Expansion Cards

Expansion Cards

Expansion cards add functionalities not integrated into the motherboard.

Video Cards

• Enhance display quality, especially for gaming, CAD, and video editing.
• Connect via PCIe x16 slot.
• Contain a dedicated GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) to offload processing from the main processor.
• Improve performance in 2D/3D rendering, video editing, and encoding.
• Include high-speed memory.
• Feature external graphical ports like Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, and HDMI.

Capture Cards

• Convert video signals into digital format for computer processing.
• Used to capture and stream video from external devices (e.g., consoles) or security cameras.
• TV capture cards (less common now) allowed cable TV viewing/recording on computers.

Sound Cards

• Provide enhanced audio output (e.g., 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound).
• Offer better audio experience for gaming and movies.
• Many modern motherboards have integrated 5.1 optical output, reducing the need for dedicated sound cards.

Network Interface Cards (NIC)

• Offer additional network connectivity options.
• Can provide faster Ethernet connections (e.g., 10 Gigabit).
• Support fiber optic connections (ST, SC, or NTRJ connectors).
• Enable wireless networking (Wi-Fi) for motherboards lacking built-in support.

Riser Cards

• Allow horizontal installation of expansion cards in low-profile PCs.
• Used in small form factor PCs where vertical expansion cards won't fit.
• Common in high-end workstations, servers, and specialized office devices.

General Information

• Expansion cards offer various capabilities.
• Require compatible drivers for the operating system.
• Examples: graphics cards, capture cards, sound cards, network interface cards.