## Common ground
All options refer to computer cards used in data processing or communication within computing systems.
## Options at a glance
**8471.80 – General computer cards**
- **Defining trait:** Covers a broad range of internal expansion cards not otherwise classified, including GPUs, video capture/playback, and sound cards.
- **Typical examples:** Sound cards, video capture cards, multi-function expansion cards.
- **Best fit when:** The card is not primarily a GPU or network interface and doesn’t fall under specific categories like Ethernet.
**8473.30 – Graphics processing units (GPUs)**
- **Defining trait:** Specifically for standalone graphics processing units, regardless of whether they are used for gaming, AI, or video rendering.
- **Typical examples:** NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX.
- **Best fit when:** The card’s primary function is graphics acceleration or GPU computing.
**8517.62 – Network interface cards (NICs)**
- **Defining trait:** Focuses on cards designed for network connectivity, including Ethernet and video capture/playback cards that are primarily used for networking.
- **Typical examples:** Ethernet cards, Wi-Fi adapters, network-capable video capture devices.
- **Best fit when:** The card’s main purpose is connecting to a network or transmitting data over wired/wireless networks.
## Key differences
| Feature | 8471.80 (General) | 8473.30 (GPU) | 8517.62 (Network) |
|-----------------------|-------------------|---------------|-------------------|
| Primary function | Broad expansion | Graphics rendering | Network connectivity |
| Key technology | General I/O | GPU chip | Ethernet/Wi-Fi |
| Typical use case | Audio, video input | Gaming, AI, rendering | Internet, LAN access |
## How to choose
- Is the card primarily a graphics processor (GPU)? → 8473.30
- Does it connect to a network (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi)? → 8517.62
- Is it not a GPU or network card, but still an internal expansion card? → 8471.80
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- A video capture card may fit both 8471.80 and 8517.62 if it’s used for network streaming — prioritize based on **main function**.
- GPUs are sometimes used in networked systems, but their core identity is graphics processing, so they belong in 8473.30 unless clearly a network device.
- If the card has multiple functions (e.g., GPU + Ethernet), choose the one that defines its primary purpose. No priority rule is implied — use the **main function** as the deciding factor