Upgrading your graphics card is a simple and cost effective way to give your PC a boost in performance to not only play the latest games, but also to watch HD movies without the interruption of stutters and lags, enjoy more vibrant colors for photos and videos. As well, graphics cards supporting ATI Stream technology can accelerate general computing tasks like video conversion, something that Windows 7 is built to help with. You’ll be amazed at what this tune-up can do for your PC’s overall performance.
Let me start by saying that while it is really quite simple to install a new graphics card, you still need to be careful. So be sure to read through this entire blog before you get started, and then proceed slowly and carefully.
Before you get started, make sure you’ve got a Phillips screw driver handy to allow you to open your PC case. We also advise you wear an antistatic wrist strap or touch a grounding pad, if you have one; if not, a simple way to ground yourself is to touch a grounded metal object, such as a water tap.
Step 1: Getting under the hood
Turn the computer around so that you are looking at the back. Your computer’s case may be different, but the principle is the same—find the screws at the back that keep the case intact, unscrew them and slide the case off. You will now be able to see the inside of your computer—don’t be intimidated by the cords and cables. In no time at all, you’ll be up and running with your favorite game!
If you’ve had your PC for a while it may be dusty on the inside. Feel free to keep a vacuum handy to clean things up. But carefully – a powerful vacuum can damage sensitive components!
Step 2: Adding the new graphics card
Now that the computer’s open, you’ll be able to see the motherboard (it’s got a fan mounted on it). Next, you need to find what’s called the PCI-E® slot. This is a plastic slot that’s most often black, although sometimes it’s blue as in our video. The slot will be the same length as the metal slot of graphics card and is generally located toward the bottom half of the motherboard.
Before you can install the card, you’ll likely have to unscrew and remove the metal bracket that covers the back of the PC. This makes room for the graphics card, and allows you to access the card when the case is all closed up. Take your graphics card out of its packaging and gently insert the card into the PCI-E slot, making sure it’s firmly in place.
Step 3: Securing the card
Take the Phillips screw driver and screw the graphics card in the metal plate on the left. This will ensure it stays in place. Put the side panel back on and screw it in.
Step 4: Plugging it in (depending on the model)
Just like there are different classes of cars, some more powerful than others, there are also different levels of graphics cards. For some of the more powerful ones you’ll need to plug in power cables, while less powerful cards can run off of the power of the PCI-E slot alone. If your graphics card needs external power, make sure that you connect it before you power it on to avoid damaging it.
Step 5: Closing up
With the graphics card now secured, put the case back on and plug things back in. Note that where you plug your monitor/display into will be different now that you have a graphics card. Make sure you’re plugging the display into the new connector on the graphics card rather than where it was before.
Step 6: Installing the software (otherwise known as drivers)
In order for your new graphics card to talk to the rest of your computer, some software is needed. In this case, this software is known as “drivers”. The drivers communicate with the operating system and applications, and the graphics hardware.
Once everything is plugged in and the power switch is on, turn on the computer as you normally would. Once the operating system is fully booted, open your CD or DVD drive and insert the CD included with your graphics card. Alternatively, you can download the latest drivers for your graphics card. Once you put the CD in the drive, Windows generally automatically detects the disc and a menu of options will appear onscreen. Select to install the video drivers, choose automatic install and click OK. Once that’s complete, restart the PC and you’re ready to go!
You’re done!
These latest graphics cards from AMD enable an incredible Windows 7 experience, let you play the latest DirectX® 11 games that look more life-like than ever, and with applications that support ATI Stream technology, even help you do things like video conversion faster. A simple graphics card upgrade can help make what you do and see on your PC better.
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