How to Install or Upgrade a Video Card (Graphics Card)

If you've been trying to play PC games on your standard mid-range PC, you may be noticing a lot of lag and performance issues.

Upgrading your graphics card can help that - particularly if your computer only has onboard or integrated graphics.

You can have a terrific upgrade for $100 or so, and it is a fairly simple upgrade to do at home.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer (with graphics card slot)
• Compatible graphics card
• Anti-static wristband (optional, but recommended)
• Phillips screwdriver

1. This computer, a Dell Dimension 8200, has an AGP slot.

   *Figure out what kind of graphics card slot your computer has*

   The most common standards are AGP (older) and PCI-E or PCIe. You can find this out by looking at the manual for your computer or motherboard, or searching google for the "technical specifications" of your computer's model. You'll likely find it among the information about "expansion bus".

   Do not confuse PCI with PCI-E - they are not the same thing.

   Some computers, particularly budget computers, do not have an expansion slot (e-Machines is notorious for this). Without one, you are pretty much out of luck. You can select from a limited range of PCI cards (all computers have these slots) or perform extensive and expensive upgrades that will likely cost more than it's worth for your computer.

2. *Select your graphics card*

   You will need to choose one that matches your computer - either AGP or PCI-E. You will also need to make sure the card has either VGA or DVI, depending on what your monitor uses. Many cards have both, and cheap converters are available. CRTs (big boxy monitors) typically use VGA, while LCDs (flat screens) most often use DVI.

   For most mainstream computers, even a low-to-midrange card is an excellent upgrade, and can be had for $100 or less.

   It does not usually pay to put a top-of-the-line card in the typical mainstream computer - the computer does not have the power to utilize the card's capabilities. Additionally, high end cards often need additional power that your mainstream computer probably cannot provide. So don't spend too much.

3. *Pop open your computer*

   Now that you have your card, it's time to install it. Shut down your computer, unplug everything, and take it to your workplace - a kitchen counter or table work well, or a hardwood/tile floor. Don't use a carpeted surface - there is a risk that static shock will fry your components.

   One of the side panels should pop off without much trouble, usually the left if you are facing the front of the computer. Take out any screws from the back or sides holding the panels on, and slide the panel off. You should be looking in at a whole mess of wires and circuit boards. Don't take apart more than you need.

4. Card goes here.

   *Get ready to install*

   First, if you have to unplug anything to finish this step, take careful note of it.

   Put on your static wristband, and clip it to an exposed metal part of the case. If you don't have one, try to keep touching a piece of the metal case at all times, to keep any static discharged.

   Look at the board all the way on the bottom, resting on the other panel of the computer. This is the motherboard. You'll see a square with either a large heatsink or fan. This is your processor, or CPU. Don't touch it.

   Looking below the CPU, you will see some slots. There will be one (rarely, two) slots above the other slots (which are usually white). The white/duplicate slots are called PCI slots, and you can put a new modem, network card, or other expansion card into them.

   The single slot above the PCI slots is where your card is going. Make sure that the "door" to the outside next to this slot is clear. You might have to get a butter knife or something and break it off - it's okay, it was meant to be removed. You'll need to be able to plug your monitor into the video card from the outside when you're done.

   You MAY need to remove an old card, but this is rare in a stock machine.

5. Power connector for high end card.

   *Install the card*

   Take the card out of the box. Turn it so the silver panel (with the port for your monitor) faces the back/left, and the 'lip' of the silver panel is facing the top, closest to you.

   Make sure the 'teeth' on the card line up with the openings in the slot, and carefully, evenly, slide the card into the slot. It should slide in almost all together, and it might take a few tries. You may hear a snap or click as it goes into place.

   Double check that everything is in evenly. Then add a screw (should've come with the card) in the hole on the lip of the silver panel - this will hold the card to the main board. If you have a high end card, you may need to add power to it. Consult the manual that came with the card. You might need to install a 4-pin to 6-pin converter to your power supply if this is the case.

6. *Reassemble and try it out*

   Plug anything back in that you unplugged. Put the panel back on the side, and take your computer back to your desk. Plug all your accessories back in - but the monitor should now be plugged into the NEW card.

7. *Install drivers*

   If it all went well (and it rarely does on the first try), you should install the drivers, which are software that make your new card work. Insert the CD that came with the card, or go to the website of the manufacturer. The latter method is preferable, as they will be the most updated drivers.

   Select the drivers for your card, download and install.

   It's that easy!

Tips & Warnings

• If you have never dissembled a computer before, you may be more comfortable learning your way around on an old junker before you start operating on your main computer.

• Google is your friend here. If you have any problems, search the symptoms. You'll find a wealth of information.

• In case of trouble, the noises/beeps the computer makes on startup are helpful in diagnosing, so take note of them.

• Don't be afraid! Almost anything you break is fixable. Worst case, you take your computer to the shop and pay them what you would've paid them to install the card anyway.

• Be wary of power needs when selecting a new card, especially a higher end one. A lot of stock power supplies simply cannot provide enough power, and your new card will be useless.