Difference between revisions of "Install a Video Card"
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| − | + | Are your games not performing as well as they do for others? Do you see amazing screenshots and think, "I wish my computer could do that?" Often, getting those kind of results starts with the video card. Upgrading your video card can be a daunting task, especially with so many options out there, but with a budget in mind and a screwdriver in hand, you'll have a beefy new card installed before you know it. Start from Step 1 below to learn how. | |
| − | [[Category:Hardware]] | + | [[Category: Hardware]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Picking a Video Card=== | ===Picking a Video Card=== | ||
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#*Your power supply will also need PCI-E connectors. This usually isn't an issue if your power supply is newer, but power supplies older than 10 years may not have the appropriate connectors. | #*Your power supply will also need PCI-E connectors. This usually isn't an issue if your power supply is newer, but power supplies older than 10 years may not have the appropriate connectors. | ||
#*Your power supply's maximum wattage should be printed on a sticker affixed to the power supply. You may need to remove the power supply to find it. | #*Your power supply's maximum wattage should be printed on a sticker affixed to the power supply. You may need to remove the power supply to find it. | ||
| − | #Ensure that your motherboard supports the card. Virtually all video cards are PCI-E these days, so you will need to ensure that you have at least one of these slots. They are typically located closest to the processor in the row of PCI slots. If you don't have any PCI-E slots, you may need to [[Install | + | #Ensure that your motherboard supports the card. Virtually all video cards are PCI-E these days, so you will need to ensure that you have at least one of these slots. They are typically located closest to the processor in the row of PCI slots. If you don't have any PCI-E slots, you may need to [[Install a Motherboard|install a new motherboard]] if you want to upgrade your video card. |
#*Refer to your motherboard's documentation to find the layout diagram. This will help you identify where the PCI-E slots are located. | #*Refer to your motherboard's documentation to find the layout diagram. This will help you identify where the PCI-E slots are located. | ||
#*Installing a new motherboard will require that you reinstall your operating system. | #*Installing a new motherboard will require that you reinstall your operating system. | ||
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#*Use a tape measure to note both the vertical and horizontal clearance that you have available. Nearly all cards will have their dimensions listed in their product descriptions, allowing you to ensure that it will fit before you purchase it. | #*Use a tape measure to note both the vertical and horizontal clearance that you have available. Nearly all cards will have their dimensions listed in their product descriptions, allowing you to ensure that it will fit before you purchase it. | ||
#Strike a balance between price and power. Video cards can get expensive. Obscenely expensive. At a certain point, the average user won't be gaining any benefits from the increased cost of higher-end cards. Examine the applications you intend to use your card with and [[Choose-a-Graphics-Card|find a card]] that gives you the best power and reliability for your buck.<ref>http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/give-your-pc-some-graphics-muscle-by-installing-a-new-video-card</ref> | #Strike a balance between price and power. Video cards can get expensive. Obscenely expensive. At a certain point, the average user won't be gaining any benefits from the increased cost of higher-end cards. Examine the applications you intend to use your card with and [[Choose-a-Graphics-Card|find a card]] that gives you the best power and reliability for your buck.<ref>http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/give-your-pc-some-graphics-muscle-by-installing-a-new-video-card</ref> | ||
| − | #*The more expensive cards are typically geared towards [[Overclock | + | #*The more expensive cards are typically geared towards [[Overclock a Graphics Card|video card overclockers]] and users who want to use [[Establish-Nvidia-SLI|dual- or quad-card configurations]]. |
#*Be sure to read as many reviews as possible before deciding on a card. There are lots of resources online for finding the best performance for your budget. Sites such as Tom's Hardware will publish comparison charts ranking the current most popular cards in all price ranges, and customer reviews on sites such as Newegg can provide insight into the average person's experience with the card. | #*Be sure to read as many reviews as possible before deciding on a card. There are lots of resources online for finding the best performance for your budget. Sites such as Tom's Hardware will publish comparison charts ranking the current most popular cards in all price ranges, and customer reviews on sites such as Newegg can provide insight into the average person's experience with the card. | ||
#*Check the system requirements for your favorite games. See what video card is recommended to get the best performance out of the games you love, and also keep in mind the needs of future games. | #*Check the system requirements for your favorite games. See what video card is recommended to get the best performance out of the games you love, and also keep in mind the needs of future games. | ||
