viðbótarkort

viðbótarkort is an Icelandic term that translates to "add-on card" or "expansion card" in English. This term refers to a printed circuit board that can be inserted into a computer or other electronic device to provide additional functionality or upgrade existing capabilities. These cards are designed to connect to a motherboard or a dedicated expansion slot, allowing them to communicate with the central processing unit and other system components.

Historically, expansion cards were crucial for customizing personal computers. They enabled users to add features not present in the base system, such as enhanced graphics, sound capabilities, network connectivity, or increased storage options. Common examples include graphics cards, sound cards, network interface cards (NICs), and modem cards. The advent of integrated components on motherboards has reduced the necessity for some types of expansion cards, but they remain important for specialized hardware and high-performance upgrades.

In modern computing, viðbótarkort are still widely used, particularly for graphics processing units (GPUs) in gaming and professional workstations, as well as for high-speed network adapters like those supporting Wi-Fi or 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Other examples include capture cards for video editing, specialized I/O cards for industrial applications, and accelerator cards for scientific computing. The technology for expansion slots, such as PCI Express, has evolved to provide greater bandwidth and speed, allowing for more powerful and efficient add-on cards.