(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.
See also “The Difference Between a Cell Phone, Smartphone and PDA” in the “Did You Know…” section of Webopedia.
(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.
