installing a video card

[GrnEagle Jr]

Is it easy to install a video card or should i just bring my pc to a pro and have them install the video card

[1701E]

First off, make sure the computer can handle the card (PSU Wattage and 12V rail's').  Second Make sure you have the right slot for the card (AGP/PCI/PCI-e x16 '1.0/1.1/2.0').

If those are correct, then yes, it is easy to install it.

>Uninstall any drivers you have for the old Video (Driver Sweeper is best)
>Restart Computer and enter BIOS (When starting up you should see "Hit <Key> to enter BIOS")
>Turn off On-board Video or turn it to Auto. (If using on-board)
>Exit and Save BIOS
>Power off computer
>Ground yourself (touch some bare metal)
>Unplug the computer
>Remove the side
>Find the Slot for the card
>Remove the Back Slot (I/O) cover that is blocking where the card will fit (A small silver piece of metal held in by screw usually)
>Insert Card into slot carefully, evenly and firmly
>Re-insert the Screw to hold the card into place
>Attach any required Power Plugs (6 or 8 pin PCI power cords)
>Replace cover onto case
>Plug the monitor into the Video Card
>Start Computer and Download and install the drivers for the card.



Looks like a lot, but it's not bad.  If anyone sees a step I missed or messed up on, please correct....it's a lot to type and I make mistakes.

[Ruler2]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seJfGKuXgo0&feature=related

This card takes so much power, it requires a molex connector! 

This should show you basically what to do, nothin hard at all.

[Spikes]

This card takes so much power, it requires a molex connector! 

Umm...from what I can tell you are pulling the same amt of power for instance my video card came with  a 6 pin to molex that I use. Dont think it matters much.

[1701E]

"This card takes so much power, it requires a molex connector!"

Any card worth its price is going to need extra power.  Cards that one would buy anymore take 6 or 8 pin PCI power plugs.  The molex isn't used to power Video Cards directly anymore that I know of.

"my video card came with  a 6 pin to molex"

Sure it wasn't Molex to 6-pin?  Just wondering since most card that require a 6(+2) pin so they come with a Molex to 6 pin adapter, and most times isn't recommended for long time usage.  I think that's due to if the PSU doesn't have the 6(+2) to begin with it's not likely able to support the card very well.  I've never used an adapter so I can't be sure of it, only what I hear about it.

[Spikes]

"This card takes so much power, it requires a molex connector!"

Any card worth its price is going to need extra power.  Cards that one would buy anymore take 6 or 8 pin PCI power plugs.  The molex isn't used to power Video Cards directly anymore that I know of.

"my video card came with  a 6 pin to molex"

Sure it wasn't Molex to 6-pin?  Just wondering since most card that require a 6(+2) pin so they come with a Molex to 6 pin adapter, and most times isn't recommended for long time usage.  I think that's due to if the PSU doesn't have the 6(+2) to begin with it's not likely able to support the card very well.  I've never used an adapter so I can't be sure of it, only what I hear about it.

Molex to 6 pin/6 pin to molex, does it matter?
The 6 pin went into the card is all I know.

[68ZooM]

My Dual Cards take 2, 6 pin connecters per card, had to make sure i installed a 800watt PS

[Max]

Is it easy to install a video card or should i just bring my pc to a pro and have them install the video card

Give us some information on your computer, motherboard, power supply and current card.

[Ack-Ack]

Is it easy to install a video card or should i just bring my pc to a pro and have them install the video card

It's very easy to swap out video cards as long as you know what you're doing or can follow instructions.

How to install a video card


ack-ack

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Even a monkey can do it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DPQW0e9ufM

[gyrene81]

Even a monkey can do it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DPQW0e9ufM

ROFL...nice find Ripley.