If you want to play games at their highest settings, you'll need a powerful graphics card. The latest generation of video cards offer incredible performance, but they also come with a hefty price tag.
You can save some cash by installing your graphics card from scratch. This way, you won't have to pay for drivers or worry about compatibility issues.
The graphic card is a piece of hardware that helps the processor perform tasks such as rendering images or playing games. There are two types of graphic cards: integrated and dedicated.
Integrated graphic cards are built into the motherboard itself. They are usually cheaper and offer better performance than dedicated ones. Dedicated graphic cards are sold separately from the motherboard and are typically more expensive.
It is not that difficult a task to install a graphics card provided you have the know-how and the proper tools to do so. Some people however do not feel comfortable installing their own and are better off leaving it in the capable hands of an expert. If a graphics card is not installed properly, both the motherboard and the graphics card can become damaged which can mean it could cost a great deal to repair.
How to install a new graphics card
For someone who knows what they are doing, the installation of a graphics card should take no more than half an hour to complete. First thing you need to do is to decide what kind of graphics card your computer needs. If you do not know, then check compatibility by way of the manufacturer of your computer.
Next thing you need to do is gather the necessary tools together. Most graphic card installation will necessitate the use of a screwdriver that is not magnetized as well as an anti-static wrist strap. Whatever you do, do not forego the anti-static wrist strap as even the smallest shock can ruin your graphics card.
Now you will need to turn off your computer and unplug it and then take off the left side panel. The left will be the left when you are standing in front of your computer. Lay the panel on its side and locate the expansion slot that you want to use. Remember that graphics and video cards come available for AGP slots, standard PCI slots as well as 1x PCI Express slots and 16x PCI Express slots. Double-check to make sure you have the graphics card for the correct expansion slot.
Next take off the IO plate that covers the slots in the back section of the computer. Some IO plates are attached with tabs and some with screws while others are able to twist off. Once you take the cover off the expansion slot you will need to carefully take the video card out of its box and you will then be ready to plug the graphics card into the given expansion slot. Insert the graphics card into the expansion slot and then with a firm hand press it into place. The majority of expansion slots are equipped with a retention mechanism that is capable of locking the card into position but some do not. Make sure you properly screw in the graphics card to the case or connect with any other sort of method. Make sure you place it exactly where you removed it. Once you get to this point you are almost finished.
Once the installation is done, always verify the power source for your graphics card. Does it require power directly from your computer or not? Consult the instructions for your graphics card to see if the card has its own power connector and if so, what kind of power source it needs. After you are sure that the power is working, plug your computer back in and turn your computer on. Next put the side panel back on the computer. Always verify as well that the video card is working properly.
Now you are ready to connect your computer monitor to the graphics card and then power up your computer system. Once it is up and running as it should be, it is time to install the driver that is appropriate for your chosen graphics card. The driver is something that will be included when you buy a graphics card. Sometimes the driver though is older and it might be the case that you will have to update the driver by way of visiting the website for the manufacturer. As soon as your video card drivers are updated you have finished the process of installing the graphics card.
