How to Install a Second Graphics Card
Pricing large-screen computer monitors can be sobering. The cost seems to go up exponentially with size. A second monitor can be the most cost-effective way of adding "real estate" to your desktop, although it also requires adding a second video card to your computer. Installing a video card may be your first foray into the innards of that mysterious box sitting next to your monitor, but you shouldn't be intimidated.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Shut down your computer and disconnect the power cord from the rear of the unit.
-
2
Remove the cover of the computer. This may require loosening thumbscrews in the rear or grasping a release lever and firmly pulling out a panel from one side of your tower case.
-
-
3
Examine your computer main circuit board or "motherboard" for available expansion slots. You will need at least one available slot.
-
4
Insert the second video card into the available slot by firmly pushing the card into the connector until it is completely seated. Press hard if necessary. Your computer is designed to withstand the force of the card insertion.
-
5
Insert the screw supplied with the card into the threaded hole on the computer chassis using a Phillips screwdriver.
-
6
Replace the chassis cover and reconnect the power cord.
-
7
Boot the computer.
-
8
Download and install the most recent drivers for your video card from the manufacturer's website.
-
9
Plug in the second monitor to the video card. Recently released operating systems will automatically install and configure the monitor.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You will need to know what type of expansion slots your computer uses. Older computers use PCI slots. Newer computers may have exclusively PCI-E or a combination of PCI and PCI-E slots. Though not always the case, PCI slots use a white connector. PCI-E slots are often distinguished by a different color, such as yellow or blue.
Your video card must match the type of expansion slot available in your computer. If you have older PCI slots, you will need a matching PCI video card. If you have newer PCI-E expansion slots, use a PCI-E video card. You will also need to make sure your monitor uses the same type of cable as the connector found on the video card.
Some computers use a tool-free method of securing expansion cards. If your computer uses a bracket to secure the expansion cards, free the cards by pushing the release lever of the bracket and lifting the retention bar upward and pushing it back into place after installing the video card.
Avoid the risk of static discharge, which can damage your computer components. Use a grounding strap before touching internal computer components.
