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What is an Expansion Card?
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A hardware component added to a motherboard to provide additional functionality like graphics, audio, network, or video capture.
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Types of Expansion Cards
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(a) Sound Card (b) Video Card (Graphics Card) (c) Capture Card (d) Network Interface Card (NIC)
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Sound Card - Function
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Enhances audio quality by converting digital audio signals into analog for speakers or headphones. Useful for better sound in music, movies, and gaming.
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Sound Card - Types
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(a) Basic Sound: Integrated into the motherboard. (b) Advanced Sound: Installed via PCIe/PCI slots, providing pro-level features like multiple input/output options and onboard memory.
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Video Card (Graphics Card) - Function
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Generates signals to display images on monitors or projectors, crucial for gaming, 3D rendering, and digital artwork.
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Video Card - Key Features
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(a) GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Specialized microprocessor for rendering images. (b) Graphics Memory: High-end cards have dedicated memory (up to 12 GB GDDR RAM). (c) Video Ports: Connects to displays via HDMI, DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt.
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Capture Card - Function
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Records video input from gaming consoles, cameras, or TV broadcasts, saving it as a movie or streaming media file.
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Capture Card - Types
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(a) Gaming Capture Cards: Record gameplay via HDMI. (b) TV Tuner Capture Cards: Record video from broadcast TV sources.
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Capture Card - Installation
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Can be installed internally via a PCIe slot or used externally via USB or Thunderbolt.
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Network Interface Card (NIC) - Function
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Provides wired or wireless network connectivity for a computer, typically for Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
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Reasons to Add/Upgrade a NIC
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(a) Support a different network type (e.g., fiber optic). (b) Add multiple network ports for higher bandwidth. (c) Enable Wi-Fi or cellular data connections.
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NIC - Installation
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Can be installed as a PCIe add-on card or used externally as a USB or Thunderbolt adapter.
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Summary of Expansion Cards
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(a) Sound Cards: Enhance audio playback and recording. (b) Video Cards: Boost graphical performance for gaming and design. (c) Capture Cards: Record video from gaming consoles or TV. (d) NICs: Provide or upgrade network connectivity.