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HOW TO INSTALL a sound card

It's not a necessity for a computer, but a great add on and it's easy to install.

installation process

Before I teach you how to install a sound card in your computer system, you should familiarize yourself with what a sound card actually looks like and it's function in your computer. Please visit our  " learn about a sound card " Video Card, Sound Card and Network Card for more information.

The most common type of sound card and the one you will more than likely need to purchase is a PCI sound card. There are many different levels of quality when purchasing a sound card. You will need to determine how much money you want to spend versus the quality you want to get fro the sound card.

Almost all sound cards have at minimum a place to plug in speakers for sound output and a place to plug in a microphone for recording audio to your computer. Other sound cards have more outputs that give the ability to output 3D sound for advanced games, etc.

Installing a sound card will require the removal of the computer casing. Please be sure you are grounded before working with any components inside your computer. Once this is accomplished power down the computer and make sure the power cord is unplugged from the wall. Remove the casing from the computer and locate the PCI slot in your computer.

A typical PCI slot is pictured to the left. They are usually cream or white in color and they are attached directly to the motherboard.

If you are simply upgrading your sound card simply remove the old card if it is a card which is usually clipped down or held down with a single screw. Insert the new card in the exact same position as the old card. Replace the screw or clip. Put the case back on your computer and plug it into the wall. Boot the computer back up and your BIOS should automatically recognize the new sound card.

If you are adding a sound card to your computer just be sure to correctly fit the sound card into the PCI slot properly. You may need to apply a small amount of force to get the card to fit completely into the slot. Screw or clip the card down to the case and replace the cover. Plug the computer back in and boot the machine.