What is PCI?

Every computer comes with a variety of buses. Each bus channels information between the motherboard and the components used in the system. When a computer is designed, software makers try to utilize as much of that hardware design in how their programs will run on a given system. The better the components used, the better the software will run. These bus units are just one such way to encourage growth and design on both sides of the computer equation.

A computer has two types of buses, the system bus and a form of secondary bus. One such secondary bus is PCI. The PCI bus, known as the peripheral component interconnect, is one such channel. While this secondary bus is slower than the system bus, it provides the necessary buffer to help increase the overall speed of plug-and-play components, such as a PCI card.

PCI connects more devices to the motherboard than most other bus devices. While you can utilize more than one PCI bus, most computers opt not to go this road. A standard motherboard comes with a PCI bus connection so that you can add a video, graphics or other type of card to upgrade your system. Since a PCI bus operates independently from the motherboard, and serves as a connector, it is a very reliable way to add to a computer and upgrade components without buying a new computer. As long as it is a PCI-based device, you can plug and play it with relative ease once drivers are installed.

In most cases, you can pop open your computer case and easily insert the PCI component into the bus. You want to ensure the device is securely fit, and that it actually does fit. A common mistake is for a user to purchase a PCI Express device for a PCI bus. If you try to install the wrong component into the bus, you could damage it permanently and even cause damage to the motherboard. Taking the time to research your computer's components and purchasing the right device is the only way to fully take advantage of a PCI connection.