How to Avoid Damaging the Graphics Card When Installing

A graphics card is one of the most important and expensive expansion cards in a computer. It generates and outputs images to the monitor. However, it is critical that the card is installed correctly to avoid damage to the card or the computer. The slightest mistake could damage your computer. In the following steps, you can read how a graphics card can be installed without causing any damage.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Graphics card
• Non-magnetized screwdriver
• Anti-static wrist strap
• Graphics card driver

1. Remove the existing graphics card if there is one. Switch your computer off and disconnect. Open the CPU case and find the AGP slot of the motherboard , which is found above the PCI slots. Release the graphics card from the back plate and remove it.

2. Gather all the tools required for the installation. You will need a non-magnetized screwdriver and an anti-static wrist strap, which is easily available in most computer stores. Follow the instructions with your wrist strap very carefully.

3. Take out the left side panel. The left side panel will be to your left as you are standing in front of the computer. Avoid touching anything inside the case.

4. Select the expansion slot you want to use. Graphics card are generally accessible to standard PCI slots, 1xPCI Express slots, AGP slots and 16xPCI Express slots. Make sure that you choose the appropriate graphics card for the slot selected.

5. Remove the IO plate covering the selected slot behind your computer. The IO cover design depends on the case design. While some are locked with screws, others are required to be twisted.

6. Withdraw the graphics card from its box. Insert the card into the selected expansion slot and firmly press it to secure in place. If your expansion slot does not have a retention mechanism to lock the card into place, use screws or another method to secure the card to the case.

7. Read the instructions given with your graphics card carefully and verify whether your graphics card needs a power supply directly from the computer's power supply or its own power connector. If it needs its own connector, then see the type that is needed.

8. Plug your computer system back in and turn it on before you put the side panel back in the case. Make sure that the fan in your graphics card is working. After making sure it is working, turn your system off again.
   
   

9. Re-install the side panel and connect the monitor to the graphics card. Turn on your computer system. After your computer starts, the correct driver for the graphics card will be needed, and this will be included with your card.

10. Update the graphics card driver from the Web site of the card manufacturer. Once this is completed, you are done with the installation of the graphics card in your system.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are uncomfortable with the installation, get it done by a professional.
• Buy the graphics card carefully to suit the available expansion slot in your system. Check the compatibility of the graphics card.
• Don’t omit the anti-static wrist strap as a little shock may damage your graphics card.

[AttackingHobo]

on 11/11/2007 Do not unplug the computer while installing the graphics card, but make sure it is off. If it is unplugged, the grounding strap will do nothing, as the electric charges need somewhere to go after they get onto the chassis of the computer.