Change Your Card

• 1). Ensure that your selected video card is compatible with your motherboard prior to buying it. Specifically, your motherboard needs the appropriate type of slot to accommodate the card. If your motherboard only has PCI slots, for example, you won't be able to use a card that requires the older AGP interface. Also be sure that your PC's power supply meets the minimum specifications for the new card; some use a lot of power.
  
  
• 2). Unplug your computer and take precautions against static by grounding yourself by at the very least touching the metal on your computer's housing before touching anything inside the computer. A grounding strap is better.
  
  
• 3). Remove the screws holding the cover of your computer's case and then remove the side panel of the case.
  
  
• 4). Locate the video card, often in a slot closest to the processor, and unscrew the screw that fastens it to the back housing of the computer. Carefully remove the card from its slot. You may need to press a small latch on the end of the card where it connects to the motherboard slot.
  
  
• 5). Install the new card. If it was made for a different type of interface, as some video cards are, put it in that slot instead if one is available.
  
  
• 6). Screw the card into the back of the computer's housing. If the video card requires that a power cable be connected to it, do so. Read your video card's instruction to determine whether this is necessary.
  
  
• 7). Replace the case cover and screw it on.
  
  
• 8). Install the software drivers that came with the card (usually on a CD) so that the card will perform optimally. You may also want to check the manufacturer's website to see if there are newer drivers available there.