Upgrading a video card can be an intimidating experience if you’ve never opened a desktop computer before. However, I assure you that it is a very simple task. The first thing you need to do is buy the new video card. The last video card I purchased was an Asus- NVIDIA GeForce GT 520 with iGB DDR3 onboard RAM for $59.99.
Once you have your new video card, here’s how you install it.
Unplug The Computer
It is absolutely imperative that you unplug your computer. Any electric current even static shock can ruin your computer. To unplug your computer remove all the cables from the back of the computer. This includes the power cord, monitor cords, printer cords, and any other cord hanging off the back of your computer. Don’t worry, they all slide right back in.
Once you have your computer completely unplugged lay it on its right side on a sturdy table so that you have access to the left side of the case. Most motherboards are placed on the right side of the computer so you won’t be able to access your internal components from the right side.
Open The Case
There should be several screws holding the side panel in place. Remove those screws and slide the panel backwards. It should slide right off. Place the panel to the side. You can now see the internal components of your computer. At the back of your computer you should see several long skinny slots. Those slots should line up with the rectangular metal openings at the back of the computer. The Video card slot is longer than the rest of the slots. Typically, this slot is the top most slot. Once you identify it, remove the corresponding rectangular metal covering on the back of the computer or if there is already a video card in the slot, unscrew the screw fastening the card to the back of the case, and gently pull the card out of the slot.
Install The Video Card
Remove the new Video Card from its box. Be careful not to touch the metal connectors at the bottom of the card or any of the components on the top of the card. Line up the card with the slot in the motherboard and gently push down. The card only goes into the slot one way so it’s almost impossible to mess up the insertion.
Make sure the card is fully inserted into the slot.
Fasten the metal bracket on the card into the case with the screw you removed from the rectangular piece of metal or the existing video card. The card should now be firmly in place.
Replace The Side Panel
Slide the side panel back into place and insert the screws into the back of the computer. You are now ready to put your computer back in its place and plug in all your accessories: keyboard, mouse, monitors, power cord etc.
Once your computer is fully connected, boot the machine as normal. You have now replaced your video card.