How to Connect Sound Cards

PCI sound card

Sound cards are inexpensive equipment for your PC, allowing you to watch and listen to movies and videos and hear music from your speakers. A sound card is only as good as your computer speakers. If you have generic speakers and purchase an expensive sound card, you are not receiving the full benefit. But if you have high-quality speakers, connecting or upgrading a sound card is important to your receiving quality sound from your computer.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver Sound card drivers

Instructions

Connecting

1. Remove the right tower panel. Put the screws in a safe place. Position the computer facing upward.

2. Locate a free PCI slot. Typically, there are at least three, and they are a white or cream color.

3. Open the outside slot. There may be a metal bracket on the tower between the PCI slot and the outside of the case. Normally, there is a screw to remove the metal bracket. However, occasionally, the bracket connects to the tower. If this is the case, move it back and fourth until it breaks off.

4. Align the connecting tabs on the sound card on top of the slot. Be sure the round sound ports are facing toward the outside of the case. The card should evenly fit on the PCI port. Push in gently until it snaps in place.

5. Screw the card into place. Insert one screw into the card and the tower where you removed the metal bracket. Screw in tightly.

6. Replace the right tower panel and screw it in place. Connect all cords, including speakers, keyboard and power. Restart the PC.

Drivers

1. Place the driver CD in the CD-ROM drive. The CD will automatically boot. If it does not, go to "My Computer." Then select the CD-ROM drive by double-clicking. Select the "Autorun" or "Install" file.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions for your specific sound card. A reboot may be necessary.

3. Check the website of the manufacturer of the sound card. If you did not receive a driver disc, you can download the drivers from the manufacturer. Computer Hope and Drivers Down (see Resources) allow you to search for your specific manufacturer. Download the card driver. Double-click on the file to begin installation.

Resources

• Computer Hope Sound Drivers
• Drivers Down Sound Drivers