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PC Guide on installing Graphic Card onto the Motherboard (MOBO)Tip: The first step in installing graphic card is to gather the tools you will need. Many newer computer cases are tool-less. You may not need any tools to install your graphics card. However, it is still very common to have cases that use screws to hold the side panels on the case, as well as to hold the expansion slot covers on the case. So, have a medium Phillips-head screwdriver ready just in case. Now comes the most exciting part, installing graphic card into the PCI Express slot on your Motherboard (MOBO). Locate the appropriate expansion slot cover on your case and remove it to allow for the install of your new graphics card. Some cheaper cases have expansion slot covers that snap off and can’t be replaced. Be sure that you choose the correct slot cover or covers to be removed. Often, the easiest way to be sure that you are removing the correct slot cover is to hold your graphic card over the appropriate slot on the motherboard and see which cover needs to be removed. Once you have removed the correct expansion slot cover from your case, you are ready to actually install the card. It is important to point out here that you must be very careful at this step of the installation. The capacitors and components that are on the surface of the graphics card are very fragile. Mishandling the card can cause irreparable damage that will likely not be covered by the warranty. Hold the graphics card by the edges of the board, NOT by the heat sink or fan and NOT by any of the components of the graphics card. Once you have the card aligned correctly for the slot you have chosen to use, gently but firmly press the card into place. Every motherboard manufacturer uses a retainer system of some sort to lock the card into place on the motherboard. After you get the graphics card secured in place on the motherboard, be sure that you secure it to the case where you removed the expansion slot cover with the same hardware that held the expansion cover in place.
Note:
This step only applies to those installing graphic card that is categorized as higher end PCI Express graphics cards. Many PCI-Express graphics cards require a special six-pin power adapter from the computer’s power supply to operate. The PCI-E power connector will typically be black and located near the rear edge of the graphics card. If your graphics card has this six-pin power plug, be sure that you connect it or your card may not function correctly.
You have now completed installing graphic card. And now you are ready to replace your side panel, reconnect your peripherals, and power your computer back up The final step after powering your computer back up is to install the drivers for your new graphics card. While most graphics cards will come with a disk containing the drivers and possibly other applications, it is recommended that you download the newest drivers for your graphics card from the manufacturer’s website. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer to install the graphics card drivers and you are finished! Congratulations - you have installed your new graphics card!
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