| Replacing or adding a graphics card might seem a bit | | | | recommended and safest approach. PCI slots are |
| intimidating, if you haven't been inside of a computer | | | | usually identical and arranged side by side. Many |
| case before. But rest assured that it is a fairly simple | | | | motherboards have two or more. The old graphics |
| process. | | | | card will likely be the card that the computer monitor |
| Note, always make sure you are grounded, and watch | | | | was connected to. |
| where your hands are when you are inside of your | | | | You will now remove the old graphics card, if you had |
| computer. | | | | one. Your monitor may have been connected to the |
| These instructions assume you have Windows XP. If | | | | integrated graphics card. You won't be removing this |
| you don't have this system, don't worry, it still should be | | | | one. Now, let's remove the old card. You may need a |
| similar, especially for Vista or Windows 2000. | | | | screwdriver. DELL machines and others, you may not |
| I like to uninstall the old graphics card before I install the | | | | need one. DELLs sometimes have a hinged retainer |
| new one. The process for this is simple. Left click on | | | | holding in the computer cards. Take out the screw or |
| the "Start" menu. Right click on "My computer," then | | | | open the retainer that holds the graphics card. Grab |
| from the drop down menu, choose properties. Click on | | | | each top side of the card and pull straight up to pull out |
| the "hardware" tab from the small window that is now | | | | the card. Watch out not to pull on the resistors or |
| opened. Now, choose the "Device Manager" button. | | | | other electronics parts that are sticking out of the card. |
| You will now have a "Device Manager" window. Click | | | | Remember to stay grounded. |
| on the "+" next to "Display adapters." This will now list | | | | Take the new card and place it in the slot you just |
| the adapters. Normally you will have just one. | | | | took the old card out of, that is, if this card is made for |
| Sometimes you will see two or more listed, so you | | | | the same type of slot. If not, you simply locate the slot. |
| may have to repeat the next step twice or more. It | | | | If you are unsure, you can easily locate the slot by |
| depends on the card you have, or if you have multiple | | | | observing the card and the slots and carefully match |
| cards. Now you will right click on the adapter(s) listed, | | | | them up with the right slot. Ok, so carefully line the card |
| choose "uninstall." Click "ok." It should ask you to restart. | | | | up and firmly, but not forcefully push the card straight |
| Click "cancel." You will be inserting a new card, so you | | | | down into the slot. Push from the top of the card. |
| don't want to restart, you want to fully power down | | | | Again, don't force it. If you need force, look at your |
| the machine. Do that now. Make sure you choose | | | | card and the slot and make sure you have the right |
| "shut down." | | | | card for the slot. Screw the card back in or put the |
| Once your machine is off, make sure you at least | | | | retainer back. Hook up any extra power connections |
| unplug power to the computer for your own safety, | | | | the card requires. The manual of the card should let |
| and the safety of the machine. It may be to your | | | | you know. |
| advantage to just unplug everything so you can take | | | | Now, put the case back together. Plug everything back |
| your computer to a convenient place to perform the | | | | into the computer, and turn the computer back on. |
| operation. | | | | Perhaps your Operating System will recognize the |
| It's time to open the computer case. Use your | | | | card and install the correct driver automatically. Many |
| observation skills and observe the case. In many | | | | times it will not. You should have a driver CD, insert it, |
| instances there will be screws on the back that hold | | | | follow the instructions and your card should be ready |
| the side panel on. Some DELLs will have buttons on | | | | to use. You may also try and find a newer driver from |
| the top and bottom to release the case. If you are | | | | the chip manufacturer site, like Nvidia.com, or Again, |
| confused, try to look up your model number on the | | | | follow instructions and download and install the driver. |
| website of your computer manufacturer, and you may | | | | I would be glad to answer your questions, or provide |
| be able to find instructions there. Open the computer | | | | support. See below. |
| case. | | | | I've been a computer fan since the years of the Atari |
| Once you are inside, locate the PCI, PCIe, or AGP | | | | 2600, Color Computer, and Commodore 64. I have |
| slots. Or you are going to locate the old graphics card. | | | | spent years working with computers. I spent significant |
| Touch a piece of metal of the computer case to | | | | time working in IT at a local university, Virginia Tech. I |
| release any static charge, so you don't damage | | | | have learned much on my own as well. I started a |
| anything inside. You can purchase a static releasing | | | | computer repair and help business, appropriately |
| wrist band that connects to the case if you want to | | | | named Computer Mechanic. |
| be extra careful. Using this wrist band would be the | | | | |