x# layer pcb..explanation please.

[comrade]

motherboards, memory, etc.. is made of x(eg, 4,6) number layer PCB.
But what does this mean in reality to a consumer?

 

[numark]

I'm pretty sure that the more layers there are in a PCB, the less noise that is produced by the components, thus increasing stability and reliability. I could be wrong however; can someone confirm either way?

 

[Wingznut]

When you look at a PCB, you see a bunch of printed circuits. There are layers of circuits built into the board. In general... The more layers, the more circuits can be built on the same size board. More importantly, this means that the same number of circuits can have more space/insulation in between, reducing cross-talk, electromigration, etc.

Are all "higher layer" PCB's inherantly more stable... Not necessarily, of course. There are many, many other factors at work, also.

Obviously a higher amount of layers generally means a higher cost of production. That's the only downside.

 

[ElFenix]

the cost doesn't seem to be that much as far as a normal consumer is concerned but OEMs like saving $1/board or whatever it is (its pretty low)