Once everything was unplugged, I opened up my computer. Most have screws on the back panel that allows the user to get inside the tower; others have some sort of “easy-open” feature. Mine had the latter. After opening my computer, I made sure to ground myself against a metal surface. This eliminated risk of electro-static discharge when touching PC components, which can destroy fragile computer hardware. Toward that end, your new card will come packaged in a static-free bag. Keep this so you have something to store your old card in. You’d be surprised how many situations there are where a backup card can come in handy.
The physical installation of a graphics card is surprisingly simple. If you’re using a PCI-E port, it will be the longest slot on your motherboard, oriented parallel to the ground and aligned with one of the expansion slots on the back panel of your computer. AGP Ports are aligned similarly, but are shorter. If you already have card in your PC, just use the same slot for simplicity’s sake. Line up your new card with the PCI-E slot so that the display adapter connectors on the end of the card will poke out of the expansion slot. Firmly and carefully push down on the card until it until it is firmly seated in the slot. You should hear a click. Secure the card by screwing the back plate onto the expansion slot.
Examine your card for power sockets. Lower-end cards do not need them, as they draw enough power from the PCI-E slot, but more expensive cards require one or two cables from your power supply. My 8800 GT required a single rectangular six-pin power connector; my friend Raymond’s card uses two such power connectors. It is important to verify that your power supply has sufficient capacity for your card. Check not only the total wattage of the power supply, but the amperage as well. This information is generally displayed on a sticker on the side of your power supply. If you do not provide the card with the power it requires, it is possible to permanently damage your card.
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