Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Small Phillips screwdriver
- Dell desktop computer
- Compatible video card
- Installation CD with drivers
Step1
Choose a video card that is compatible with your monitor and your computer.
Step2
Check the video-card manufacturer’s Web site for the latest drivers and patches for your new video card.
Step3
Copy the video-card installation files to your hard drive, or have the CD with the installation files handy if there are no new updates.
Step4
Before you turn off your computer, uninstall the drivers for your current video card using the Uninstall utility if there is one on your Start Menu.
Step5
Open the Device Manager and locate your Display Adapter. Click "Remove" to uninstall the drivers and tell Windows to use the default video drivers.
Step6
Shut down your computer.
Step7
Disconnect the power cord from your computer.
Step8
Open the case, following your computer manual’s instructions.
Step9
Locate the current video card by finding the monitor plug on the back of the computer.
Step10
Disconnect any cables to the video card, and unscrew the retaining screw that secures the card in place.
Step11
Remove the old video card by pulling it straight out of the socket.
Step12
Remove the new video card from its anti-static packaging and line it up with the video card slot. Make sure that the metal bracket with the monitor connector is lined up with the open slot in the back of the computer.
Step13
Press the new video card into the card slot gently until it is completely seated.
Step14
Connect any power cables to the power supply.
Step15
Secure the video card in place with a screw through the card bracket into the computer case.
Step16
Close up the case following the computer manual's instructions and reconnect all the cables to your computer.
Step17
Power up your computer. Windows will detect the new video card and prompt you through the installation process.