# riser card

> Circuit board allowing attachment of expansion cards to a computer system with low profile

**Wikidata**: [Q501425](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q501425)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riser_card)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/riser-card

## Summary
A riser card is a specialized circuit board designed to allow the attachment of expansion cards to a computer system. Its primary function is space saving, particularly in low-profile computer systems where direct attachment might not be feasible. It typically connects the motherboard to an expansion card, often orienting the expansion card perpendicularly to the motherboard.

## Key Facts
- A riser card's primary use is for space saving in computer systems.
- It is a circuit board that facilitates the attachment of expansion cards.
- It connects with a motherboard, typically establishing a perpendicular connection.
- It also connects with expansion cards, often orienting them perpendicularly.
- Riser cards are classified as computer hardware, computing adapters, and printed circuit board assemblies.
- An edge connector is a part of a riser card.
- Common aliases include "riser," "Riserkarte," and "Riser-card."
- Its Wikidata description is "Circuit board allowing attachment of expansion cards to a computer system with low profile."
- It falls under the Google Product Taxonomy category: Electronics > Electronics Accessories > Computer Components > I/O Cards & Adapters > Riser Cards.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the main purpose of a riser card?
A: The main purpose of a riser card is space saving, particularly in computer systems with a low profile. It allows expansion cards to be attached and used in configurations where direct, flat mounting might not be possible due to physical constraints.

### Q: What components does a riser card connect?
A: A riser card connects a computer's motherboard to an expansion card. These connections are typically made such that the expansion card is oriented perpendicularly to the motherboard, optimizing space within the system.

### Q: Is a riser card considered computer hardware?
A: Yes, a riser card is considered computer hardware. It is specifically classified as a printed circuit board assembly, an adapter, and a component of a computer system.

## Why It Matters
Riser cards play a crucial role in enabling the design and functionality of compact and low-profile computer systems. Without them, many small form factor PCs, servers, and embedded systems would struggle to incorporate essential expansion cards like graphics cards, network cards, or storage controllers. By allowing expansion cards to be mounted perpendicularly to the motherboard, riser cards effectively solve the challenge of limited vertical space, transforming what would otherwise be an unusable slot into a functional expansion port. This innovation ensures that even highly space-constrained computing environments can benefit from the modularity and enhanced capabilities offered by expansion cards, extending the utility and versatility of these systems in various applications from home theater PCs to enterprise servers. Their existence is fundamental to balancing compact design with robust functionality in modern computing.

## Notable For
- Its specific application in low-profile computer systems to overcome space limitations.
- Its ability to connect expansion cards perpendicularly to a motherboard, a key space-saving mechanism.
- Being a type of adapter that extends the functionality of compact computer hardware.
- Containing an edge connector as a fundamental part of its design for interfacing with other components.

## Body

### Definition and Purpose
A riser card is a specialized circuit board. Its primary function is to allow the attachment of expansion cards to a computer system, particularly those with a low profile. The core use of a riser card is for space saving.

### Classification and Components
Riser cards are classified as a type of computer hardware and a computing adapter. More specifically, they are a subclass of printed circuit board assembly and adapter. A key component of a riser card is an edge connector.

### Connections
A riser card connects with a motherboard, typically establishing a perpendicular orientation. It also connects with expansion cards, similarly orienting them perpendicularly to the motherboard.

### Aliases and Identifiers
The entity "riser card" is also known by several aliases, including "riser," "Riserkarte," and "Riser-card." It has a Freebase ID of /m/04jg3hn and is categorized under the Google Product Taxonomy ID 503755, specifically within "Electronics > Electronics Accessories > Computer Components > I/O Cards & Adapters > Riser Cards." Its Wikipedia title is "Riser card," and it is represented across 11 Wikipedia languages.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013