ADEDAN COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY: ADAPTER CARDS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

adapter Cards AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

We have seen the different types of connectors that ever exist in the PC world. Some motherboards may not carry some of these ports due to old fashion or maybe faulty. Therefore, you have to improvise by mounting what are called ‘ADAPTER cards.’ These cards are installed on the EXPANSION SLOT found on the motherboard (white (PCI)/ yellow (PCIe) and brown (AGP) plastic connector). So it requires a competent computer engineer to do this for you if needed. Check below for possible problems on the type of cards mentioned to see if you are in need of a card.

Sound Cards – These performs two functions: first, they take digital information and turn it into sound, outputting the sound through speakers. Second, they take sound that is put through a microphone and turn it into digital data.

In order to play and record sounds, a card needs to connect to at least a set of speakers and a microphone. Sound cards have two miniature audio jacks for a microphone and a speaker, also line in to record from a stereo or tape recorder, line out to output sound and a female 15-pin DB socket to attach an electronic musical instrument or a joystick to your PC.

Most PCs also have a small cable inside the case that runs between the sound card and the CD-ROM drive. This cable enables the CD-ROM drive to play audio CD-ROMs through the sound card which in essence turns your PC into a stereo system.

Note – If your PC doesn’t produce sound or the miniature audio jack on the motherboard seems bad then you need a sound card. The sound card comes in 2 common different types: Onboard PCI sound card and USB sound card.

Video Cards – The video card is the easiest to identify as it uses a distinct 15-din female DB connector. While most DB connectors only sport two rows of pins, the video card uses three rows of pins. So there is nothing like it at the PC back. This is the VGA (Video Graphics Adapter) connector used for connecting the monitor. Other connectors on the video card can be DVI or HDMI or S-Video. They are also used for connecting the monitor.

Note – If your system stop sending signal to the monitor and you have tried it with another monitor but it’s still the same. I can tell you need a video card that is if you are sure your system is working fine or it will need troubleshooting. (Call an engineer)

Network Cards – Networks are groups of connected PCs that share information. The PCs mostly connect via some type of cabling, usually an advanced type of phone cable or coax. Network Interface cards (NIC) provide the interface between the network and the PC. A NIC will be distinguished by its RJ-45, BNC, 15-pin two-row female DB or 9-pin female DB connector.

Note – You may only need a network card if your motherboard doesn’t come with one or maybe you want multiple RJ-45 connectors for networking. A network card comes in 2 different variants: Onboard PCI Network card or USB Network card. Also, check the Wifi Network Card which turns your desktop PC or laptop PC to a Wireless Connection enabled device.