PLEASE READ THIS NOTE:
We are not experts, and do not claim to be. If things somehow go wrong, we are not responsible if you accidentally damage something. We will certainly try to help you if you run into trouble, or just want to ask a question.
Audio, Video, Modems & Other Adapters
- Audio Adapters
There are basically three types of audio adapters:
(1) ISA
(2) PCI
(3) Integrated audio built into the motherboard.
If you're going to be doing MP3s or gaming or any other type of sound editing and/or listening, you'll want a decent audio card. Creative Labs is probably the most well-known brand of sound cards and is somewhat of a standard. They have some great products--one of which is the SoundBlaster Live Platinum with the ®LiveDrive.
- Video Adapters
There are basically four types of video adapters:
(1) ISA
(2) PCI
(3) Integrated video built into the motherboard
(4) AGP
AGP is the newest of the three and most would say it's the best for gaming. Look on the motherboard specs to see what speed the AGP port is---there are 1X up to 4X (4X being the newest & fastest. I recommend putting an extra cooling fan inside the case to point at the video card, as these new AGP cards run hot. Many of the fast new video cards have either heat sinks and/or fans on them.
Get the best video adapter you can afford---especially if you're going to be doing gaming, 3d rendering, CAD, etc.. (16 MB is about the minimum for gaming)
We prefer nVidia chipsets, but many would argue with that, especially the 3DFX people. In any case, do your homework and decide exactly what you need.
Here is at least a partial list of the options you have in your choice of video adapters and enhancements:
Note: This technology is changing continually, so this information might get outdated quickly.
- Primary video adapter, standard
- TV Tuner video adapter, some with DVR (digital video recording) and other enhancements, either stand-alone or as an addition to your main video adapter
- Video accelerator
- Video decoder card for DVD
- Adapter with TV out--SVideo, RCA jack for audio; some of these are for adding a second monitor or TV to use along with your main monitor; some have TV tuners, some have a DVR (digital video recorder), etc.
- Video & capture devices; some have firewire ports for digital video
- External devices (usually for TV) which are connected via a USB interface
Connectors that may be on a video adapter:
- In and out RCA or stereo jacks for audio
- S-Video in from cable or satellite receiver
- Coax antenna in from antenna, cable TV or satellite dish
- RCA line in for camera, VCR, etc.
- Remote control infrared receiver connector
- Composite video input connector
- Sony/Phillips Digital Interface output connector (S/PDIF)
- VESA Feature connector
- ATAPI audio connector
- Wiring harness connector
- Modems
Internal, External;
Dialup, Cable, DSL, ISDN
Where to Find the Parts
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