Peripheral Devices & Expansion Cards
Key Takeaways
- Input devices include keyboards, mice, touchscreens, scanners, webcams, microphones, and barcode readers — technicians must know how to install, configure, and troubleshoot each type.
- KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switches allow a single set of peripherals to control multiple computers, commonly used in server rooms and data centers.
- Sound cards, network interface cards (NICs), video capture cards, and USB expansion cards are common expansion cards installed in PCIe slots.
- Plug-and-play (PnP) allows modern operating systems to automatically detect and configure most peripherals without manual driver installation.
- When a USB device is not recognized, troubleshoot by trying a different port, checking Device Manager for driver issues, testing on another computer, and verifying power requirements.
Last updated: March 2026
Peripheral Devices & Expansion Cards
Input Devices
| Device | Connection | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard | USB, Bluetooth, wireless 2.4 GHz | Primary text input |
| Mouse | USB, Bluetooth, wireless 2.4 GHz | Pointing and navigation |
| Touchscreen | Built-in (capacitive or resistive) | Tablets, kiosks, POS systems |
| Scanner (Flatbed) | USB | Digitizing documents and photos |
| Barcode Scanner | USB, Bluetooth, wireless | Retail, inventory management |
| Webcam | USB, built-in | Video conferencing, security |
| Microphone | USB, 3.5mm audio, Bluetooth | Voice communication, recording |
| Drawing Tablet | USB, Bluetooth | Graphic design, digital art |
| Game Controller | USB, Bluetooth | Gaming |
| KVM Switch | VGA/HDMI/DP + USB | Control multiple computers with one set of peripherals |
| Smart Card Reader | USB, built-in | Authentication, CAC/PIV access |
| Signature Pad | USB | Digital signature capture |
Output Devices
| Device | Connection | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor | HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, VGA (legacy) | Visual display |
| Projector | HDMI, VGA, USB-C, wireless | Presentations, large display |
| Speakers | 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth, HDMI | Audio output |
| Headphones/Headset | 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth | Private audio, communication |
| Printer | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Document output |
Expansion Cards
| Card Type | PCIe Slot | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Card (GPU) | PCIe x16 | Video rendering, gaming, multiple displays |
| Sound Card | PCIe x1 | Enhanced audio quality, multiple audio channels |
| Network Card (NIC) | PCIe x1 or x4 | Wired/wireless network connectivity (10GbE, Wi-Fi 6E) |
| USB Expansion | PCIe x1 | Add additional USB ports |
| Video Capture Card | PCIe x1 or x4 | Capture video from external sources (streaming, recording) |
| RAID Controller | PCIe x4 or x8 | Hardware RAID management for multiple drives |
| Thunderbolt Card | PCIe x4 | Add Thunderbolt ports to a desktop |
Expansion Card Installation
- Power off and unplug the computer
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap
- Open the case and identify the correct PCIe slot
- Remove the slot bracket cover
- Align and firmly seat the card in the slot
- Secure with a screw or retention clip
- Connect any required power cables (GPUs need PCIe power)
- Close the case, power on, and install drivers
KVM Switches
A KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch allows a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse to control multiple computers:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ports | 2, 4, 8, or 16 computers supported |
| Video | VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort |
| Switching | Hotkey, button, or OSD (On-Screen Display) |
| Use Case | Server rooms, data centers, multi-computer workstations |
| Benefit | Saves desk space, reduces equipment costs |
Troubleshooting Peripherals
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| USB device not recognized | Try different port, restart, update driver, check Device Manager |
| Bluetooth won't pair | Ensure both devices in pairing mode, check Bluetooth version, restart Bluetooth |
| No audio output | Check volume, verify output device in settings, update audio driver |
| Printer not printing | Check connection, restart spooler, verify default printer, test page |
| Mouse/keyboard lag | Replace batteries (wireless), try different USB port, update driver |
| Second monitor not detected | Check cable connection, try different port, update GPU driver, extend display in settings |
Test Your Knowledge
What does a KVM switch allow a user to do?
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Test Your Knowledge
A user reports that a newly installed graphics card is not being detected. What should you check FIRST?
A
B
C
D