3.11.1 Expansion Buses and Slots

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary use of the PCIe x1 interface?

  • Network interface cards or dedicated sound cards (correct)
  • Storage devices
  • Motherboard connections
  • Dedicated video cards

How does the speed of the PCIe x16 interface compare to the PCIe x1 interface?

  • It is twice as fast
  • It is eight times faster
  • It is sixteen times faster (correct)
  • It is four times faster

What distinctive feature helps secure a PCIe x16 expansion card in its slot?

  • A hook connecting to the tab (correct)
  • A screw at the back
  • A clip on the side
  • A latch mechanism

What interface replaces the older PCI types for increased speed and functionality?

<p>PCIe (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of expansion cards in computers?

<p>To enhance computer performance with specific roles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature helps prevent the wrong installation of an expansion card?

<p>The keyed tab on the connector (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does PCI-X stand for?

<p>Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are PCI and PCI-X interfaces primarily different?

<p>In their length and transfer speeds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to identify the bus type used by an expansion card or slot?

<p>To ensure proper installation and functionality (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are PCI-X slots typically found?

<p>In server systems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'expansion bus standard' refer to?

<p>The communication specifications for the expansion cards (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic helps identify an expansion slot on a motherboard?

<p>Its length and keying (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Expansion Cards

Circuit boards designed for specialized functions like sound or graphics.

Expansion Slots

Ports on a motherboard for inserting expansion cards.

Expansion Bus

A communication standard determining physical characteristics and communication specifications for expansion cards and slots.

PCI

Peripheral Component Interconnect, an older expansion bus.

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PCI-X

PCI extended expansion bus with faster transfer speeds.

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Keyed Tab

A notch on an expansion card that aligns with a corresponding notch on the slot, preventing incorrect insertion.

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PCI Card Connector

The connector tab, found on a PCI expansion card, enabling it to be installed into a motherboard's PCI slot.

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PCI Slot

Part of the motherboard that accepts PCI expansion cards, characterized by its key.

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PCIe Interface

A modern expansion bus interface that is significantly faster than PCI and PCI-X, offering enhanced functionality and features.

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PCIe x1 Interface

A smaller version of the PCIe interface, typically used by network cards and sound cards due to its lower bandwidth requirements.

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PCIe x16 Interface

The larger and faster version of the PCIe interface, primarily used by graphics cards due to its high data transfer speeds.

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PCIe x16 Notch

A notch located near the front of the PCIe x16 card and slot, distinguishing it from older PCI interfaces where the notch is at the back.

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PCIe x16 Hook

A small hook at the back of a PCIe x16 card that secures it in the slot, preventing accidental dislodging.

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Study Notes

Expansion Cards and Buses

  • Expansion cards are circuit boards adding specific functions (sound, graphics) to a computer.
  • They plug into expansion slots on the motherboard.
  • This allows computers to keep up with new technologies without needing a complete replacement.
  • Expansion cards and slots use an expansion bus standard defining how they communicate.
  • Different bus standards aren't compatible.
  • Identifying the bus type is key for proper card installation.

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)

  • PCI cards have a keyed connector tab with a notch towards the back.
  • The motherboard's PCI slot has a corresponding notch.
  • The keyed tab prevents incorrect installation.
  • PCI cards are usually found in desktop computers.

PCI-X

  • PCI-X cards and slots are double the length of standard PCI.
  • PCI-X transfer speeds are twice the standard PCI.
  • PCI-X is found mainly in server systems.

PCI Express (PCIe)

  • PCIe is faster and more feature-rich than PCI and PCI-X.
  • PCIe has two main formats:
    • PCIe x1: Smaller keyed tab, used for network interface cards (NICs) and sound cards.
    • PCIe x16: Longer keyed tab, with a notch near the front and a hook at the back, used for video cards.
  • PCIe x16 is 16 times faster than PCIe x1.

Identifying Expansion Buses

  • Identifying expansion buses is crucial for PC technicians.
  • Visual cues aid in distinguishing between PCIe x1, PCIe x16, PCI, and PCI-X interfaces.
  • Differences include tab shape, notch position, and slot length.
  • The keyed tab is essential for preventing incorrect installation of an expansion card.

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