Which statement about PCI is true?

The statement that PCI supports 32-bit and 64-bit data paths is correct. Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) is a standard for connecting peripheral devices to a computer's motherboard, and it defines various bus width configurations, which could be 32 bits or 64 bits. This flexibility in data paths allows PCI to accommodate a range of devices and applications, enhancing its versatility in system architecture.

The configurations of 32-bit and 64-bit paths provide different performance capabilities depending on the data transfer requirements of the attached peripherals. Specifically, the 64-bit configuration can handle more data at once compared to a 32-bit configuration, which is key for high-performance applications.

Meanwhile, the statement regarding parallel communications is misleading; while traditional PCI does utilize parallel communications, other interfaces have emerged that are serial in nature, making this characteristic less relevant in modern contexts. Additionally, PCI is becoming less common in favor of newer standards like PCIe (PCI Express), which offer improved performance and efficiency. Finally, while PCI can deliver decent speeds, it is not currently the fastest expansion bus available, as newer technologies like PCIe provide significantly higher data rates.