How Do You Install a Motherboard & Then Add a Video Card?
If your computer motherboard already has an integrated graphics chip, there is an extra step you might want to take during the installation process to boost performance. This involves installing a dedicated video card. These cards improve the 3D video game experience because they offer more performance than integrated graphics cards. Integrated cards also share memory with the system, lowering the overall performance of your computer.
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Things You'll Need
- Motherboard
- Compatible graphics card
- All other components (memory, processor, drives, peripherals etc.)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Anti-static wristband
Instructions
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1
Remove the side panel of the computer case, or the entire case cover if the case is designed in such a way. Wear an anti-static wristband to minimize the risk of damaging components.
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2
Attach the motherboard spacers to the case. These are small copper spacers which are normally supplied with the case or motherboard. Many case designs have a motherboard tray which can be removed to make it easier to install the motherboard. Cheaper cases have this tray permanently fixed into the case. There should be six spacers. Attach them to the motherboard tray so they align with the screw holes on the motherboard.
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3
Attach the rear panel to the connections on the side of the motherboard. The motherboard should supply one of these. Place the motherboard into the case and attach the screws through the holes in the motherboard to the spacers.
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4
Install the processor, heat sink and RAM. It is usually easier to install these components before installing the video card, which can get in the way later on. Install the heat sink and fan for the processor and attach the power cables from the power supply to the matching sockets on the motherboard.
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5
Locate an available slot for the graphics card and remove the L-shaped bracket in the case behind it. Unpack the graphics card and place it into the available PCI-Express slot. Attach the retaining screw to the L-bracket at the back of the graphics card, making sure the card is firmly seated in place. Attach any 6- or 8-pin internal power cables to the ports on the side of the graphics card.
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6
Assemble the rest of the computer, installing the drives and any other expansion cards. Connect the front panel connectors for the power switch, reset button and lights to the motherboard. Refer to the schematic in your motherboard manual for precise details. Attach the monitor, mouse and keyboard to the back of the computer. Leave the cover off for now, just in case you need to change anything.
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7
Start up the computer and enter the BIOS by pressing "del." If the key is different, refer to your motherboard manual. Disable the on-board graphics chip by finding the appropriate setting in the "Integrated Peripherals" menu. Again, this varies depending on the motherboard. You might need to refer to the manual for further details. Skip this step if your motherboard does not have an integrated graphics chip.
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References
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