Difference between revisions of "Install a Video Card"
m (Text replacement - "[[Overclock-a-Graphics-Card" to "[[Overclock a Graphics Card") |
m (Text replacement - "[[Category:H" to "[[Category: H") |
||
| (4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | + | 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=== | ||
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
#*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. | ||
