What is an SBC?

An SBC (single board computer) is just what the name implies, a computer that consists of a single printed circuit board. The name SBC was significant back in a time when PCs require many peripheral cards in addition to the motherboard.

But that has been changed.

Almost all PC motherboards are now SBCs. In other words, there is no need to add any additional peripheral cards in additional the the motherboard. Most modern ATX motherboards include everything a PC user needs, so they are, by definition, SBCs.

In a narrower scope, SBCs typically refer to ruggedized single board computers that can handle a wide range of temperature and humidity. SBCs also usually claim to require less power and single flexible voltage source (power supply) instead of multiple voltages required by mini-ITX motherboards.