Boards are hardware added to the mother board to achieve a higher quality on the board application environment. However, not all cards or boards optimize applications: there are certain boards allowing the computer to do things it would not be able to do without them. In this section, we will talk about both of them.

Boards improve the quality of the applications wanted (such as video and sound), freeing the processor from the task of processing data from those graphic and sound applications and allowing it to take care of other tasks and, at the same time, it releases the computer fixed RAM memory and uses its own. Cards process the information related to the application they are addressed to and they contribute their RAM memory to “move” programs requiring these applications. For example, video boards free the processor and computer RAM memory from supporting and processing a game or image processor graphic information. But the important thing is that boards not only free the micro and memory but they also optimize the application quality, since many times the processor or the memory itself are not enough to support all the information.

Video boards can be 2D, 3D or hybrid (2D and 3D on the same card). The first ones have almost fallen in disuse due to their limited range of action; the matter is on the following ones. Many 3D games and graphic programs have 3D accelerator board as a necessary operating condition. Now, do we need to buy a 3D board or a hybrid? Some 3D cards have a minimum support for 2D although generally it is not very good. In this way, the board reduces the range of action of those graphic devices being strictly 3D. In contrast, hybrid boards will be able to “run” very well 3D games and graphic programs, such as 2D image processors and other graphic applications, such as seeing a movie.

Sound boards optimize a computer sound reproduction quality with the same operation as a video board, only it is applied to "sound" application. But we need to make something clear: the sound board just optimizes the REPRODUCTION quality, just that. This means that if you use the speakers that come when you buy the compartment, together with the mousse and keyboard, you will not listen to your PC sound with higher quality because the computer reproduces at a higher quality but the reproduction material support (speakers) is dreadful. If you are planning to buy a sound board, you will need to consider buying better speakers and all other convenient sound devices. To sum up, we will say it is very important that you ask if the sound board you will buy can be used to record, if you want to record yourself playing and master sounds afterwards.

The third and last board we will talk about is the Wireless. This card does not optimize a computer function or application; it trains it to fulfil a function it did not have: wireless connection. This board takes care of sending and receiving information, without an actual cable support. With this board, you can connect computers of a house or office with each other or just get on the Internet with a WIFL connection. This is a very popular card among Notebook user because it allows them to work at bars or restaurants offering WIFL connection. If you have a Wireless board on your laptop, the only thing you will need to do is sit down, order a coffee, open the computer and get on line.

Note: it is very important that you check that the board you are planning to buy is compatible with your mother board.