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IT Support & Hardware · Foundational

Expansion Card

A circuit board installed in a motherboard slot to add capabilities such as graphics, networking, or storage.

Definition

Expansion cards install in PCIe slots and are secured with a screw or latch at the case bracket. Examples include graphics cards, NICs, sound cards, capture cards, USB controllers, and RAID/HBA adapters. Drivers are required after installation.

Example

Install a PCIe x1 2.5 GbE NIC to add a faster wired connection.

Exam tip

Check slot type, bracket height, power requirements, and driver support before ordering a card.

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