Windows Vista Tip - Upgrade and Install Your Graphics Card -
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Windows XP/Vista Tip - Upgrade and Install Your Graphics Card - Vista Tech Support: Installing and upgrading your computers graphics card is one of the best ways to speed-up the Pc. Most new computers come with a standard graphics card pr-install on the motherboard. Installing & upgrading your computer with a fast graphics card is easer thing you think. Read you computer motherboard manual to see what type of graphics card slot AGP or PCI-Express you have. Graphics card speed & price? The more you spend the faster the graphics card will be. As low as $30 for a standard graphics card, up to $600. for some of the fastest graphics card.

 

Windows XP/Vista Tip - Upgrade and Install Your Graphics Card.
By Raymond Garcia
WebTechGeek.com

 

 

Here's Windows XP/Vista Tip - Upgrade and Install Your Graphics Card:

1. Turn off your computer. (Note: This step is very important; you have to open your CPU for this procedure, and
you’re in danger of severe electrical shock if you leave. Never leave your computer plugged in or turned on while opening it.

 

2. Refer to your computer manual to determine how to open the CPU box, how your computer is configured, where graphics cards can be inserted, and which kinds of graphics cards to use. Be sure to read your computer users’ manual before dealing with any hardware upgrade.

 

4. Remove the side panel and lay your computer on its side. Locate either the AGP or PCI-Express slot on your motherboard, depending on which your motherboard has.

Note: You may have to remove your old graphics card before you install the new one. Open your computer up and look for a graphics card, it should be connected to the monitor cable.

5. Installing a graphics card may require a non-magnetic screwdriver, and an anti-static wrist band. The screwdriver is used to screw your graphics card into place, and the anti-static wrist band you wear to protect your graphics card from static electricity. If you use a stranded screwdriver, be careful not to touch any metal parts in the computer other then the screw. If you don't have a anti-static wrist band. just touch the metal computer box to remove any static from your hands as you start. Do make sure you turn-off and unplug your computer before you open it to start work.

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Note: Click on the pictures to enlarge. The graphics card in the picture is a PCI-Express.

6. Plug the graphics card into the appropriate AGP or PCI-Express slot. Do this gently, but make sure its firmly slotted in. Most graphics card use one screw to lock it in place. Close your computer, and replace any screws that you took out when opening the computer.

 

7. Turn on the computer; Windows Vista detects the new card and installs appropriate drivers. Alternatively installing the drivers on CD. Your graphics card should come with its own drivers on CD, so once you’ve turned your PC on, simply insert the drivers CD and follow the instructions.

 

8. View the information about the installed graphics device by choosing Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Device Manager.

 

9. Click the plus sign next to Display Adapters (see Figure 1), right-click the graphics card that you installed, and then choose Properties.

Figure 1

 

7. You see system settings for this card (see Figure 2). The Device Status tells you whether it’s working properly.

Figure 2

 

NOTE: Be careful about poking metal implements (such as screwdrivers) into the insides of the CPU because you could set off
an electrical unpleasantly. Place your computer on a nonconductive surface (such as a rubber mat) before opening it up. Don’t wear an
aluminum foil suit for this sort of procedure, and never leave your computer plugged in or turned on while opening it .Remember to come back to WebTechGeek.com for more How To Tips.

 

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