Which type of connection do discrete graphics cards typically use to connect to the motherboard?

Discrete graphics cards most commonly connect to the motherboard using AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) or PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express). These connections are specifically designed to handle the high bandwidth and speed required for graphics processing tasks.

PCIe is the more modern standard and has largely replaced AGP due to its superior performance capabilities, scalability, and ability to support multiple lanes for increased throughput. As a result, most current discrete graphics cards utilize PCIe slots on the motherboard. The architecture of these connections allows for direct communication between the graphics card and the CPU, which is essential for rendering graphics effectively in gaming and other intensive applications.

The other choices do not serve the same purpose. USB primarily connects peripheral devices and lacks the necessary bandwidth for high-performance graphics. HDMI is an output interface used for video and audio output, not for connecting components to a motherboard. FireWire, while once popular for certain types of data transfer, is not commonly used for graphic card connections in modern systems. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the specific interface designed for high-performance graphics integration into computer systems.