How To Install a Computer Graphics Card

Video games have taken it to the next level, but has your computer? Get graphics so good you'll feel like you're there with these simple steps.

To complete this how-to, you will need:

A Phillips-head screwdriver
A PC with a PCIe x16 graphics card port
A new graphics card with a PCIe x16 system interface
Installation CD
An antistatic bracelet (optional)

Step 1: Uninstall old software

Uninstall the old graphics card's software by going to the "Add or Remove Programs" menu in Windows XP or the "Programs and Features" menu in Vista. Highlight the card's drivers and click "Uninstall." Follow the on-screen instructions, and when asked if you want to restart, click "No" and shut down the computer.

Step 2: Unplug power and monitor

Unplug the computer and remove the power cord from the tower. The monitor plugs directly in to the graphics card so make a note of where the monitor is plugged in to the computer. Then, disconnect the monitor from the tower.

Step 3: Remove casing

Remove the screws that hold the computer's side cover in place, and slide the cover off.

Wear an antistatic bracelet connected to a metal part of the PC to prevent static-electricity damage to any component.

Step 4: Remove old card

Take the old graphics card out by removing the screw that attaches it to the back plate, and depressing the plastic tab that holds it in place. Remove the card form the slot.

If the new card requires a power source, connect the PCIe power source leads to the card's sockets before plugging the card into the motherboard.

Step 5: Install new card

Install the new card. Some motherboards have two graphics card slots: Use the one the old card occupied. Line up the card's gold contacts with the slot, and push it firmly into place. Then use one or two screws to fasten it to the back plate.

Step 6: Put it back together

Replace the side cover; then connect the power cord and monitor to the computer.

Step 7: Power up

Plug the computer in and turn it on. Insert the software CD and follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers for the new graphics card. Now enjoy the eye-popping graphics!

Did you know? ENIAC, an early computer, could complete 5,000 addition problems per second. Modern computers clock in at more than 21 billion operations a second.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• computer
• technology
• computer hardware
• graphics card

[SuperLemonFreezeKid]

Dont forget about upgrading your power supply! Most good cards require more power

[Funnyvids2610]

This helped a little lol

[wateverwill]

@MrSplashification thanks for you help, but i commented 4 months ago. i got this sorted a long time ago.

[MrSplashification]

lol what do you call to the extension thingy that plug into vga connector?

[MrSplashification]

@wateverwill probably you nid to reformat your pc because it can cause damage to your vga card.

[DeAtHSCPE]

@wateverwill Click start. Click Control Panel. Click on Uninstall a program underneath Programs. Then look for the program (In you're case the old drivers) then click uninstall. And you're done! :D

[AzimSobri]

GOOD video .. now i know how to install graphic card

[rhodesbaby1]

@wateverwill install a driver sweeper, sweep all the drivers then install the new ones again 

[TheAlexanderUchiha]

that did dont help me. i dot no my video card drivers so i caret Install them ???????????

[Vaclover1]

A good advice: DOWNLOAD THE DRIVERS FROM INTERNET!.