How to Add an AGP Slot to a Motherboard
Motherboard manufacturers will sometimes leave open certain expansion slots. Usually this is done as a cost-cutting measure, though it can be due to certain design considerations. If the missing slot is an AGP slot, it could be left open for either reason. Regardless of the reasoning, if an AGP-based video card is to be used, not having an AGP slot on the motherboard can be a serious damper.
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Things You'll Need
- Electronics "Third Hand" with Magnifying Glass
- AGP connector
- Small butane soldering torch
- Electronics soldering iron
- 22-gauge or .025-diameter rosin core solder
Instructions
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Initial Attachment
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1
Secure the third hand to your workspace. You need the motherboard to remain steady, and this cannot be if it can easily be moved or if it can fall over.
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2
Orient the motherboard so it is facing its edge towards you, preferably with the AGP slot position closest to you.
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3
Position the unused AGP connector on the component side of the board using your off-hand. It is imperative that you hold it with the pins directly on the appropriate solder points. Use only enough force to hold it in place; excess force will bend pins.
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4
Apply heat to the solder pads of the AGP slot section with the butane torch. You need to keep the flame close, using sweeping motions to heat and melt the solder pads. Sweep too fast and the solder will not heat enough, sweep too slow and you will damage the motherboard and traces. When the proper heat has been reached, the AGP slot should pop through the holes, and be held in place sparingly by the solder of the solder pads.
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5
Look at the AGP slot from the component side, to be sure it is completely flush with the motherboard. It should look like the other connectors on the motherboard.
Final Soldering
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6
Remove the motherboard from the third hand, and lay it on your workspace component, side down.
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7
Position the magnifying glass over the AGP slot contacts, with enough distance to allow the soldering iron and your hands to get under it.
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8
Applying heat to the AGP connectors pins one at a time, begin soldering each individual pin in place. This is the most tedious phase of this project, as there are nearly 200 pins to solder, and they are very small and very close together. Be sparing with the solder, you do not want any of the pins connected to each other.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Heat the solder pads and the pins, not the solder. The object is not to merely melt solder onto the points to be joined, but to heat them up so that the solder flows onto and sticks to them. This will form a lasting quality joint.
Do all soldering in a well-ventilated room. The fumes from the rosin of the solder are harmful.
