How to Upgrade Your Desktop Computers Video Card
- 1). View your motherboard specifications to see what type of expansion slot it has, such as PCI-E or AGP. The new card must be compatible with the motherboard. If you don't know offhand or don't have the motherboard's documentation, download a system benchmarking program such as AIDA32 or CPU-Z to find this information.
- 2). Disconnect the computer from its power source and unplug all peripherals, including the mouse, monitor, keyboard and all USB devices. Lay the computer on its side and use a screwdriver to remove the side panel screws. Slide the side panels off to reveal the motherboard.
- 3). Look for the current video card. The expansion slot is generally located near the center of the motherboard, above a row of smaller, white PCI ports. Some motherboards list the name of the port under or on the side of the port which you can see using a flashlight.
- 4). Open the latch to the right of the port that holds the card into place. If applicable, disconnect the card from the computer's power supply and unscrew the screw holding the card in place on the brackets to the left of the expansion slot. Use both hands to gently pull the card out the slot.
- 5). Insert the new card firmly into the slot. If required, attach the card to one of the computer's power supply connectors and screw the card into place on the bracket to the left. Reconnect the computer to its power source. Reconnect the monitor, mouse and keyboard. Turn the computer on. The computer should turn on like normal and you should see the standard boot screens. If this does not happen, verify the new card is inserted properly.
- 6). Reattach the side panels and reconnect the remaining peripherals when you've confirmed the machine is booting up properly. Install the new card's video drivers from the installation CD or from the manufacture's website to complete the upgrade.
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