The PCI stands for ‘peripheral components interconnect’, a standard computer bus to connect peripheral devices directly to your motherboard. PCI SlotsĪ PCI slot is an interface on the motherboard that allows you to put in a device that requires power, famous for coming with the first Intel Pentiums in 1993. Let’s get to know the different types of slots on the motherboard. Also, if you come across an old motherboard, you will appreciate that it does not have this type of slot, but somewhat different ones. You may notice, most motherboards have PCIe slots, but this is not the case of small PC cases. The purpose of these expansion slots on the Motherboard is to allow internal components to be connected to the main computer in order to increase performance capabilities or add new features without having unneeded parts within the casing of your computer case. There are typically 24 expansion slots of 6 inches long on Motherboard, with each slot sporting eight pins that can be plugged in by inserting a flat cable into its appropriate site. These peripheral chips are separate from the CPU and communicate via expansion slots. It has a primary CPU (central processing unit) connected to an array of chips for peripherals like printers and speakers. The Motherboard is the largest circuit board often used in computers. Conclusion What is the Purpose of Motherboard Slots?