How to Install Audio Hardware Sound Cards
Add upgraded sound to your computer by installing a sound card. A sound card is the hardware that processes sound, receives sound from inputs, and outputs audio to speakers from your computer. A new sound card can help if you have no sound card or if your current sound card is broken or out-of-date. If your computer's sound is not working, installing a sound card and driver can address hardware sound problems and improve the sound on your computer.
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Instructions
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Hardware Installation
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1
Shut down your computer, unplug it, and remove it from any surge protector or uninterruptible power source that might give it power.
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2
Locate the hatch that opens your case. Depending on the case build, the access hatch will be either on the left side or the right side. It may have a latch or screws that secure it to the computer case.
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3
Open the latch or unscrew the screws holding the hatch and slide the hatch cover off the case.
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4
Locate an open PCI slot. The PCI slot is a plastic slot that is about 5 inches long, located on the motherboard.
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5
Touch a piece of metal or put on an anti-static bracelet and remove the sound card from its packaging.
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6
Align the connector pins on the sound card to the sections in the PCI slot. If the opening is covered with a metal placeholder, remove it to expose the sound card plugs. Make sure the inputs and outputs for the sound card line up with the opening on the back of the computer.
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7
Gently ease the sound card into the PCI slot; do not force it. If it does not go in, check and make sure the hardware is lined up with the slot properly.
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8
Secure the sound card to the case with the screws that came with the sound card or the screws that held the metal placeholder.
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9
Close the case and plug the computer back in. Turn the computer on.
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10
Locate the driver disk that came with the sound card or download the sound card driver from the "Driver" or "Downloads" section of the manufacturer's website. Follow the instructions to complete the installation program. You may need to restart your computer.
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Tips & Warnings
To ensure that you have downloaded the correct driver for your hardware sound card, always download directly from the manufacturer, and check your sound card model number against the model number for which the software driver was made.
Always power down and unplug your computer before opening the case. A computer has high-voltage power that can cause serious injury or death.
References
- Photo Credit sound card and headphones isolated image by Renewer from Fotolia.com
