How to Identify a PCI Device

Peripheral component interconnect, or PCI, is a standard bus technology used in computers to connect various peripheral devices such as modems, network cards and sound cards to the motherboard. PCI slots are useful since they allow devices to be installed and swapped easily. Sometimes a computer may have unknown PCI devices installed.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver(s)

Instructions

Use the Device Manager to Check Devices

1. Click "Start," then "Control Panel." Double-click "Administrative Tools," and then double-click "Computer Management."

2. Click on "Device Manager" on the left side of the computer management window. A list of your computer's installed devices will appear.

3. Go down the list and expand each of the device categories by clicking the plus (+) sign next to each category. This will expand a list of any device within that category.

4. Check the properties of any unknown device. As you look through the devices, right-click any device you do not recognize and select "Properties." The Properties menu will have a field called "Location," which will say PCI bus, if the device is installed in a PCI slot.

Physically Identify the PCI Device

1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cable.

2. Use a screwdriver to open the computer's case. There should be two or three screws on the back of the tower case that can be unscrewed to allow the left side cover to be removed. Some computers, such as Gateways, may have an easy-release mechanism that doesn't require a screwdriver.

3. Examine the PCI devices installed in your computer, and remove any cards you wish to inspect further. The PCI slots are normally on the bottom left corner of the motherboard, near the back of the case. The ends of the PCI devices will stick out of the back of the case so that any connections will be accessible from the back of the case. Each PCI card should have some identifying labels or information on them. To remove a PCI card for closer inspection, take out a single mounting screw just inside the case (this screw may or may not be present) and pull the card straight out of its slot, jimmying it slightly if necessary. Reinstall the card by aligning it square to the slot and pushing it in firmly with pressure on either side of the card.

4. Close the case and plug the power cable back in.

Tips & Warnings

• Most computers have room for several PCI devices to be installed at the same time. If you need more room for PCI devices, uninstall an old modem, sound card or network card to make room.

References

• How PCI works

Resources

• How to Install a PCI card