Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a computer user to implement intelligent input/output processing involves a connector adapted to receive interrupt request signals from input/output devices in a plurality of slots contained on an input/output bus. When an intelligent input/output card is inserted into the connector, the card can process certain of the interrupt requests from devices contained in slots connected to the input/output bus. This augments the processing of input/output device interrupt requests without burdening the host processor. Thus, a computer system arranged in a peer architecture may be subsequently enhanced with a intelligent input/output card, without burdening all purchasers with the cost of expensive hardware to enable the subsequent upgrade.