The method described below is valid for an AGP card format or PCIexpress and under Windows XP and Vista OS.
The market for graphics processors (GPU) is dominated by two manufacturers: ATI and nVidia.
They sell to assemblers (Asus, PowerColor, Sapphire, …..) which make the final product: the graphics card.
1. Uninstalling the old graphics card
- In the Control Panel, click System -> Hardware -> Device Manager -> Display adapters.
- Expand the sub-menu and select your current graphics card.
- Right click and choose uninstall.
This effect will be to uninstall the drivers and remove the card from the list of hardware installed on your computer.
2. Shutdown the PC
Unplug the power supply and all cables connected to the rear panel.
3. Place the unit on a table
- Remove the side panel to access the boards.
- Before proceeding, verify that your new acquisition has a dedicated power connector,
o If yes, check that your power supply is provided with the proper outlet.
o Otherwise, look in the accessories supplied with the box, maybe there is an adapter in it. If you do not have this adapter, you’ll have to get one, or in some cases, changing the power supply, attention to verify this before buying a new graphics card.
4. Before you touch your graphics card inside the box
Think to discharge yourself from any static electricity (just touch the radiator pipe or valves).
- Remove the screws holding your graphics card in the PC box, then push or unlock the locking system at the rear of the PCI-Express or AGP. (most motherboards come with a system preventing the graphics card to uncouple the connector, each manufacturer has its own solution, see the manual of the motherboard for more detail)
- Remove the card, without undue force. (it is often easier to place the box flat for this)
5. Install your new graphics card
- Gently insert the card into the PCI Express/AGP by pressing with both hands, still without undue force.
- Replace the screws card/box and close the round.
- Reconnect the PC and all peripherals.
6. Reboot
- Windows will detect the new card and you claim the drivers.
- Click Cancel until the dialog box does not reappear over and a message appears telling you that a problem occurred during installation and the device may not function normally. No panic, it’s normal.
- Insert the drivers CD that came with your graphics card or downloaded on the net.
o nVidia drivers
o ATI drivers
- Start the installation and follow the instructions.
- Once the installation is complete, reboot the computer, even if no dialog box is prompted.
- If the screen resolution has changed, right-click on the desktop then go to the Property menu-> Settings to select the best resolution to your liking.
If all went well, you can unwind on your favorite games to see the gain brought by your beautiful brand new graphics card!
Tags: Buying Guides, Graphics Cards, How to, Peripherals, Tips and Tricks
