How to Install a Graphics Card and Upgrade Your Video Memory

Many new computer applications, especially video games, demand a huge amount of video memory. Most of the video games being currently released require a bare minimum of at least 32 MB of video memory. And these are just the low-end games with simple 3D graphics. Some games with complex 3D-rendered displays may require up to 128 MB of video memory.

If your software applications increasingly demand greater video memory, you may very well need to upgrade your computer's video card (graphics card). A graphics card is a specialized device used for rendering graphics in personal computers. They contain their own GPU (graphical processing unit), which lightens the workload of the CPU.

This tutorial will walk you through the steps of upgrading your video memory by installing a graphics card.

Step #1
Choosing Your Graphics Card
Of the numerous companies that manufacture graphics cards (AMD, NVIDIA, Matrox, S3 Graphics, and XGI) AMD or NVIDIA are recommended because of their reputation for high-quality products.

Before you go out go buy your graphics card, you will need to know three things:
*How much memory you need;
*What type of port you have available on your motherboard (PCI or AGP);
*What type of video output you need (SVGA, DVI, or S-Video). Some motherboards contain either PCI ports or AGP ports. You will need to know precisely what type of port you have on your motherboard so that you can buy a matching graphics card.

Different video cards have different outputs. You will need to check your monitor to see which type of output is required. Most CRT monitors require SVGA, while LCDs require DVI. S-Video is usually used to connect your computer to DVD players, video game consoles, and LCD projectors.

Once you have purchased the appropriate video card, you will have to install it onto your computer's motherboard.

Step #2
Verify Compatibility and Install Drivers
Before you install your graphics card, you will need to make sure that it is fully compatible with your computer. Most graphics cards come shipped with an installation CD. You will need to run the installation before you insert the video card.

If your video card did not come with an installation disk, you will need to go on the manufacturer's website in order to download and install the appropriate drivers.
Install the Graphics Card into Your PC
Once you have run the installation program and installed all required drivers, you need to turn off your computer.

With the computer off, open the computer's case and locate the PCI of AGP port. Once located you can now slide the video card gently into the port: Applying excessive force will damage your $50-$700 video card!

Once the card in the port, screw the card in place.

Now that the video card is installed into your computer, you can now plug the monitor into your video card's output port.

Step #3
Testing, Testing, Testing
After this is done, you can turn on your computer. If the monitor turns on, the computer has successfully detected your graphics card. And that is all there is to it.

If your monitor did not turn on, you will need to recheck and make sure that all drivers are installed and the video card is compatible with your system. You can also check to see if the video card is properly inserted into the appropriate port. If you have tried all of these troubleshooting solutions, your system may either be incompatible, or you may not have installed the drivers properly. Some manufacturers have different requirements for their video cards. You may need to consult them for technical support.

Useful Links
www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html
www.amd.com/us-en/Corporate/VirtualPressRoom/0,,51_104_543_15104,00.html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_card