How to Install or Replace a Video Card in your computer

For the common computer user an upgraded Video Card will never be necessary, however for the avid gamer or photographer a new video card upgrade can be one of the biggest and best upgrades you can make for your personal computer. Many high end computer software games or photo editing and publishing programs require video cards with with newer chipsets, faster processors and more memory. Most onboard video or base model video cards will not support these requirements.

Before you run out and buy the most expensive video card at your local computer part store take note that not all video cards are created equally. Just as with about every other computer part there are many different options to consider before making the purchase. The first and most important factor is to determine the correct type of video card to purchase. The two types of cards avaliable are:

  • AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) - Developed more recently, the AGP slot (there is only one on a motherboard) is dedicated solely to video cards. As such, AGP video cards are more powerful than PCI cards.
  • PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) - A slot designed to accommodate a wide range of computer parts, including video cards, sound cards, and modems. Your computer will contain up to six PCI slots.

If you have an AGP slot in your computer it is best to purchase the AGP video card, however, if you don't have the AGP slot it will be pointless to purchase an AGP card, there is no type of adapter to convert from PCI to AGP.

Before you attempt to put the video card there are some improtant things to consider.

  • You may need tools such as a screwdriver for older PC's to remove the video card.
  • It's a good idea to not work on carpet because of the risk of static. This could ruin the video card.
  • A better idea would be to use and anti-static bracelet or grounding wrist strap when installing and removing the video cards.

Now you are ready to start the installation process. It is always a good idea to tell your operating system to use your generic video card before you install the new video card in your system. In order to do this you will need to uninstall the old video card from device manager. Here are those steps:

  1. Locate the My Computer icon
  2. Right-click the My Computer icon, and select Properties
  3. If you are in Windows 95, 98, or ME, select the Device Manager tab.
  4. If you are using Windows NT, 2000, or XP, select the Hardware tab, then select the Device Manager button
  5. Double-click the menu item labeled Display adapters. Your current display adapter will appear immediately below as a separate menu item.
  6. Right-click the display adapter text that has just appeared. A menu with several options will appear.
  7. Select Remove or Uninstall from this menu. Figure 3 shows the Device Manager with the Uninstall option highlighted in Windows XP.
  8. Select Yes if any additional prompts appear. If Windows prompts you to restart your computer, select No.
  9. Shut down your computer normally.

Now you are ready to remove the old video card if one is installed, if the old video card is on-board video then you don't need to worry about removing it, you have just uninstalled it.

  1. Remove all cables from the computer, including the power cable, monitor cable, mouse and keyboard, speakers, etc.
  2. Open the case to the computer and locate the video card either in the AGP slot or PCI slot. It's the card that the monitor plugs into so it should be easy to find.
  3. Older computers usually attach the video card to the computer case using a single screw. The screw is located in the metal part at the top of the video card. Some newer model PC's will have simply sit down into the PCI or AGP slot and have a lever type device holding them down. Simply lift the lever and gently remove the card from the slot.
  4. Put the removed card on a paper towel, or cardboard to avoid static electricity. Remember one man's junk is another man's treasure. You can always try to sell your old video card for a little extra cash.
  5. Put the cover back on your case and attach all the cords in the proper places.
  6. Turn your computer and monitor on to make sure you see an image on the screen.
  7. You might have to run a setup CD that comes with the new video card in order to install the drivers