(1) Any type of metal or plastic plate designed to fit over a
device or computer component to enhance the device's functionality or its looks.
Cellphones, iPods and even handheld game devices are types consumer electronics
that consumers can purchase faceplates for. These faceplates, usually snap on
plates, can change the way the device looks, enabling consumers to change the
design to better suit their own tastes and personalities.
(2) A motherboard plate, also called a faceplate, is a metal
plate that fits over a motherboard's ports to supply a secure casing around the
ports. A motherboard's faceplate helps keep the motherboard enclosed within a PC
and helps prevent dust from accumulating on the motherboard. Some manufacturers
provide faceplates with motherboards and others do not. Faceplates typically are
installed into the back of a computer's case.
The term also is spelled as two words -- face plate.
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