PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) is a bus standard that connects peripheral devices to the motherboard of a computer. It has been widely used in desktop computers, servers, and workstations for many years. However, with the introduction of PCI Express (PCIe), the use of traditional PCI has significantly decreased.
While PCIe has largely replaced PCI, there are still some devices that use PCI due to compatibility reasons or specific requirements. These devices include:
1. Sound Cards: Some older sound cards still use PCI for audio processing and playback. However, modern sound cards now primarily use PCIe for improved performance and bandwidth.
2. Modems: Although dial-up modems are becoming increasingly obsolete, some older models still utilize PCI for connectivity. However, broadband modems, such as cable or DSL modems, typically use Ethernet or USB interfaces instead.
3. TV Tuner Cards: Certain TV tuner cards that allow you to watch and record television signals on your computer may still utilize PCI. However, many newer TV tuner cards have transitioned to PCIe for better performance and compatibility.
4. Parallel and Serial Port Cards: PCI can be found in some expansion cards that provide additional parallel or serial ports. These ports were commonly used for connecting printers, scanners, and other legacy peripherals. However, with the prevalence of USB and other modern interfaces, the use of these cards has declined.
5. Network Interface Cards (NICs): While most modern NICs use PCIe for faster data transfer rates, some older or specialized network cards still use PCI. These cards may be found in older servers or systems that require specific network configurations.
6. RAID Controllers: Some RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controllers still use PCI to manage and control multiple disk drives for improved data redundancy and performance.
7. Industrial Control Cards: In certain industrial applications, specialized PCI cards are used for controlling machinery, data acquisition, or monitoring systems. These cards are often designed for specific industrial protocols and may not have PCIe equivalents.
8. Legacy Expansion Cards: There are various other legacy expansion cards, such as SCSI controllers, parallel port cards, and specialized measurement or instrumentation cards, that still use PCI due to compatibility or specific requirements.
It is important to note that as technology advances, the use of PCI continues to decline, and PCIe has become the standard for high-performance peripheral devices. The faster data transfer rates and improved scalability of PCIe make it the preferred choice for most modern devices.