How to Install a Video Card

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Step By Step Picture Guide

Don't know how to install a video card? Not to worry, installing a video card is about the easiest thing a beginner can learn to install into their computer. The process is simple and only requires a screwdriver.

Before we begin, make sure you have touched a metal surface to ground yourself, before you even open the computer case. This is very important since you will be getting very close to touching your motherboard.

Also, try and keep all dust away from your computer and your hands. If you were to get some into your video card slot, it could be disastrous.

The pictures shown below are of a typical computer. They may not exactly match your configuration and may include options you did not purchase. Please refer to the documentation that came with your PC for information about your specific computer case before you learn how to install a video card.

	1. Before we learn how to install a video card, turn off the computer, then remove the computer case cover following the static electricity precautions. You should refer to the documentation that came with your computer for instructions on removing your PC case cover. Now let's learn how to install a video card.
	2. If applicable, remove the two screws that attach the expansion card bracket to the case, then remove the bracket. If you are trying to install a new video card, go to the next step. If you are replacing an existing card, then go to Step 4.
	3. If you are installing a video card in a previously unused expansion slot, remove the screw on the expansion slot cover and pull the slot cover out of the computer. Save the slot cover in case you need to use it again.Go to Step 5.
	4. If you are replacing a video card, disconnect any cables connected to the card, noting the cable connector labels and locations. Then remove any screws holding the video card to the computer case, and then remove the card. You can rock the card end-to-end as you work it out of the slot, but do not bend the card.
	5. Now remove the new video card from the protective sleeve and be sure not to touch any of the connectors on the bottom of the card.
	6. Press the new video card into an open PCI or AGP expansion slot, depending upon the type of card you have. Or press the new video card into the expansion slot opened in Step 4. Make sure that you push evenly on both edges until the card is firmly in place.
	7. Secure the card to the computer case with any screws that were removed earlier. Also, if any cables came with your video card, or need to be connected, then do that now. What cables and where they go should be in the video cards manual, so read it before you complete your installation.
	8. Now screw your computer case cover back on.
	9. Reconnect the computer's external cables, then plug in the power cord.
	10. Connect the video cable connector from your monitor to the blue AGP video port on your new video card. If you installed a video card with a Digital Visual Interface ( DVI ) for LCD monitor's, then that connector is white and should be used.
	11. Now you need to install the video card drivers. To do this, you should refer to your owner's manual for directions on installing your drivers. After that, your new video card is installed and ready for use.

You have now learned how to install a video card yourself. So, in the future when you plan to do another upgrade, you will be able to do it. This also goes for other components you might buy that use the PCI or AGP slot. Either way, your covered.

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