| The video card that is inside of your computer is | | | | you need to focus on is the DirectX capabilities. |
| responsible for what you are seeing on your monitor | | | | DirectX is the software used to process the graphics |
| right now and how good your PC games play. Video | | | | information, so make sure you get a video card that |
| cards, also known as graphic cards, can come pre-built | | | | supports the latest DirectX version. Find out what the |
| into your motherboard or can be an actual card that | | | | latest version of DirectX is by going to Microsoft's |
| fits securely into a slot on your motherboard. Either | | | | website. |
| way, your video card is very important, and becomes | | | | Last but not least we move onto installing your new |
| more important as graphics become more demanding. | | | | video card upgrade. This is actually the simple part and |
| First let's talk about what type of video cards there | | | | can be done by everyone who owns a computer. |
| are, and which one you should get. Upgrading your | | | | First you need turn off your computer and unplug |
| current video card has become a very simple task | | | | everything attached to it. Then unscrew your |
| because it only slides right into a slot on your computer. | | | | computer case and remove it, exposing the inside of |
| Your video card can go into one of two slots, PCI or | | | | your computer. If you are installing the video card in an |
| AGP. Chances are that your computer has both, but | | | | unused expansion slot, then be sure to remove the slot |
| which one is the best you ask? By far AGP is the | | | | cover on your computers case and save it for future |
| better technology since it processes data much faster | | | | use. If you are replacing your old video card, then you |
| then PCI. Unfortunately if you have a computer that | | | | need to unhook any cables that are hooked up to it, |
| was bought before the year 2000, most likely you | | | | and gently rock it back and forth out of the slot to |
| don't have an AGP slot, or at least not the fastest. | | | | remove it. |
| Yes, AGP slots can come in many different speeds | | | | Once that is all done, you can pull your pretty new |
| too, like 1x, 2x and so on and so forth. | | | | video card out of its box, and protective sleeve, and |
| Now that you know about AGP and PCI, you need to | | | | put it into the AGP or PCI slot on your motherboard. |
| find out which one your computer can use. Every | | | | Push evenly on both sides of your video card, to get it |
| computer has a PCI slot, so a PCI video card should | | | | securely into the slot. After that, screw the card into |
| be fine for anyone, but if you want to use the faster | | | | the slot holder with the screw provided, and make |
| and better AGP technology then you need to find out | | | | sure it is secure. Then if the card has any extra cables |
| if your computer has an AGP slot. You can do this | | | | that may be required to be hooked up, like a power |
| one of three ways, call your computers manufacturer | | | | supply connector, audio cable or whatever the card |
| and ask, read your PC's instruction manual, or open up | | | | demands, then connect them. How to hook up these |
| your computer and look for a brown slot on your | | | | cables, and where they go, should be in the manual |
| motherboard. PCI slots are usually white and AGP are | | | | that comes with your video card. |
| brown, but it could be different for others computers. | | | | Once those steps are complete, just put your |
| So just remember this, a PCI slot is bigger then an | | | | computers case cover back on, hook everything back |
| AGP slot, so if you have a slot that is smaller then the | | | | up, and you are just about done. The last thing you |
| rest, that is your AGP. | | | | need to do is start your computer, and once you are |
| Next we talk about features on your video card, and | | | | at your desktop you need to install the video card |
| what they are all about. If you are a computer | | | | drivers. These drivers should be on a CD or floppy |
| beginner or novice, then you need to know two | | | | disc that comes with the video card, if not then the |
| important things about video cards. First is their | | | | card might only require generic drivers that come with |
| memory size, which basically means how much RAM | | | | Windows, so no disc is required. |
| the video card has. The more the better obviously, but | | | | You have now learned how to successfully upgrade |
| to much can be a waste of money, so just be sure to | | | | and install a new video card into just about any |
| get the right amount for what you plan on doing. | | | | computer. Use this knowledge to help your friends and |
| Second are graphic capabilities, now there are all kinds | | | | family have a better PC, and maybe make a few |
| of technical terms like floating points, pixels and lots of | | | | extra bucks for your self. |
| other technical gibberish. If you are a Windows user, all | | | | |