PCI Graphics Card Installation Problems
Installing a new video card can be a complicated process, the stress of which is enhanced by the importance of the component. If it doesn't work, you can't use your computer. While various glitches vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, there are some things you can try that are general to all video cards.
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Seating the Video Card
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Make sure that the video card is properly seated. The gold connectors need to be flush with the PCI slot. If you see a slant instead, then the card won't be recognized. It can take a little finesse to work it all the way in there, because the slot is typically very snug. But you'll know it's in when the plastic connector attachment snaps into place.
Internal Power Connectors
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Most modern video cards also have an additional internal power connector that must be attached. The connection cable will be of two varieties: one is a smaller connector that looks like the one that attaches to a floppy drive, and the other looks like the one that attaches to a hard drive or optical drive. The connector is asymmetrical, so there's only one way to plug it in. Make sure that this connector is fully seated as well.
You may have to re-arrange your internal power connectors to accommodate the video card; it's generally recommended to connect a cable to the video card that is not connected to anything else, to ensure a smooth, continuous supply of electricity.
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An Insufficient Power Supply
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It may be that your power supply unit (PSU) cannot provide enough electricity to support a video card upgrade; video cards are power-hungry devices. Modern cards will do best with a power supply that can provide at least 500 watts.
Many computer cases that come with their own power supplies do not have powerful PSUs, since it's a popular way to cut down on costs. There will be a sticker on the PSU that rates its power level. If your PSU is rated at 400 watts or less, you will probably have to replace it if you are attaching a video card that was manufactured within the last couple years.
A Defective Card
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If the card is properly attached, but the computer produces a series of unexpected beeps when you start it up, you may have a faulty or broken card. In that case, you may have to contact the card's manufacturer for a replacement, if it is under warranty. Or you can arrange an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) with the company from whom you bought the card.
Installing Drivers
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Windows may not recognize the video card. It will load a "generic" driver in this case, which does not use the card's hardware acceleration. Here you will want to install the drivers on the CD that came with the video card. If no CD is available, you will need to go to the manufacturer's website, download and install the latest drivers, and reboot your computer. It's generally recommend to download the latest drivers anyway, since the CD-packaged drivers can be months out of date.
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