Cards used in Computer System

Cards used in Computer System

Cards are sub circuit boards connected to slots in a motherboard to enhance the capability of a computer.

These cards are called daughter boards or expansion or add-on-cards.

I. Display Cards

They are used for Display images on monitors, new motherboards have inbuilt displaycards , however for better resolution display we can buy additional, powerful display cards, they have more graphics support.

VideoRAM(VRAM) - A term related to Graphics, means a temporary storage area used to store image data for computer display.

 

1. MDA(Monochrome Display Adapter)

It is the first display card used with the first computer IBM, it only provide monochrome(black and white) display.

    2. CGA(Colour Graphics Adapter)

This permits monochrome or colour displays, support only 16 colours,VRAM capacity is 16kb, used in early systems, its connector is 9 pin d-female connector, it also involves a RCA connector, which can be used for connecting system to a TV to work as a monitor.

     
    3. EGA(Extended Graphics Adapter)

It was also used in early computers, introduced in IBM PS/2 systems, VRAM capacity is 64kb, it could produce 64 colours but it display only 16 colours.

4. VGA(Video Graphics Array)

Widely using Display cards, analog based standard adapted for CRT(CathodeRayTube) monitors,VRAM capacity is 256kb, its connector is 15 pin D-female in 3 rpws.

 5. SVGA(Super VGA)

It was an extension of VGA, provides more resolution than VGA,VRAM capacity is 2-4 MB, ie; VGA provides resolution 640x480 whereas SVGA can provide 800x600 pixels.

6. AGP Graphics Card

High speed video card, provides 3D computer graphics , if we need powerful graphics support for animation or such any other applications we can use AGP cards.

7. PCIe Graphics Card

It support very powerful video cards, that will replace AGP cards. So PCIe provides more performance than AGP or any other Graphics cards.

Nvidia - Term related to Graphics is a multinational corporation specializes in development of graphics processing units and chipset technologies.

 

II. Special Cards

1. NIC (Network Interface Card)

Used for connect network cable to the system for local network or Internet, NIC consist  a RJ45 port in which we can connect cable from modem or other network devices.

 2. Sound Card

Used for better sound system, some sound card also contain  game port for connecting joystick to play games.