3.4 - Expansion Cards

Question 1

Expansion cards

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

Sound card

Answer 2

• Output
  – High-end audio
  – Advanced headphone amp
  – Home theater, Dolby decoding
• Multiple inputs
  – Music capture
  – Podcasting
  – Microphone

Question 3

Video card

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

Capture card

Answer 4

• Video as an input
  – Video capture, live streaming, external cameras
• High performance
  – Video bandwidths can be quite high
  – PCI Express connection

Question 5

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Answer 5

• Ethernet connection
  – Motherboard may not include a NIC
  – Onboard NIC may not be working
• Additional connections
  – Servers, routers, security devices

Question 6

Documentation

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

Driver installation

Answer 7

• 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?