Chapter 2 Expansion Cards, Storage Devices, and Power Supplies

What is the purpose of video, sound, network, and capture cards?

• Video Card (GPU) Enhances graphics processing for gaming, video editing, and rendering

• Sound Card: Improves audio quality and adds surrounds sound or professional recording capabilities

• Network Card (NIC): Provides wired/wireless network connectivity (Ethernet or WiFi

• Capture Card: Records video input from external devices (recording gaming, cameras)

What are the key components of a conventional hard drive system?

Platters: Magnetic disks that store data

Spindle: Rotates the platters at speeds (5,400, 7,200, 10,000, 15,000 RPM)

Read/Write Heads: Positioned above platters to read and write data

Actuator Arm: Moves heads over platters

Controller Board: Manages drive operations and interfaces with the system.

What are the advantages of SSDs over HDDs?

• Faster read/write speeds (no moving parts)

• More durable (resistant to drops and shocks)

• Lower power consumption (better for laptops)

• Generates less heat and noise

• Smaller physical size (M.2, mSATA)

What are the three SSD communication interfaces and two SSD form factors?

Interfaces:

1. NVMe: Fastest, uses PCIe lanes

2. SATA: Slower, legacy connection

3. PCIe: Used for high-performance SSDs

Form Factors:

1. M.2: Compact, used in modern laptops/desktops

2. mSATA: Older, found in smaller device