3.5 Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards.
📘CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)
What Are Expansion Cards?
Expansion cards are hardware components that are installed into expansion slots on a motherboard to add or improve computer functionality.
They are also called add-on cards.
Most expansion cards connect to the motherboard using:
- PCI Express (PCIe) slots
(PCIe x1, x4, x8, x16)
For the A+ exam, PCIe is the most important expansion interface to remember.
Common Exam Points About Expansion Cards
You must understand:
- What each card does
- Which PCIe slot it uses
- Why a system might need it
- Basic installation and configuration
- Common troubleshooting issues
1. Sound Card
What Is a Sound Card?
A sound card is an expansion card that:
- Processes audio input and output
- Converts digital audio data into sound
- Converts sound (voice, microphone input) into digital data
Many motherboards already have onboard audio, but a separate sound card may be used for better quality or additional features.
Functions of a Sound Card
- Plays audio through speakers or headphones
- Records audio from microphones or audio devices
- Supports multiple audio channels (stereo, surround sound)
- Handles audio processing instead of the CPU
Common Ports on a Sound Card
- 3.5 mm audio jacks
- Line out (speakers/headphones)
- Mic in (microphone)
- Line in (external audio source)
- Optical (TOSLINK) – digital audio output (higher quality)
Interface Used
- PCIe x1 (most common for sound cards)
IT Environment Uses
- Workstations that require high-quality audio recording
- Systems used for training videos
- PCs used for voice communication or audio editing
Exam Tips – Sound Card
✔ Onboard audio can be disabled in BIOS/UEFI if installing a sound card
✔ Requires device drivers from the manufacturer
✔ Check audio settings in the operating system after installation
2. Video Card (Graphics Card / GPU)
What Is a Video Card?
A video card is an expansion card that:
- Processes and renders graphics and video output
- Sends visual data to monitors
- Offloads graphics work from the CPU
Video cards are also called:
- Graphics cards
- GPUs (Graphics Processing Units)
Functions of a Video Card
- Displays images, video, and text
- Handles high-resolution and multi-monitor output
- Accelerates video playback and graphics processing
Common Ports on a Video Card
- HDMI
- DisplayPort
- DVI
- VGA (legacy, less common)
A+ exam expects you to recognize these ports.
Interface Used
- PCIe x16 (standard for video cards)
Power Requirements
- Many video cards require additional power from the PSU:
- 6-pin or 8-pin PCIe power connectors
- Systems must have:
- A sufficient power supply
- Adequate cooling
IT Environment Uses
- Systems with multiple monitors
- Workstations handling high-resolution displays
- Computers used for video playback and editing
Exam Tips – Video Card
✔ Plug the monitor into the video card, not the motherboard
✔ Install correct GPU drivers
✔ Ensure the PSU wattage supports the card
✔ Onboard graphics may be disabled automatically when a GPU is installed
3. Capture Card
What Is a Capture Card?
A capture card is an expansion card that:
- Captures video and audio input
- Converts external video signals into digital data
- Allows video to be recorded or streamed on a computer
Functions of a Capture Card
- Records video from external sources
- Converts analog or digital video into usable files
- Enables live video streaming
Common Input Ports
- HDMI
- SDI
- Component or composite (older devices)
Interface Used
- PCIe x1 or PCIe x4
- Some capture cards also exist as USB devices (but PCIe is common for internal cards)
IT Environment Uses
- Recording training sessions
- Capturing video from external devices
- Streaming or archiving video content for organizations
Exam Tips – Capture Card
✔ Requires compatible recording software
✔ Needs proper drivers
✔ Check supported input resolutions and formats
4. Network Interface Card (NIC)
What Is a Network Interface Card?
A Network Interface Card (NIC) allows a computer to:
- Connect to a network
- Send and receive data packets
Most motherboards include onboard NICs, but expansion NICs are used when:
- Higher speed is needed
- Onboard NIC fails
- Additional network ports are required
Types of NICs
- Wired NIC
- Uses Ethernet cable
- Wireless NIC
- Uses Wi-Fi (802.11 standards)
Common Ports and Features
- RJ-45 Ethernet port (wired)
- Antennas (wireless NICs)
- LED indicators for:
- Link status
- Activity
Interface Used
- PCIe x1 (most common)
Network Speeds (Exam Relevant)
- 10/100 Mbps
- 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) – very common
- 2.5 Gbps and higher (newer NICs)
IT Environment Uses
- Connecting PCs to local area networks (LANs)
- Providing network access in office systems
- Adding Wi-Fi capability to desktops
Exam Tips – NIC
✔ MAC address uniquely identifies the NIC
✔ Drivers are required for OS recognition
✔ Link lights help troubleshoot connectivity issues
✔ Onboard NIC can be disabled in BIOS/UEFI
General Installation Steps (Exam Friendly)
- Power off the system
- Unplug all cables
- Insert the expansion card into the correct PCIe slot
- Secure the card with a screw
- Connect power cables (if required)
- Boot the system
- Install drivers
- Verify functionality in the OS
Common Expansion Card Troubleshooting
- Device not detected → Check BIOS/UEFI and drivers
- No output → Check cables and correct port usage
- Poor performance → Update drivers
- System not powering on → Check PSU capacity
Key Exam Summary
✔ Expansion cards extend system functionality
✔ PCIe is the primary expansion interface
✔ Video cards use PCIe x16
✔ Sound, NIC, and capture cards usually use PCIe x1
✔ Drivers are required for all expansion cards
✔ BIOS/UEFI may need configuration changes
