Daughterboard

Updated: 02/21/2025 by Computer Hope

Alternatively called a piggyback board and daughter card, a daughterboard is an expansion board that connects directly to the motherboard and gives added functionality (e.g., modem). Today, these boards are not found or used in desktop computers. They were replaced with ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) cards, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) cards, and onboard options. However, some laptops still use these boards.

Note

To disable a daughterboard, the user must physically remove it from the motherboard.

Note

Some may use the term daughterboard to describe an expansion card.

Is there a sisterboard?

The term "sister board" or "sisterboard" may describe a complementary circuit board that connects to another circuit board. However, the term is not a popularized term and is rarely used.

Is there a sonboard or brotherboard?

No. We've never encountered anyone using the terms "brotherboard" or "sonboard."

Adapter card, Expansion card, MDC, Motherboard, Motherboard terms, Peripheral card, Riser card