how can i install a 3d hardware accelerator?

Answer 1

I think you are talking about a video card. They are also called video adapters or Graphics Accellerators. You have to put it into the AGP slot on your motherboard. If you don't feel confident going inside of your computer I would have someone at the retail store you bought your computer at do the upgrade for you when you buy the video card.

Answer 2

Well, first you need to obtain one (a 3D graphics card that is). I personally prefer Nvidia cards to ATI cards, but that is just my preference.

Before you go out and buy one, there are a few things you need to consider...

Firstly, what are you going to do with it? Do you want to play the LATEST 3D games, or do you just want to play a 3D game that may not be so cutting edge. If the latter, you can get away with a very cheap card (sub $100).

Secondly, you need to determine what kind graphics card slot your PC supports. There's three kinds and most PCs have two of them...

* PCI slot
* PCI Express slot (also called PCI-X or PCIX)
* AGP slot

Your PC's manual should say what kind of slots you have. If your PC is older than two years, it most likely has an AGP slot and a PCI slot. If your PC is BRAND NEW then it probably already came with a 3D accelerator and you wouldn't be asking this question =)

Once you've obtained the card, you just need to unpack it and stick it in your PC (it really is that simple). The only difficult part will be figuring out how to open your PC case (some can be real buggers!). You'll probably need a screw driver for this. Note: If you're opening your PC case, now would be a good time to buy one of those "cans of air" and blow out all the dust in your PC--it can extend its life and prevent things like, oh, FIRES.

Step #1: Take out the old card (if you have one--some PCs come with built-in video on the motherboard). You'll probably have to unscrew a locking screw where the card meets the edge of the computer case.
Step #2: Put in the old one. Think of the card like a puzzle piece that you need to fit into the part that fits. It is literally impossible to put it in the wrong kind of slot so don't sweat it (the three slots mentioned will not fit with each other at all). Usually motherboards only have one AGP slot and several PCI slots so that should be a pretty good clue where to stick it in. Also, don't be afraid to use plenty of downward force on the card but be wary of anything that might prevent the card from fitting in the slot properly (such as a small wire or a little locking connector if it is already in the "down" position).

Just use your head and think through what you're doing. It is pretty hard to mess it up and once you've done it once, you'll think to yourself, "That wasn't so hard!"

-Riskable
http://riskable.com
"I have a license to kill -9"

Answer 3

I believe you must first acquire a suitable graphics card, and then install the software provided by the card.