Question about motherboards on computer?

If the replacement motherboard is the exact same model as the one you have, it will not be a downgrade. You should really have no problem as long as they send you the same model. If this is a Dell or HP or other manufacturer (basically, if you didn't build it yourself), they will send you the exact same motherboard. I am a contractor and I do warranty repairs for Dell, HP, and IBM/Lenovo, and usually the motherboard is brand new. The only time I have seen them replace a motherboard with a truly refurbished motherboard is when the laptop model is very old and no new parts are being made. For example, if you have a Dell D600 that you bought 6 years ago and you bought the extended 3 year warranty, then you extended the warranty for another three years, it is still under warranty but no new motherboards are being made, so they will replace it with a tested refurbished motherboard.