is there an fool prove way to install a new graphics card?

Question

i want to install a new graphics card but dont know how

Answer 1

Better to look into the support of the card you purchased or else

Go here...

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3118_7-5023982-1.html

Answer 2

I wouldn't say there is a fool proof way, because pcs vary so much, with different form factors for different graphics cards (ISA, AGP, PCI Express, etc).

I have a question, though:

If you don't know how to install one but you have decided that you DO want to install one, then you have to ask yourself why do you want to install one in the first place? Is it to play a resource-hungry game? Watching movies? Video editing?

It may not be your graphics card that is cause for the performance issue. Depending on your system, it may be the RAM, the CPU or even your operating system that is the cause of poor performance. You may even find that it could be cheaper to get a new system - I don't know how old your system is, but a rusty old car isn't necessarily going to go faster if you only buy brand new tyres.

My advice would be first try to find the newest device drivers for your card. They may help improve the card performance and gain a few more months out of it. Go to the manufacturer's website of your current graphics card - they will always have the latest drivers (usually under Updates, Software, Downloads or Support. etc).

If, after that, you still want to install a new card, then before you do anything...

Research, research, research! Google is your friend.

Always ask questions, reach the point where you know what you are doing and always ground yourself (to avoid static build up and popping your system).

If you manage to do it in the end, you'll probably get bitten by the bug and start upgrading everything and building your own systems like I did!

Good luck.

R

Answer 3

Ask and you shall receive. Below, you will find step-by-step instructions provided by PC World Magazine.

"Step-by-Step: How to Install a New Graphics Board" -- written Robert Luhn (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,126800-page,5-c,upgrading/article.html)


Done properly, installing a graphics board is simple. Here's how:

[1] Download the latest driver from ATI or nVidia. It's possible to use the driver CD supplied with your card instead; but unless your board doesn't work with the regular ATI or nVidia driver (check your documentation to find out), you're better off heading online to download the most up-to-date driver.

[2] Uninstall the old driver using Add or Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel. It should be conveniently labeled 'nVidia Drivers' or 'ATI Drivers.'

[3] Power down the computer.

[4] Open the case, and disconnect the power cable (if there is one) from the old video card.

[5] Remove the old graphics board. Most AGP and PCIe slots have a small lever or clip at the end of the slot that you'll need to release first.

[6] Insert the new board. If appropriate, make sure that the lever or clip latches the board in place once more.

[7] Reconnect the power cable.

[8] Power on the PC; but leave the case open for now, in case you need to reseat the graphics board.

[9] When Windows finds the new hardware and prompts you to install a driver, choose Cancel.

[10] Double-click the driver that you downloaded in step 1 (or use the driver CD) and follow the on-screen instructions for installing it.

[11] Reboot, reconfigure your desktop display settings, and enjoy your card.

Answer 4

Different videos card have different kind of slots so check your vid card manual take make sure you install it properly. Sometimes there is a holding pin that has to be pull out to allow proper insertion.

The process I go through when I install a new video card is.

1. In the control panel remove your current video card. Go to Start>Settings>Control Panel>System>Hardware>Device Manager.
Dbl Click on your Display device and uninstall your currrent vid card drivers.

2. Exit the control panel and shut down your system. UNPLUG IT!!!!

3. Unscrew and remove your old video card. Reverse the process and install your new video card. PLUG IN and power up.

4. THe comp will detect the new video card and ask for the drivers cd. Check your manual some cards want you the cancel the auto detect and run the installation from their cd instead.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

Its not hard. turn off computer, disconnect power cord. open side case, then find old graphics card, remove holddown screw and pull up gently but firmly. Before you put in new card be sure to maintain contact with computer case to eliminate static electricity. place the new card in the slot and push downward until it snaps into place and put the screw back in. You may have to connect a cable from the card to the cdrw or dvd player but its pretty simple just look for the notch and you should be alright