A computer PCI socket is a physical connector on a computer motherboard that allows for the installation of expansion cards. PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect, and it is a standard local bus for attaching hardware devices in a computer. PCI sockets were widely used in older computers, but they have been largely superseded by PCI Express (PCI-E) sockets in newer computers.
PCI sockets are typically long and thin, with a series of metal pins on one side. The expansion card slides into the socket and is secured with a screw. Once installed, the expansion card can communicate with the computer’s CPU and other devices through the PCI bus.
Some common types of expansion cards that can be installed in PCI sockets include:
- Video cards
- Sound cards
- Network cards
- FireWire cards
- SCSI cards
- RAID controllers
- TV tuner cards
- Wireless adapter cards
PCI sockets are typically arranged in a row on the motherboard, and they may be different colors to indicate their type. For example, white PCI sockets are typically used for legacy devices, while green PCI sockets are typically used for high-performance devices.
It is important to note that not all expansion cards are compatible with all PCI sockets. Before installing an expansion card, it is important to check the compatibility information on the manufacturer’s website.
PCI sockets are still used in some newer computers, but they are becoming less common. PCI-E sockets offer a number of advantages over PCI sockets, including higher bandwidth and lower latency. As a result, most newer expansion cards are designed for PCI-E sockets.
