How to Install a 3D Video Card

Video cards accelerate the performance of your monitor.

A 3D video card is a piece of computer hardware that contains a processor and RAM used to accelerate the video your computer generates. A faster 3D video card causes the motion on your computer screen to appear smoother. Generally, the more RAM a card contains, the better your video will look.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Video card
• Software driver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Antistatic wrist strap

Instructions

1. Install the driver for the new video card. You can usually download or find the driver on a disk provided by the video card manufacturer. Uninstall any present video card drivers.

2. Disconnect the cables--power cords, monitor cables and any other cords--from your computer.

3. Open the computer case. Follow your manufacturer's instructions for opening the case. Locate the video card attached to the mother board. Make sure you are wearing an antistatic wrist strap.

4. Remove the Phillips screw securing the card to the computer and pull the card from its slot.

5. Insert the new card in the same slot and replace the screw that secures the card to the computer.

6. Close the case and reconnect the cables.

References

• ATI: Graphics card install guide
• Sharky Extreme: Video card installation guide