The model name on the bottom of a laptop does not tell you which motherboard is inside — one model can ship with several boards, and one board can serve several models. The reliable identifier is the code printed on the PCB itself. This decoder recognises the code formats used by the big board manufacturers, tells you who made the board and lists matching boards in this catalog. It uses the same rules as the catalog itself, so a code it recognises here is the code the catalog files boards under.
How to use it
- Find the code on the board: usually printed in the silkscreen near the edge or under the memory slots, sometimes on a sticker.
- Type it as printed, with or without dashes.
- Read the code family and manufacturer, then follow the links to the family page or the matching boards.
Common formats
| Format | Example | Made by |
|---|---|---|
| LA-xxxxP | LA-D312P | Compal |
| NM-xxxx | NM-A841 | LCFC (Lenovo and Compal) |
| DAxxxxMBxxx | DA0ZN1MB6C0 | Quanta |
| 6050Axxxxxxx | 6050A2412601 | Inventec |
| 448.xxxxx.xxxx or 1xxxx-x | 448.0AB06.0011, 15341-1 | Wistron |
| 820-xxxxx | 820-00244 | Apple |
| BA41-xxxxxA | BA41-01662A | Samsung |
| MS-xxxx | MS-16J1 | MSI |
Some formats also carry the PCB revision — Quanta codes encode it in a letter near the end, Apple codes may add a revision letter. When a code includes a revision, the decoder shows it, because schematics and boardviews must match the revision. The background is explained in Laptop Board Codes Explained: LA-, NM-, DA0, 6050A and 448 Numbers and How to Identify Your Laptop Motherboard Model.
Worked example
A Lenovo laptop's board shows "NM-B452" in the silkscreen near the fan. The decoder identifies an LCFC board, links to the LCFC NM- family page and lists matching boards with their schematics, boardviews and BIOS files. The same code on a file name in a forum post confirms that a downloaded schematic is for this board — not merely for a laptop with the same model name.
When nothing matches
- Look for another code on the board; there may be a separate part number.
- Check for misread characters: 0 and O, 8 and B, 1 and I are easily confused.
- Brand-specific numbering is covered in the brand guides, for example HP Laptop Motherboard Part Numbers Explained.
FAQ
Where is the board code printed?
Usually in the silkscreen near a board edge, under the memory or near the CPU. Removing the board is sometimes necessary to see it.
Is the board code the same as the laptop model?
No. One laptop model can use several boards, and one board can be used in several models.
Why does the revision matter?
Schematics and boardviews are revision-specific. Using the wrong revision can send you to parts that are not on your board.