Step 12:
Video Card Installation
& Sound Card Installations

Video Card Installation

Video card installation is easy. Also called a "Graphics Generator", video cards today use the PCI or AGP bus. Both are acceptable. Just note that if you select a video graphics card for an AGP bus, make sure you have an AGP bus port on your motherboard. Not all motherboards have one.

The following are for PCI and AGP installations.

Ground yourself.
Select the Expansion Slot - Try to place the video graphics card with a little extra space around it, if possible.
Remove the Case Insert - If necessary, you may need to remove a case insert that corresponds to the slot on the motherboard. This is usually done by unscrewing the insert, but at times it is removed by prying or popping it off.
Insert the Video Graphics Card - It's that simple! Occasionally, there will be resistance. If this is so, try rocking the card in by inserting one end first, then rock the rest of the pins into place.

ISA cards can be more difficult because of their length. They may not be rockable. Be careful when pushing the card in, do not damage the mobo. You don't want the board to flex. If the board does tend to bend, place your hand under the board underneath the board to give it support.

With any card, occasionally, the leading edge of the video card's metal plate may hit the case behind the motherboard, preventing the card from going in all the way. This can be a real problem. There is no one solution to recommend. However, sometimes you can get a pair of pliers and bend the video card. Or get a flat-head screw driver and pry the hole bigger where the card's lip protrudes. You need to just keep playing with it until you get it in properly. It will go in. Be careful and good luck!
Screw the card into place.
Double check your work

Sound Card Installation

Sound cards are made for both ISA or PCI installation. The procedure is much the same as for the video graphics card. The following is for both bus installations.

Ground yourself.
Select the Expansion Slot - Try to place the sound card with a little extra space around it, if possible.
Remove the Case Insert - If necessary, you may need to remove the case insert that corresponds to the slot on the motherboard. This is usually done by unscrewing the insert, but at times it is removed by prying or popping it off.
Insert the Sound Card - It's that simple! Occasionally, there will be resistance. If this is so, try rocking the card in by inserting one end first, then rock the rest of the pins into place.

As before, occasionally, the leading edge of the video card's metal plate may hit the case behind the motherboard, preventing the card from going in all the way. This can be a real problem. There is no one solution to recommend. However, sometimes you can get a pair of pliers and bend the video card. Or get a flat-head screw driver and pry the hole bigger where the card's lip protrudes. You need to just keep playing with it until you get it in properly. It will go in. Be careful and good luck!
Screw the card into place.
Double check your work.