Many people struggle to differentiate between “Logic Board” and “Motherboard.” However, this article aims to clarify all doubts and misconceptions about these two components without altering their meaning or plagiarizing any source.
Both terms can be used interchangeably in the market because their functionality remains unchanged. The confusion surrounding this issue began when Apple, a favorite company for many, introduced the term “Logic Board” as an alternative name for the motherboard in their old Macintosh computers. This clever marketing tactic aimed to make their products stand out and create the perception of uniqueness compared to regular motherboards. This strategy was successful, and other companies followed suit, adopting the term “Logic Board” to refer to their motherboards as well
A logic board essentially functions as a motherboard, but not all motherboards can be labeled as logic boards. Before delving into a comprehensive guide, it’s crucial to recognize this distinction.
Understanding of Logic Board
A logic board comprises logic gates, an integrated circuit, and other connected components such as RAM and a graphic card. These elements are integrated into the motherboard, making the terms “Logic Board” and “Motherboard” interchangeable, yielding the same outcome.
The logic board serves as the heart of the machine, facilitating connections between all connected components to bring forth the complete version of the computer. It’s worth noting that the term “Logic Board” originated from Apple, who referred to their motherboard as a logic board, thereby distinguishing it from traditional motherboards. Apart from this, It comes in a smaller area than the motherboard, in simpler word logic board is more compact.
Explanation of Motherboard
The motherboard serves as the central processing unit for computers, laptops, and tablets, functioning as the brain of these devices. Its primary role is to create a platform that allows all system components to collaborate through sockets or plug-in options.
This feature enables users to effortlessly add or remove various components like the CPU, RAM, storage devices, and other peripherals, and crucially, it permits upgrades by ensuring circuit compatibility. This distinction does not apply to the logic board.
Numerous prominent companies, including MSI and ASUS, are involved in developing motherboards. However, if Apple were to create a similar card for performing similar functions, it would be referred to as a logic board.
Working of Logic Board
The logic board acts as the heart of the system. When we examine the structure of the logic board, it appears to be nothing more than a plate made of metal or plastic, housing all the mounted components. These components are soldered together to facilitate communication with the CPU and other elements.
The main mounted components are the CPU, RAM, and graphic unit, while various sensors are also connected to perform specific functions. A power supply unit known as the power supply unit is also responsible for providing power to the I/O port and all other components.
Logic boards tend to be more robust than motherboards in terms of durability. However, there is always a risk of potential damage to all electrical components due to electric short circuits or temperature rises.
Despite these potential risks, all the components on the logic board work together under the supervision of the CPU to run your computer. This is how the logic board functions.
Working of the Motherboard
The motherboard is responsible for holding and facilitating communication with all essential components connected in the system. These components include the CPU, input/output devices, memory cards, and other external cards.
Regarding its working, the CPU is a vital component of the motherboard as it performs all logical operations and sends commands to different integrated components connected on the same board, enabling them to work together. The communication between these components requires a medium, which is facilitated by buses. In a computer system, two bus types are used: the address bus and the data bus, for data transfer.
Furthermore, the motherboard has various slots that allow users to add extra cards such as SSDs, RAM, and graphic cards to enhance the system’s functionality. These slots serve as plug-in sockets, enabling users to connect these cards to the motherboard for seamless communication.
Like any other equipment, the motherboard also requires a power supply. It comes with a power supply unit that ensures every component receives sufficient power.
Comparison of Logic Board and Motherboard
Nevertheless, we learn what a logic board is, what the motherboard is, and how they work in their field. Now it’s worth understanding the difference between them:
- The motherboard runs as one single board where all the external cards are connected in one suite, while the IO board, also known as the logic board, manages the external or output devices inserted to add more features. Therefore, all the external cards are also considered logic boards.
- Regarding manufacturers, it is very easy to distinguish between a logic board and a motherboard. As we know, the term “Motherboard” has become very common in the market, with numerous companies actively creating motherboards. However, Apple is the only manufacturer introducing a logic board in their vintage Macintosh systems. The reason behind this decision was crystal clear; it was simply a marketing strategy to attract users to their computers and offer them something more unique.
- The motherboard is an integrated circuit that houses all the components in one place, qualifying as a logic board by meeting all the necessary criteria. It’s important to note that while all motherboards are logic boards, not all logic boards can be classified as motherboards. Various peripheral components, such as GPU units and hard drives, are logic boards since they connect with the system but cannot be referred to as motherboards.
- The distinction between motherboards and logic boards is evident in their customizability. Upgrading components like RAM, GPU units, or other parts on the motherboard is feasible due to its design, allowing for improvements. On the other hand, logic boards lack this flexibility; they are not customizable like motherboards, and replacing any component with a new or better one is not possible. Therefore, if an upgrade is required, obtaining a new logic board becomes necessary while retaining the old one.
- We have understood since childhood that supply and demand are inverse parameters. The same principle applies here with various companies manufacturing motherboards, making them readily available in the market in sufficient quantities. However, Apple is the sole manufacturer of logic boards, leading to higher demand in the market than motherboards. Consequently, logic boards become more expensive and often exceed the budget of many users due to this high demand.
Logic Board Vs Motherboard – FAQs
Ans: Ans: The name “Logic Board” was primarily coined by Apple for their motherboard used in the vintage Macintosh computer. The purpose was to distinguish it from the usual products available. The term “Logic Board” is used because these boards contain packages of logic gates and other electronic components that collaborate to create a fully seamless working computer device for the user. Essentially, it is no different from a motherboard in function.
Ans: Ans: A logic board is essentially a collection of small logic gates, necessitating carefully handling its components. However, despite the need for gentle treatment, failures can still occur due to various reasons. These include physical impacts, high temperatures, dust or dirt accumulation, improper earthing, and electrostatic discharge.
Ans: Ans: The logic receives calls from various names in the market, depending on the area of the product and its application scope. Some of the common names used interchangeably are logic cards, PCB (printed circuit board), System board, and last but not least, IO board.
Ans: Ans: We observed several factors that can degrade the life of a motherboard or even lead to its complete destruction. One such factor is an electrical short circuit, which can occur due to loose connections or other reasons. Additionally, physical impacts can also pose a threat, as even a small amount of damage can destroy the entire motherboard. Power supply issues can be problematic for some users, as high spikes in power supply can damage internal components. Furthermore, the presence of dust and dirt, along with insufficient cooling provision, can also contribute to motherboard deterioration.
Conclusion
Now, the next time you purchase a computer and encounter terms like “logic board” and “motherboard,” you won’t be confused. This article clarifies that both the logic board and motherboard functionally perform the same tasks; however, the difference is observed in the product nomenclature and their manufacturers. For instance, Apple always refers to its motherboard as a logic board. We hope this guide has clearly understood what the logic board and motherboard represent and how they differ.
