CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (3.5 - Expansion Cards)

Expansion cards

• Extend the functionality of your computer

- You may need more than the

motherboard provides

• Relatively simple process

- Designed for end-user installation

• Install hardware - Add a card

• Install a driver - Software for the operating system

Sound card

• Output

- High-end audio

- Advanced headphone amp

- Home theater, Dolby decoding

• Multiple inputs

- Music capture, podcasting, microphone

Video card

• Many CPUs include an integrated GPU

- Video functionality is built into the CPU package

• Discrete graphics - The GPU is not part of the CPU

• Separate interface card - High performance

Capture card

• Video as an input

- Video capture, live streaming, external cameras

• High performance

- Video bandwidths can be quite high

- PCI Express connection

Network Interface Card (NIC)

• Ethernet connection

- Motherboard may not include a NIC

- Onboard NIC may not be working

• Additional connections - Servers, routers, security devices

Documentation

• Check the motherboard documentation

- Number and type of slots

• Check the adapter card documentation

- Minimum requirements - Hardware, software

- Knowledge base - Any "gotchas?"

- Support forums - What are other people saying?

• You may need to perform a driver installation before installing hardware

Driver installation

• You checked the documentation first, right?

• Check the web for the latest version

• Uninstall previous drivers through Windows Device Manager

• Manufacturer provided setup program

• Manual installation through Windows Device Manager

• Check the Device Manager for the status - Does it work?