| After you have your new graphics card in hand, | | | | 8. Make sure the new graphics card is fully seated |
| you need to perform the following steps to | | | | in the slot and replace any screws used to hold |
| replace the card: | | | | the old card in place. If you encounter any |
| 1. Make sure your machine is shut off. | | | | difficulties, make sure you double-check the |
| 2. Open the case and discharge any static | | | | placementof the graphics card. It should seat fully |
| electricity by touching the power supply case. | | | | in the slot without any coercion. |
| Static electricity can damage your system and will | | | | 9. Reconnect the monitor cables. |
| definitely damage your new card. If you move, | | | | 10. Turn on your system and verify that you can |
| then you must discharge any static electricity | | | | see the system boot. There isn't any need to log |
| generated by the move. | | | | into the operating system - in fact, it's better if |
| 3. Locate the current graphics card. | | | | you don't at this point. Simply verify that the |
| You can determine which card is the graphics card | | | | system will bootand that you can see something |
| by looking for the monitor connector. | | | | onscreen. |
| 4. Disconnect any monitor cables from the card. | | | | 11. Shut the system down. Make sure you |
| 5. Unscrew the case screw that holds the | | | | perform a normal shutdown and don't simply turn |
| graphics card in place. Some cases don't have | | | | off thepower switch. You don't want to damage |
| screws - they may use a lever or other hold | | | | your operating system setup. |
| down method. The point is to make sure you can | | | | 12. Replace the case cover. You're ready to begin |
| remove the card without damaging anything. | | | | using that new card. |
| 6. Pull the old card straight out of the case. You | | | | 13. Follow any vendor software instructions for |
| may need to wiggle the card just a bit to get it | | | | your operating system. |
| to move. At no time should you need to exert | | | | The custom drivers provided by the vendor will |
| more than a little force to remove the card. If | | | | always outperform generic drivers supplied by the |
| you're wrestling with the machine, stop now! Look | | | | operating system vendor. You don't necessarily |
| for a screw or other hold down and remove it. | | | | need to install all the add-on software, however. |
| 7. Carefully line up the new card and gently press | | | | The add-on software adds nice functionality, but |
| it in place. Pushing the card hard can damage the | | | | often consumes power by keeping your |
| gossamer pins used to connect the graphics card | | | | computer churning away whenever you stop |
| to the motherboard. These pins are very tiny and | | | | typing. Follow these easy steps and make your |
| easyto damage. Gentle handling prevents damage | | | | home green today. |
| to the motherboard or your card. | | | | |