Motherboard Expansion Slots - CompTIA A+ 220-1201 - 3.5

Summary

A motherboard uses buses—pathways that carry information between components—to help its parts work together. Buses also allow users to add expansion cards and extend a computer’s functionality.

PCI

PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect. It is an older expansion-bus technology that uses parallel communication, sending multiple bits simultaneously over separate lines.

The two bus widths described are:

• 32-bit PCI: Sends 32 bits at once over 32 lines.
• 64-bit PCI: Sends 64 bits at once over 64 lines.

PCI slots and cards use keys or notches to identify compatible configurations, including card types and power settings.

PCI Express (PCIe)

PCIe is a newer expansion technology found on many current motherboards. Unlike PCI, it uses serial communication, sending one bit at a time over a lane.

PCIe connections are described by lane count, such as x1, x2, x4, and x8. “X1” is spoken as “by one.” More lanes provide greater potential throughput; for example, a four-lane connection offers four times the lane capacity of a one-lane connection.

PCIe slot lengths vary. A shorter slot, such as x1, can save motherboard space when a card does not need a wider connection. Although PCI and PCIe slots may look similar, their keyways are in different positions. PCIe cards may also have a hook or latch that secures the card to the motherboard.

Installing and Removing an Expansion Card

1. Align the card’s connector and keyways with the matching motherboard slot.
2. Press the card straight into the slot carefully. Avoid excessive force, which could damage motherboard components.
3. Check that the card is fully seated; the copper contacts should no longer be visible.
4. Secure the card to the computer case with a screw.
5. To remove a PCIe card, remove the case screw and release the motherboard-side latch before pulling the card out.

Speaker and Source

One narrator/instructor explains the material. The subtitles do not name the speaker; the video is attributed to Professor Messer. No other speakers or sources are featured in the subtitles.