Graphics Card - Install New Card

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    Graphics Card - Install New Card

    Graphics Card - Install New Card

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    Designer Media Ltd


    How to Install a New Graphics Card

       Warning
    When working inside of your computer, you should always wear an anti-static wristband . If you shock an electrical component, you could PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THE COMPONENT and void your warranty!


    Things to consider when purchasing a new card:

    -Motherboard Compatibility (AGP, PCI, PCIe, PCIe 2.0 x16, PCIe 2.1 x16)
    -Graphics Ports (most new video cards now include a VGA to DVI adapter, so this is less of a worry)

    -Power Supply (it needs to have enough to power the card and everything else)
    -Case Space (with newer high end cards, there can be little room left. I have a N260GTX in a Full tower case, and it BARELY fits. Make sure to measure your case)
    -Money vs Power (This is for you to determine, I WILL NOT cover this)

    Things you will need to install your new card:
    -Phillips Screwdriver (sometimes varies depending on the case)
    -Anti-static wristband
    -New Graphics Card
    -About 30 minutes
    -New video card drivers (on CD or downloaded beforehand)

    Steps:

    If you have onboard graphics on your motherboard, you should disable this is BIOS before you install your new card.
    To do this, you must restart your computer. When the OEM logo (or BIOS) comes up, press one of the keys shown at the bottom, usually F1, DEL, ESC, etc. It should be labeled, ENTER SETUP.
    Navigation is done with the arrow keys here. Scroll to the advanced tab, and look for a graphics setting, and disable it.
    NOTE: This CANNOT be done through Windows (or any other OS), it MUST be done through BIOS.

    1) Remove your old graphics card drivers. There are a few ways to do this, but I will cover the default Windows way:
    a) Open Device Manager (Computer, right click Properties, Device Manager)
    b) Select Display Adapters
    Graphics Card - Install New Card-device-manager.jpg
    c) Right click Properties, and go to the Driver Tab, and click Uninstall.
    Graphics Card - Install New Card-properties.jpg
    2) Turn off your computer, and unplug the power cord from the Power supply unit. It is also a good idea to remove all the plugs from the back of the computer, and take the unit to a non-static workplace, like a wood workbench. Carpet and metal is not recommended.

    3) Pull out the old graphics card. Some motherboards (and cards) have a release catch on them, usually under the card, to the inside of the motherboard.


    4) Put in the new card. Push it in with firm, steady pressure until it drops in snugly. Wiggle the card GENTLY to see if the base is loose. Plug in the power plug from the PSU (not all cards need this, some use one 6 pin, some one 8 pin, some two 6 pins, some two 8 pins. Look at your card and your manual to find out)

    5) Screw the card into the case, and put the case back together

    6) Turn on the computer, and install the new drivers.

    Your new graphics card is installed and ready to go!

    If you would like to keep your old graphics card, put it in the anti-static bag that your new card came in to keep it safe.

    If you want to get rid of it, take it to your local computer outlet and ask them if they will dispose of it for you. Computer components CANNOT just be thrown away, they need to be disposed of properly.

       Information
    Neither I (Lorbob75), nor Seven Forums (Windows 7 Forums) take responsibility should your card be damaged or destroyed if you follow this advice. We do not advise installing a new video card unless you know what you are doing, and are willing to risk your video card.

    Graphics Card series:

    1. How a Graphics Card Works
    2. AGP vs PCI
    4. How to Overclock Your Card
    5. How to Test NVIDIA/AMD Performance with OCCT


    --------------------

    I hope this Tutorial helped a whole bunch of you!

    ~Lordbob



  1. Posts : 65
    xp sp2
       #1

    Good info. :) I was wondering if maybe you could add what sockets are compatible with what graphics card and how it would be done if you have a built in graphics and then you add a graphics card. Basically thats the info I'm looking for haha

    My PC has built in graphics and I want to put on a new graphics card thats suppose to be PCIe v 2.0 but on my com, the slot is a v 1.0. So would that work?

    Thanks
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6,885
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64, Mint 9
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Very good questions Window7 (nice name).

    First off, most new graphics cards are PCIe 2.0 x16 or 2.1 x16. Same with most newer mobos. The best way to tell this is to look at the box of your graphics card, and it should tell you the slot type. For your motherboard, get the model number and look it up online (I like newegg) and it will tell you what it has.
    Generally, PCIe is backwards compatible, so it should work.

    Second, you will need to disable onboard video through the BIOS. I don't know exactly how to do this, as each mobo is different, and I don't have onboard, so I cannot check mine. In my past experiences, it will auto disable itself when you install it, but it is best to check.

    I will add that above as well.

    ~Lordbob
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 65
    xp sp2
       #3

    Thank you for your reply :)

    That was very helpful. I've read a few times too that they're mostly downward compatible and I was happy to read your reassuring message :) I guess I'll be getting a new graphics card now.

    Thanks again
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 77
    Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #4

    Lordbob useful info here but I have a question. If you disable onboard video won't this mean you have no display for deletion of old driver and install of new? Is there any reason the new card and drivers can't be installed first?

    I guess the advice is similar for soundcards but temporary loss of sound is not a problem. I am doing a partial upgrade later this week (MB, sound and possibly video).
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 6,885
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64, Mint 9
    Thread Starter
       #5

    bilzmale said:
    Lordbob useful info here but I have a question. If you disable onboard video won't this mean you have no display for deletion of old driver and install of new? Is there any reason the new card and drivers can't be installed first?

    I guess the advice is similar for soundcards but temporary loss of sound is not a problem. I am doing a partial upgrade later this week (MB, sound and possibly video).
    Well, typically when you install a card it will default to the PCIe slot for graphics. Disabling onboard video is actually not necessary, but still recommended. You also would disable it AFTER installing the new card.

    ~Lordbob
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 3,427
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #6

    Great tut David :) Glad to see I'm not the only one who can't draw circles properly with a mouse
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 6,885
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64, Mint 9
    Thread Starter
       #7

    severedsolo said:
    Great tut David :) Glad to see I'm not the only one who can't draw circles properly with a mouse
    Is there anyone who can??!?!?

    ~Lordbob
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 3,427
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #8

    Lordbob75 said:
    severedsolo said:
    Great tut David :) Glad to see I'm not the only one who can't draw circles properly with a mouse
    Is there anyone who can??!?!?

    ~Lordbob
    haha very true. On a Non OT matter (yeah I know ) Is it possible to run a card and say On Board Graphics at the same time on dual monitors?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 6,885
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64, Mint 9
    Thread Starter
       #9

    severedsolo said:
    Lordbob75 said:
    severedsolo said:
    Great tut David :) Glad to see I'm not the only one who can't draw circles properly with a mouse
    Is there anyone who can??!?!?

    ~Lordbob
    haha very true. On a Non OT matter (yeah I know ) Is it possible to run a card and say On Board Graphics at the same time on dual monitors?
    Yes.

    ~Lordbob
      My Computer


 
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