What purpose do expansion cards serve in a computer system?

Expansion cards are critical components in a computer system designed to enhance functionality. They are inserted into the computer's motherboard to add specific capabilities, which can include improving graphics performance and sound quality. This is especially important for users engaged in activities requiring high-quality visuals and audio, such as gaming, video editing, and graphic design.

For example, graphics cards (a type of expansion card) are dedicated to rendering images and video, allowing for smoother graphics performance and higher resolutions. Sound cards, on the other hand, improve audio output quality by providing better sound processing capabilities than the basic integrated audio options that come with most motherboards.

While expansion cards might indirectly lead to increased network speed or be involved in data storage in some contexts, their primary role is to enhance the overall multimedia experience of the computer system. In contrast, functions like providing power to the CPU or serving as permanent data storage are managed by other integral components within the computer architecture.