Adapter cards, also called expansion cards, are designed for a specific task and add extra functionality to a computer. The figure shows some of the adapter cards available. Before you purchase an adapter card, answer the following questions.
- Is there an open expansion slot?
- Is the adapter card compatible with the open slot?
- What are the customer’s current and future needs?
- What are the possible configuration options?
- What are the reasons for the best choice?
If the motherboard does not have a compatible expansion slot, an external device may be an option. Other factors that affect the selection process include cost, warranty, brand name, availability, and form factor.
Graphics Cards
The type of graphics card installed affects the overall performance of a computer. The programs and tasks that the graphics card may need to support could be RAM intensive, CPU intensive, or both. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a new graphics card:
- Slot type
- Port type
- Amount and speed of video RAM (VRAM)
- Graphics processor unit (GPU)
- Maximum resolution
A computer system must have the slots, RAM, and CPU to support the full functionality of an upgraded graphics card to receive all the benefits of the card. Choose the correct graphics card based on your customer’s current and future needs. For example, if a customer wants to play 3D games, the graphics card must meet or exceed the minimum requirements for any game they want to play.
Some GPUs are integrated into the CPU. When the GPU is integrated into the CPU, there is no need to purchase a graphics card unless advanced video features such as 3D graphics or very high resolution are required. To use the built-in graphics capability of a CPU, purchase a motherboard that supports this feature.
Sound Cards
The type of sound card installed determines the sound quality of your computer. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a new sound card:
- Slot type
- Digital signal processor (DSP)
- Sample rate
- Port and connection types
- Hardware decoder
- Signal-to-noise ratio
A computer system must have quality speakers and a subwoofer to support the full functionality of an upgraded sound card. Choose the correct sound card based on your customer’s current and future needs. For example, if a customer wants to hear a specific type of surround sound, the sound card must have the correct hardware decoder to reproduce it. In addition, the customer can get improved sound accuracy with a sound card that has a higher sample rate.
Storage Controllers
A storage controller is a chip that can be integrated into the motherboard or on an expansion card. Storage controllers allow for the expansion of internal and external drives for a computer system. Storage controllers, such as RAID controllers, can also provide fault tolerance or increased speed. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a new storage controller card:
- Slot type
- Drive type
- Connector quantity
- Connector location
- Card size
- Controller card RAM
- Controller card processor
- RAID type
The amount of data and the level of data protection needed for the customer influences the type of storage controller required. Choose the correct storage controller based on your customer’s current and future needs. For example, if a customer wants to implement RAID 5, a RAID storage controller with at least three drives is needed.
I/O Cards
Installing an I/O card in a computer is a fast and easy way to add I/O ports. There are several factors to consider when purchasing an I/O card:
- Slot type
- I/O port type
- I/O port quantity
- Additional power requirements
FireWire, USB, parallel, and serial ports are some of the most common ports to install on a computer. Choose the correct I/O card based on your customer’s current and future needs. For example, if a customer wants to add an internal card reader, and the motherboard has no internal USB connection, a USB I/O card with an internal USB connection is needed.
NICs
Customers upgrade a network interface card (NIC) to get faster speeds, more bandwidth, and better access. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a NIC:
- Slot type
- Speed
- Connector type
- Connection type
- Standards compatibility
Capture Cards
A capture card imports video into a computer and records it on a hard drive. The addition of a capture card with a television tuner allows you to view and record television programming. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a capture card:
- Slot type
- Resolution and frame rate
- I/O port
- Format standards
The computer system must have enough CPU power, adequate RAM, and a high-speed storage system to support the capture, recording, and editing demands of the customer. Choose the correct capture card based on your customer’s current and future needs. For example, if a customer wants to record one program while watching another, either multiple capture cards or a capture card with dual TV tuners must be installed.