It often happens that the user acquires a new video card, which must be connected to an already assembled computer at home. It is in such cases that an important question arises before him, how to connect a video card? Next, we will consider how to do it yourself.
The video card is designed to solve problems associated with processing graphics and displaying images on the screen. If you are not an avid gamer, then there is no point in buying a new super-powerful video card. Before connecting a video card, you should understand a few nuances:
- power consumption of the new device. It is important to understand how powerful your power supply should be so that it works without problems;
- the second point is the graphic port, which is used by the adapter to communicate with the processor. There can be one of two types: AGP and PCI-Express. Before you begin installing the video card, you need to make sure that it matches your configuration.
Before you begin installing a powerful video card, you should see if you have enough power for this with your power supply. For example, the specification states that a video card requires a power supply of 500 watts or more. You have installed a unit for 500-550 watts, in which case you can conclude that such power is enough for you. The compatibility issue has already been said, now we can say about how to install a video card.
You should pay particular attention to the power connector. If the connector on the video card is six-pin, then you may need a special adapter with which it will be connected to the power supply. If the card you purchased does not have any additional power connectors, you will need to insert it into the special PCI Express 16x slot, then screw it with the special antennae into the system unit with bolts.
How to connect a video card to a PCI Express 16x slot?
First you need to find the appropriate connector on your motherboard, it is usually signed. After that, you should pick up your video card and by pressing insert it into the corresponding slot. She should sit in it completely. Sometimes a video card may require additional power, for this a six-pin connector is used. You will need to connect the power supply and the video card through the appropriate connector. Now the video card is installed, which means it is ready for use.
How to connect a video card to the old one?
Before installing a new graphics card, you must remove the old one. First of all, you should install the driver on the video. In the "Device Manager" you should find the "Video Adapters", find your still installed video card there, and then call its context menu in which to select "Properties". In the tab "Driver", click "Delete." When everything is done in the software part, you can exit the system, disconnect the computer from the network and proceed to the mechanical part. When all the cords are pulled out of the sockets and the system unit, you can remove the side cover from it. Loosen the fixing screw that holds your graphics card. Now it can be removed.
New video cards for the computer are inserted into the connectors very easily, it does not require much effort. When you insert it, use the fixing screw to fix it to the body. Now you should close the system unit cover and connect a monitor to the new video card. When you connect all the necessary wires and turn on the computer, you will need to install the drivers for the new video card, otherwise it will not work. The operating system itself will detect a new device and help you install new drivers yourself.