Things You'll Need:
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Step 1
Shut down your Acer PC.
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Step 2
Unplug all the cords from the PC.
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Step 3
Open the case with a screwdriver.
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Step 4
Locate the appropriate slot for your graphics card. AGP and PCI express are the two main video interfaces used today. Either type of slot will likely be located above a series of PCI slots descending down the motherboard near the back of the case. (See resources for visual aid.)
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Step 5
Remove the metal cover plate from the back of the case for the slot you will be using. A small metal slat covers each expansion bay so that dust cannot enter the computer when no device is installed. Unscrew the metal cover plate; it may only be held in place by a single screw.
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Step 6
Push the video card into the slot, with the card aligned perfectly perpendicular to the motherboard. You want to make sure you keep the card at a right angle so that it does not bend as you apply pressure: be warned that sometimes cards take more effort to push in that you might expect. You will know it is installed if when it pops into place and the connections on the back line up flush with the open bay on the back of the computer.
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Step 7
Plug in additional power if necessary. Some video cards require additional power from the power supply, such as a 6 pin PCI express power connection. Be warned that not all power supplies have this extension, so you will either need a new power supply if yours is incompatible, or purchase the appropriate power adapters.
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Step 8
Install software drivers for your video card. The card will likely come with a CD of drivers, though drivers can also be downloaded online from manufacturer's websites. Acer may also sponsor their own video driver downloads which are optimized for their PCs. Usually the most recent driver performs the best. After driver installation is complete, restart your computer.
