2007-07-01 07:56:54 · 5 answers · asked by judylishious 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Not really. Make sure you have the right kind (call Dell to find out if you need a PCI, AGP, or PCI-Express card. Get the wrong one and it won't fit.) Then just follow the directions that came with your Dell to open it up (should just be unplug and pull a lever, but there may be some screws involved) and the instructions included with the new card to install it. If there's already a video card in your system, you can remove it. Usually the card will be held in with a single screw, but it might be held in with a lever. Also be careful about static electricity, try to keep your arm resting on a metal part of the case, and work on a hard surface, and try to avoid a room with carpeting. If you want to be extra careful, you can get a grounding wrist strap at a computer parts and repair store, and follow the directions that come with that too.
Usually, it's open, take out old card, put new card in, plug computer in, boot up, put in cd, reboot. If you have integrated video (the video port isn't in one of the metal slots), then you will want to keep the monitor hooked to built-in port after install ing the card, press the key to enter setup, look around to find the video device option and change it to the type of card you installed (AGP, PCI, PCIe) and save and exit. Then you can move the monitor to the new card.
If you feel uncomfortable with opening your computer, then go ahead and pay someone to do it for you. But if you're willing to take a mild risk, it's quite easy to do it yourself as long as you follow the included instructions religiously. Many hardware upgrades are pretty easy too as long as you read the directions. Here's my rank of easiness, from easiest to most difficult.
External hardware (monitors, external hard drives, mice)
Software
RAM
Case fans
Addon cards (Video, modem, anything that goes in those slots)
CD and floppy drives
Hard drives
Processor (easier later on once you figure it out for that specific computer)
Power supply
Motherboard
Again, with most hardware upgrades, the hardest part is figuring out what's compatable with your computer. Good luck!
2007-07-01 08:12:47 · answer #1 · answered by canned_matt 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no it should just plug into the brown slot if it is AGP or one of the white slots if it is a PCI card. then when the balloon comes up on restart just click on it and install the drivers or if it came with a disk insert the disk when requested.
2007-07-01 15:03:22 · answer #2 · answered by Cyber-Medic 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no but u have to find one that will work like a pci card, which are not very good, but u will be able to play some games that u could not before. examples:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048+1069609642&name=PCI
other than that it is rly easy to install, take the cover off of he case and put it in an open pci slot.
2007-07-01 15:02:12 · answer #3 · answered by Jake 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's pretty easy actually, all you have to do is install it in the socket it fits in on the motherboard and when you do just make sure that you have got it securely set in the socket or it won't work.
2007-07-01 15:03:41 · answer #4 · answered by Belgariad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no really easy
just make sure you check what slot type you have first either AGP, PCI express, or just PCI
then buy one and slot it in plug your monitor in and install the latest drivers
2007-07-01 15:02:42 · answer #5 · answered by tommy d 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋