How to Use a VGA Graphics Card as a Monitor Card

Screw setup in the back of a computer

All computers have a basic monitor card built into the motherboard. For those who want more than their motherboard can offer, separate graphics cards are available with features ranging from basic cards that will increase monitor resolution all the way to the high-end graphics cards that will allow you to play all the newest hardware-intensive PC games.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Installation disk with software drivers
• PC with available AGP or PCI slot
• Grounding strip

Instructions

1. Turn the computer off and disconnect all cords from the back of the tower (note the location of all disconnected cords). Place the tower on a surface that will not conduct static electricity.

2. 

   Using a screwdriver, unscrew both screws from the computer's casing (found in the back) and remove the tower cover.

3. Attach the grounding strip around your wrist and clip the other end to the metal tower case. This will ground any static charges that your body may be holding.

4. 

   Look at the interface on the graphics card and line it up with the matching slot in the motherboard.

5. 

   Carefully insert the card into the slot. Do not force it or you may damage the card.

6. 

   Place the retention screw in the hole at the back of the tower case to secure the card in place, and use a screwdriver to tighten the screw.

7. Connect to a power supply. Many new high-end cards require a secondary power supply. If your card requires this, connect one of the several loose cables from the power supply to the available port on the card.

8. Disconnect the grounding strip and place the cover back onto the tower; tighten the screws that hold the cover in place.

9. 

   Plug all of the cables back to their original locations, with the exception of the monitor cable, which you should now plug into the available port on your new graphics card. Plug the power cord into power supply last.

10. Turn on your computer. In most cases, the computer will automatically detect the new card and your monitor will display all of the basic start-up procedures.

11. Follow the procedures to install the drivers listed in the documentation that was included with the graphics card.

12. Adjust the screen resolution to your personal preferences.

Tips & Warnings

• It is not always necessary, but one option you can do before you install the graphics card is to remove the current graphics card drivers.

• Always consult the manual before installing any cards into a computer.

• Static discharge can potentially destroy a computer. Always ground yourself before working on a computer.

• If at all possible, avoid working on a computer in a carpeted room. This can build up a static charge that can potentially damage computer hardware.

• Never work on a computer while it is still powered up. This can result in damage to the PC and potential electrocution.

References

• Basic guide to installing a graphics card
• CNET guide