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

If you want to vault your gaming and video-watching experiences to new levels, a new video card may be just the ticket. You can upgrade your HP-installed video card to increase the available video RAM. For faster, sharper video, you may need to replace a broken video card. No matter why you do it, installing a new video card in your HP desktop PC is pretty easy to do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small Phillips screwdriver
• HP desktop computer
• Compatible video card
• Installation CD with drivers

1. Find a video card that is compatible with both your computer and your monitor. Most major video-card manufacturers make video cards that are compatible with all standard monitors.

2. Get the latest video-card drivers from the manufacturer’s Web site if necessary. Copy the video-card drivers to your hard drive if they differ from the ones on the installation CD that came with your sound card.

3. Check to see if your old video card has its own "Uninstall" utility. If it does, you’ll find it in the "Start" menu under your Video Adapter or card name.

4. Uninstall your old video card.

5. In the Device Manager, click on "Video Adapter." Select your current video card from the list. Click “Remove.” This will tell Windows to start your computer with the Windows default video drivers the next time you start.

6. Shut down the computer.

7. Disconnect the power cord from the computer.

8. Open the computer case. Your computer's User Manual can help you here if you can’t figure out how.

9. Ground yourself before touching anything inside the case to avoid damaging your computer (see Warnings below).

10. Locate your old video card by finding the video connector on the back of the computer.

11. Unscrew the retaining screw in the video-card bracket and remove the old video card.

12. Line up the new video card with the video-card slot and the opening in the back of the computer.

13. Gently press the new video card into the card slot until it is completely seated.

14. Connect any power cables from the video card to the power supply.

15. Secure the video card with a screw through the metal bracket.

16. Close the case and reconnect all the cables.

17. Power up your computer. Windows will detect the new video card and prompt you through the installation process.

Tips & Warnings

• If the old video card doesn’t remove easily, try rocking it gently from end to end in the card slot to dislodge it.
• Opening your computer case may void your warranty. If this is a concern, have your new video card professionally installed.
• Always follow safety precautions for working inside your computer. The slightest bit of static electricity can damage internal circuits or your video card. Ground yourself or use an ESD wrist strap to prevent damaging your computer.