They also include digital-to-analog converters ( DAC) to convert digital audio to analog audio signals, as well as analog-to-digital converters ( ADC) to convert input. Sound cards add input and output jacks to connect external audio devices like speakers and microphones.A graphics card includes a special GPU that performs high-speed calculations to render 3D graphics for gaming, 3D modeling, and animation. Graphics cards (also called video cards) are the most common type of expansion card.Most desktop tower computers include several PCI Express expansion slots in multiple sizes.Ĭommon categories of expansion cards are listed below: Some expansion cards can improve a computer's processing capabilities, while others can add extra input and output connections. An expansion card is a printed circuit board that can be inserted into an expansion slot on a computer's motherboard to add new functionality.