Yeah, we understand that you know how to install a video card, but are you really doing it right?
Points to remember:
Static electricity can severely damage electronic parts. Often the damage is immediate such as a sudden shock. Other times it can be so faint that you do not notice it. Before beginning the Video card installation, take these steps.
Before installing the Display driver, make sure your current card is set to VGA mode and functions properly. All operating systems have different ways of accomplishing this, so be sure to check the documentation before proceeding. Generally, it is accomplished by Right clicking My Computer and choosing properties, hardware tab to device manager.
Double click display devices and double click on your video card which should bring up the Properties dialog box for your video card. Choose the drivers tab and click uninstall.
Reboot and install VGA and reboot again. Make sure that the video card works properly before installing the hardware. To use an AGP graphics card with NT4.0, you may need to re-install NT with Service Pack 5 (SP5) or Service Pack 6 (SP6) before installing the AGP card. NT does not support AGP version 3.0, also known as AGP Pro or 8x.
If you are running Windows NT4.0, please note that some drivers are not compatible with earlier releases of Windows NT. Consult your dealer or local support to ensure you have the most recent releases for Windows NT and the drivers.
- Shut down your computer
- Remove your existing video card
NOTE: If your system (motherboard) has an onboard graphics controller, please contact the system vendor on how to properly disable it in the BIOS.
Hardware Installation
Remember again, static electricity can severely damage electronic parts. Take these precautions prior to beginning the graphic card installation:
Before touching any electronic parts, discharge the static electricity from your body by touching the internal metal frame of your computer while it is turned off but still plugged in. Use a static wrist band if you have one. They can be purchased at most electronic retailers for around $5.00.
- Do not touch the power supply itself or attempt to open it as the electricity inside can easily give you a new hairdo, or kill you as it stores electricity even after it is shut off.
- Do not remove a card from the static bag it came in until you are ready to install it.
- Whenever you remove a card from your computer, always make sure to place it back in its container.
- Do not let your clothing touch any electronic parts as certain fabrics will store static electricity even though you discharge what’s in your body.
- When handling a card, hold it by its edges, and avoid touching its circuitry and especially the contacts that insert into the mother board. The tab where the card screws down to the case can be handy for this purpose.
Preparing Your Computer for Installation
Prior to working on your computer, make sure the power of the computer and any attached equipment such as a monitor or printer is turned off. Unplug your computer and remove the side cover. Remove your current graphics card.
For systems with on-board graphics chip, there is no graphics card to remove. Some systems may require you to disable your on-board graphics chip. Consult your computer’s user manual or mother board’s manual on how to properly disable it in the BIOS.
Selecting the Proper Expansion Slot
Most computers have a combination of AGP, PCI and ISA expansion slots. All these slots may look similar at first; however you will notice their differences once you examine them more closely. The ISA connectors are usually black and are the largest of the three types. These are usually found at the lower end of the motherboard. In the graphic below, it is shown as blue.
The AGP slot on your computer motherboard is usually the closest connector to the chipset and memory slots, and usually brown in color as in the graphic below. If you have a new AGP pro card, and your motherboard supports it, then be sure to check the section of the connector closest to the rear of the computer for any contact protectors in the slot before you attempt to install the new card. It is generally a small piece of paper or plastic that protects the contacts from contamination when using a 4x card that does not have a tab to insert into the slot.
The PCI connectors are usually located between the AGP and ISA connectors are made from a white plastic usually, and again as the graphic below shows, and are the same connector type that most Sound or Modem Cards are connected. If you are still unsure which connectors are AGP and PCI, consult your motherboard’s manual to help you identify them.
Plugging your graphics card into an incorrect slot could damage the card, your computer, or both. Do not try to force a card into a slot that does not accommodate it, as it is probably the wrong slot.
Inserting Your Graphics Card
Remove the cover at the back of the case for the slot you intend to use and save the screw for the mounting bracket of your video card.
Then, position the video card over the expansion slot that coincides with the type (AGP or PCI) of card purchased. Push the card firmly and evenly until it’s fully seated into the slot. It may help to rock the card front to back to help seat it properly. Replace the screw to secure the bracket of the graphics card to the computer chassis. Replace the cover of your computer.
Connecting Your Display
Plug your Monitor, Flat Panel Display, or your S-Video (TV) cable into the appropriate connector on your graphic card. All cables MUST be connected before your computer is powered on. This is so that the operating system and video drivers can associate the card and monitor and anything else that you might have connected to the card (such as an MPEG card) and properly installs the drivers.
