HARDWARE
Installing a graphics card in four easy steps
Specialist companies relish the opportunity to earn a bit of easy
money from performing 10-minute fixes. Such is the demand for
graphic cards and memory that businesses can make a killing
off consumers unwilling to carrying out the installation themsel-
ves. The truth is, you can find out most what you need to know
through a simple online search and step-by-step guides like the
one below.
So, if you’re a PC gamer and need a hand introducing your new
graphics card to the system, observe the following points.
Un-install drivers
First off you’ll want to disable your old graphics card before in-
serting the new one. Failing to do this will see your computer
trying to trace the previous chip when the new one has been
inserted into the motherboard. So, after right-clicking on ‘My
Computer’, click on the ‘properties’ button before finding ‘Devi-
ce Manager’ located within the ‘hardware’ tab. Your current card
will be found under the ‘Display Adapter’ button so, after you’ve
accessed the option, click the name of the card to view its pro-
perties, before un-installing it. The removal process should take
around five minutes.
Remove
After your card has been fully un-installed, a notification should
appear confirming this. Upon viewing the message, shut down
and turn your machine off at the mains. Open the back of your
computer up and search for the AGP slot, usually found directly
above three thin, white PCI drives. It’s worth mentioning that all
machines are different, so it might be worth scouring forums or
having a quick look through the manual that came with your PC.
After equipping yourself with an anti static glove or wristband
– to eliminate the risk of you picking up a shock – go about uns-
crewing the plate guarding the drive and removing the old card.
Insert
The easiest step of the lot comes next. Simply unpackage your
new card and slot it into the AGP slot, making sure it’s fully in-
serted. Close up the case, then switch your computer back on.
Install
Installing your new card is a little different to un-installing, but
it’s just as easy. XP and newer versions of Windows should ask
you whether you want to install the new card, but if this isn’t the
case, go straight to the ‘Control Panel’. The ‘Add Hardware’ bu-
tton should be located in the list of buttons; clicking on this will
prompt an installation wizard to pop-up and ask you to insert the
relevant CDs that came with your card.
After this has been completed, restart your computer and pre-
pare to game on another level.
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