A personal computer can display decent graphics with the integrated chips built into its motherboard. If you want or need better quality graphics, such as for playing video games, editing videos or graphic design, then you want to install a dedicated graphics card in one of your computer's expansion slots. Installing a graphics card is fairly easy, but it does take time and care. Here's how to install a graphics card on Windows and Macintosh desktops.
1. Determine what kind of expansion slot your computer has. There are many types of desktop PC expansion slots, such as PCI. PCI-e, pci-e2.0 and AGP. You can determine which kind of slot your computer has by looking at the motherboard (meaning you'll have to turn off your computer and remove its case) or by reading the schematic of the motherboard in your computer's user manual. you can also google the type of computer you have and get the manual online if you don't have it. You'll need to get the kind of graphics card that fits into the slot you have.
2. Uninstall any old graphics card drivers you may have. To uninstall the drivers, find Windows' Device Manager. In Device Manager, double-click your graphics card's name to display its Properties window. Click the Driver tab and then the button for uninstalling the driver.
- To find Device Manager in Windows XP and earlier, right-click My Computer and select Properties to display the Properties dialog. Click the Hardware tab, then click the Device Manager button.
- To find Device Manager in Windows Vista and later, click the Start button in the Taskbar to display the Start Menu. Look for the Search box (a field with a magnifying glass icon to its right) and type "Device Manager" into the field. (Uninstalling the driver is an Advanced function but may not be necessary; check the documentation for your replacement graphics card to confirm the need to uninstall the old drivers.)
- If you do not have an old graphics card, ignore this step.
3.Turn off your computer. Disconnect the power cord from the back, or unplug it from the outlet it's connected to. If the computer was running for a while before you turned it off, you may want to give the components time to cool before proceeding.
4.Open the computer's case.
5.Ground yourself. Either touch a metal part of the computer case or put on an anti-static wrist strap. This will prevent you from getting an electric shock and from damaging the electronics in your computer by giving it an electric shock. You may also want to place your computer on a rubber mat or other non-conductive surface.
6. Locate the slot your old graphics card is in or the slot your new card is going in. Depending on the configuration of your PC and its motherboard, you may need to lay the unit on its side.
- If you're not replacing an old graphics card, skip this step.
8.Install the new graphics card. Press the card straight and firmly into the slot. Make sure the card is firmly in the slot; your computer won't start up if the card isn't fully in place.
- AGP slot cards are a bit fussier about this than PCI slot cards.
- You may also want to check the graphics card manufacturer's Web site for more up-to-date drivers, which you can download and install.
12. Restart your computer. This completes the driver configuration process and lets your computer recognize and work with the new graphics card.
- If you hear a beeping sound, turn off your computer, open the case, remove the card and clean the slot with compressed air. Then reinstall the card. If this does not resolve the beeping, contact technical support for your card.
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