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Fitting a Graphics Card
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Whichever graphics card you choose, either PCI, AGP or PCI Express, the fitting is broadly the same. Let's assume that you only have 'onboard' graphics already, in other words, you haven't added a new graphics card, and the plug and socket for the monitor fits in into a vertical blue coloured slot at the back of the computer. The lead from the monitor will look something like the one on the left.
I am assuming that you have chosen the graphics card already, first take off the side panel from the computer and inspect the inside. Depending upon your choice of graphics card, look at the slot in the motherboard where the card will be fitted. If there is any dust (or cobwebs), remove it/them and make sure everything is clean. This is not a reflection upon your housekeeping skills, but computers are opened up very rarely for some reason, and dust and other things appear inside! |
The graphics card will have a CD-ROM in the box, after you have cleaned the slots out, start up the computer and when Windows has loaded, insert the CD-ROM in the optical drive. The disc should auto-run and the menu will appear on your screen. Select the appropriate part of the menu which will probably say something like 'install drivers'. Once the drivers have been installed, switch off the computer.
Now you can install the hardware in the PCI / AGP / PCI Express slot on the motherboard. First remove the blanking plate from the back of the computer by removing the single screw and removing the long, thin metal blanking plate. Insert the card carefully into the slot so it seats firmly. Using the screw you previously removed, tighten the card in place. With some graphics cards you need a secondary power source, which you should take from a spare lead coming from the main PSU. This is a white oblong plug with up to four coloured wires. It will only fit one way in the back of the card.
Now re-start the computer, once Windows has loaded it may say something like 'new hardware detected' and may ask for the drivers to be installed, leave the installation disc in the CD drive and allow Windows to install the drivers again, I know you have already done this, but hey, who can argue with Windows?
Now un-plug the monitor cable from the original slot at the back of the computer and insert it in the new graphics card slot. All being well you will have better, faster and clearer graphics on your monitor!
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