How to Upgrade a Memory Graphics Card
Without a graphics card installed, your computer utilizes its RAM for the advanced graphical features of software such as a game or video editing program. To free up RAM for other programs and provide a smoother graphical experience, you may want to upgrade your computer with a new graphics card. Such a card should include its own internal memory, which helps computer games run faster and take advantage of better visual effects.
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Instructions
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Open your computer's "Start" menu and navigate to the "Control Panel" entry. Click "System and Security" and choose "Device Manager" in Windows 7. In Windows Vista, click "System and Maintenance" and choose "Device Manager."
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Scroll down to the "Display Adapters" entry. Click the entry and right-click the option for your current graphics adapter. Select "Uninstall" and follow the on-screen instructions.
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Turn off the computer and unplug any hardware devices, such as the monitor and mouse, from the computer's ports. Unplug the power cord and set the entire computer case on a flat work area.
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Position the case on its side, with the side access panel facing you, for easier access to the internal components. Check to see how your computer model locks the access panel, such as with a release button or Phillips case screws.
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Remove the screws or push in the release button to unlock the panel. Slide the panel to the left if your access panel is removable, or instead lift it up to the right until it automatically locks at 90 degrees if it isn't removable.
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Check to see if there is a plastic housing shroud positioned over the expansion card ports at the left end of the computer's motherboard. Pull the shroud into its upright position if your computer uses one.
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Remove the Phillips screw holding the existing video card to the AGP or PCI expansion card slot. The card is the thin, printed circuit board that may have a built-in cooling fan. If there isn't a card currently installed, instead remove the screw locking the metal holding tab in place at the far left end of the card slot.
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Grab the top edge of the existing card and pull it up to remove it from the card slot. Set your upgraded graphics card over the expansion port and push down gently. Replace the locking screw to hold the card to the motherboard.
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Set the shroud back into its original position and replace the computer's access panel. Replace the Phillips screws if your computer case had any.
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Reconnect all the cables and power on your computer. Follow the on-screen installation prompts that appear if your graphics card didn't include an installation disc. Insert the disc instead if your graphics card included one and follow the installation prompts.
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Tips & Warnings
Connect your monitor cable to the port on the new graphics card instead of the computer's standard monitor port.
Different graphics cards connect to different kinds of ports, such as PCI-Express or AGP. Check your computer's manual to discover what type of port your motherboard utilizes.
Graphics cards are found at both electronics stores and online stores that provide individual computer hardware components.
Never touch a graphics card or the motherboard inside your computer without being grounded or you may cause damage by discharging static electricity. Either put on an anti-static wrist strap or ground yourself by touching the metal tabs on the far left end of your computer's case.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit video card image by TEA from Fotolia.com
