Installing a Graphics Card
Upgrading the graphics card competes with adding more system memory as the most-upgraded component. Since the tutorial kit does not have a graphics card, I will include the steps to installing a graphics card for this configuration as well. The same procedure can be used to install any graphics card (PCI-E or AGP interface) as well as any PCI expansion card, including sound cards. We’ll need to clear the way for this card by opening up a PCI slot cover on the back of the case. It looks like the slot covers are locked down by an additional panel with 2 screws. Let’s remove them now. That additional panel slides up toward the open side of the case and falls right out. The top slot cover can be removed by sliding it upwards as well. The path is now clear to install the graphics card. Insert the card with the same care as the RAM, only handling the outside edges. Align the brass pin portion of the board with the slot and push down squarely until the card slides into place in the socket. Reattach the panel by sliding it back into place and locking it down with the screws. The graphics card is now properly connected and good to go. Don’t forget to download and install the latest graphics drivers from your graphics processor manufacturer (www.ati.com for Radeon and www.nvidia.com for GeForce). The Next Step: Initial Boot - Pressing the Power Button and Crossing Your Fingers >> |
