Alternatively referred to as an add-on card, expansion board, internal card, interface adapter, or card, an expansion cardis is a PCB that fits into an expansion slot on a desktop computer. An expansion card is used to give a computer additional capabilities, such as enhanced video performance via a graphics card.

Types: Sound card, network card, video card, etc.

Common expansion card manufacturers: Asus, Conrad, Galax

Alternatively referred to as an audio output device, sound board, or audio card, A sound card is an expansion card or IC for producing sound on a computer that can be heard through speakers or headphones.

Short for Network Interface Card, the NIC is also referred to as an Ethernet card and network adapter. It is an expansion card that enables a computer to connect to a network; such as a home network, or the Internet using an Ethernet cable with an RJ-45 connector.

Alternatively known as a display adapter, graphics card, video adapter, video board, or video controller, a video card is an IC or internal board that creates a picture on a display. Without a video card, you would not be able to see this page.