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Computer sockets on motherboards accept hardware components like modems, graphics and sound cards. Standardized protocols allow communication between computer outlets and devices. Modern motherboards have fewer input points, but still have dedicated graphics slots with four main standards: AGP 4x, AGP 8x, PCI, and PCIe. It’s important to know which slots a motherboard has when buying a new system.
Computer sockets are the built-in interfaces on motherboards that accept various hardware components. When compatible devices are connected, they communicate with the system to provide functionality. Components that use these sockets include dial-up modems, graphics cards, and sound cards.
Standardized protocols allow communication between computer outlets and the devices designed to connect them. As protocols change, interfaces are renamed and manufacturers keep pace by designing products that use the latest protocols. In the 1980s, they were referred to as Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) slots, followed by enhanced IDE (EIDE) slots.
In some areas, technology has moved beyond these sockets to faster interfaces. Traditional IDE hard drives required large cables that used parallel technology to send data back and forth to the drives. Modern drives use a completely different interface based on serial communication using narrow wires and small pin interfaces. Not only did this allow for faster drives, but it saved space on motherboards and improved airflow inside cases.
On average, motherboards have far fewer input points today than they used to. Many devices are now integrated into the board, reducing the need to add so much hardware. In addition to built-in networking capability and USB and Firewire support, some motherboards also include integrated graphics and audio capabilities. Gamers and audiophiles, however, often continue to opt for high-end aftermarket audio and graphics cards. Each of these devices requires its own computer outlet.
While sound cards and many other devices use standard slots, modern motherboards have other inputs, including a dedicated graphics slot. Graphics cards handle large amounts of data, and as such the interface is designed to process larger loads without bogging down the central processing unit. There are four main graphics standards for dedicated computer sockets: Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) 4x, AGP 8x, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), and PCI Express (PCIe). The slots are proprietary which means that an AGP card will not fit in a PCI slot or vice versa.
Knowing which slots a motherboard has when buying a new system is a good idea. Users who want the latest and fastest graphics card, for example, will look at PCIe cards and require a specific connection for it. Some people may also have other cards to install and need to be sure there is room for them to do so.
