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The Unsung Heroes: A Guide to Motherboard Accessories
One of the most common limitations in a computer build is the finite number of ports available directly on the motherboard accessories I/O panel. This is where expansion cards become invaluable. A PCIe USB expansion card can add the latest USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports or simply provide additional USB-A ports for peripherals. For users requiring high-speed storage, a PCIe M.2 NVMe expansion card allows you to add ultra-fast solid-state drives even if your motherboard's native M.2 slots are occupied. Similarly, for content creators and audio professionals, a dedicated sound card can offer superior audio quality and connectivity compared to the integrated audio solution. For older motherboards or specific workstation needs, add-in cards can also provide legacy ports like serial or parallel ports.