Expansion slot is a socket that is mounted on a motherboard to insert circuit board. Different circuit boards are inserted into the motherboard to add new devices and enhance capabilities to the computer. Some examples are memory chips, sound devices, modems or graphics card etc. A circuit board is identified by different terms like card, expansion card, expansion board, adapter card, interface card, add-in and add-on etc.
Some cards contain built-in feature or device like modem card and graphics card. Some cards are attached to a device outside the system unit like scanner etc.
Types of Expansion Cards
Different types of expansion cards are as follows:
Video Card: It is also called video adapter or graphics card. It converts computer output into a video signal and sends it to the monitor to display.
Sound Card: It enhances the sound-generating capabilities of a computer. It allows sound to be input through microphone and output through speakers.
Network Interface Card (NIC): It is also called network card. It is a communication device that allows a computer to communicate via a network.
Modem Card: It is also called an internal modem. It is a communication device that enables computer to communicate via telephone lines or other means.
