What Two Types of PCI Adapter Cards Can You Plug Into a Motherboard With 5V PCI Slots?

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slots are found on most motherboards and provide a way to add expansion cards to your computer. There are two types of PCI adapter cards that you can plug into a motherboard with 5V PCI slots. In this article, we will take a closer look at these two types of PCI adapter cards and discuss their differences.

1. 5V PCI Adapter Cards

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The first type of PCI adapter card that can be plugged into a motherboard with 5V PCI slots is the 5V PCI adapter card. This type of card was commonly used in older computers and is now considered obsolete.

It operates at 5 volts, which is lower than the standard voltage used by modern computers (3.3 or 12 volts). The 5V PCI adapter card has a keyed connector that prevents it from being inserted into a slot designed for a different voltage.

2. Universal PCI Adapter Cards

The second type of PCI adapter card that can be plugged into a motherboard with 5V PCI slots is the universal PCI adapter card. This type of card is designed to work with both older and newer computers, as it can operate at both 3.3 volts and 5 volts. The universal PCI adapter card has two notches on its connector, allowing it to fit into either a slot designed for 3.3 volts or one designed for 5 volts.

It’s important to note that not all motherboards have both types of PCI slots available, so it’s important to check your motherboard manual before purchasing an expansion card.

When choosing an expansion card for your computer, there are several factors to consider beyond just whether it will fit in your motherboard’s slot. You’ll also want to consider the bandwidth requirements of the device you’re adding (such as a graphics card), as well as any power requirements or cooling considerations.

In conclusion, there are two types of PCI adapter cards that you can plug into a motherboard with 5V PCI slots: the 5V PCI adapter card and the universal PCI adapter card. While the 5V PCI adapter card is now considered obsolete, the universal PCI adapter card is designed to work with both newer and older computers. When choosing an expansion card, it’s important to consider factors beyond just whether it will fit in your motherboard’s slot.