How to Install a New Sound Card in Your HP Desktop PC

Upgrading the sound card on your HP desktop PC isn’t difficult at all. If you’re not afraid to get inside the case of your PC, you can save a lot of money by installing your new sound card yourself instead of paying a fancy computer tech to do it for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sound card
• Small Phillips-head screwdriver
• HP computer
• Installation CD with drivers

1. Check to see if you have an integrated (on-board) sound card. If so, you’ll need to disable it in the System BIOS before proceeding. Check your computer manual to find out how to get into your System BIOS.
2. Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord. Wait 10 minutes to let it cool down before opening the case.
3. Discharge any static electricity that may have built up in you by touching a metal part of the case (see Tips and Warnings below).
4. Open the PC case following your manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Find an empty PCI slot inside your computer.
6. Remove the metal face plate to open a slot in the back of the computer by unscrewing the single screw holding it in place. In some computers, you may need to actually knock the face plate out with the handle of a screwdriver.
7. Align the sound card with the opening in the rear of the computer and the PCI slot.
8. Press firmly downward to seat the card into the slot.
9. Secure the sound card in place using the screw you removed from the face plate.
10. Close up the case and put the computer back together.
11. Power up the computer and follow any instructions from the manufacturer for installing drivers and software for your new sound card.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to remove an existing sound card, remove the screw holding it in place, then lift the card straight up. If it doesn’t come out easily, rock it gently end to end to pull one side up first then align it and pull straight up.
• If your computer has an integrated sound card, be sure to disable that sound card in the System BIOS before beginning.
• An easy way to discharge electricity when working inside your computer chassis is to touch a metal part of your computer. Alternatively, you can wear an ESD wristband that is attached to a metal ground.
• It takes very little static electricity to damage the electrical circuits on your sound card or system board. Always take precautions to prevent electrostatic discharge. Work on an uncarpeted surface and touch the metal chassis of your computer frequently.

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