1. The first step is to
gather the tools you will need to
install your new graphics card. Many
newer computer cases are tool-less. You
may not need any tools to install your
graphics card. However, it is still very
common to have cases that use screws to
hold the side panels on the case, as
well as to hold the expansion slot
covers on the case. So, have a medium
Phillips-head screwdriver ready just in
case.
2. After you get
your tools together, you are ready to
disconnect your computer from the power
outlet and remove the cables connecting
your peripherals to the computer. After
the cables are removed, you are ready to
remove the side panel.
3. After you remove
the side panel, locate the appropriate
expansion slot cover on your case and
remove it to allow for the install of
your new graphics card. Some cheaper
cases have expansion slot covers that
snap off and can't be replaced. Be sure
that you choose the correct slot cover
or covers to be removed. Often, the
easiest way to be sure that you are
removing the correct slot cover is to
hold your graphics card over the
appropriate slot on the motherboard and
see which cover needs to be removed.
4. Once you have
removed the correct expansion slot cover
from your case, you are ready to
actually install the card. It is
important to point out here that you
must be very careful at this step of the
installation. The capacitors and
components that are on the surface of
the graphics card are very fragile.
Mishandling the card can cause
irreparable damage that will likely not
be covered by the warranty.
Hold
the graphics card by the edges of the
board, not by the heat sink or fan and
not by any of the components of the
graphics card. Once you have the card
aligned correctly for the slot you have
chosen to use, gently but firmly press
the card into place. Every mainboard
manufacturer uses a retainer system of
some sort to lock the card into place on
the mainboard. After you get the
graphics card secured in place on the
mainboard, be sure that you secure it to
the case where you removed the expansion
slot cover with the same hardware that
held the expansion cover in place.
5. This step only
applies to those installing some higher
end PCI Express graphics cards. Many PCI-E
graphics cards require a special six-pin
power adapter from the computer's power
supply to operate. The PCI-E power
connector will typically be black and
located near the rear edge of the
graphics card. If your graphics card has
this six-pin power plug, be sure that
you connect it or your card may not
function correctly.
6. You have now
completed the hardware portion of the
graphics card install. When completed,
your system should resemble the image
below. You are now ready to replace your
side panel, reconnect your peripherals,
and power your computer back up.
7. The final step
after powering your computer back up is
to install the drivers for your new
graphics card. While most graphics cards
will come with a disk containing the
drivers and possibly other applications,
it is recommended that you download the
newest drivers for your graphics card
from the manufacturer's website. Follow
the instructions from the manufacturer
to install the graphics card drivers and
you are finished! Congratulations - you
have installed your new graphics card!
