What does a riser card do in a computer system?

A riser card is specifically designed to add additional expansion slots to a computer's motherboard. It is particularly useful in situations where space is limited within the computer case, such as in compact systems or servers. By elevating the expansion slots vertically or at an angle, a riser card enables the installation of additional hardware components like graphics cards, network cards, or sound cards without requiring extra room on the motherboard itself.

Understanding the functionality of riser cards highlights their role in enhancing the expandability of computer systems, which is crucial for users needing to upgrade or customize their setups. This capability is especially significant in server configurations where maximizing space while maintaining functionality is a common requirement.