What is the function of a sound card in a computer system?

The function of a sound card in a computer system is to allow the use of audio components. A sound card is specifically designed to manage audio input and output, enabling the computer to output sound to speakers or headphones and receive audio input from microphones or other audio devices. It accomplishes this by converting digital audio signals into analog signals that can be played through speakers and vice versa.

Sound cards facilitate various audio-related functions, such as playing music, producing sound effects for games, and supporting voice communications in applications like video conferencing. They often include ports for connecting speakers or microphones and may offer features like surround sound support and audio processing capabilities. This focus on audio makes them distinct from components such as graphics cards, which are dedicated to rendering images and video, or CPU enhancements which relate to overall computational performance.