How to upgrade your graphic card

For faster running of the graphics, games and other multimedia programs, you can up-grade to a more powerful graphic card. The Microsoft Window Vista also comes with a 3D accelerated Aero interface which can be another reason for up-gradation. For running the Aero A Direct x 9 capable graphic script, a graphic card is required which has at least 128 MB of dedicated memory.

Upgrade your graphic card

For playing the best games you must have the more advanced graphic card. Those who take gaming very seriously must have a dual graphics card which comes with either nVidia SLI technology or the ATI's Cross Fire technology. Both the graphics card and the new SLI or crossfire compatible motherboard come for premium prices and you must be willing to pay for enjoying your games and for having the best of gaming experience.

Those having budget restrictions can opt for the mid range graphic card. It delivers increased performance when compared to the older graphic card, more so when the card is added to the budget system having integrated graphics.

Before shopping for the graphic card, make sure which card will work on your PC. Even the older PC'S with the AGP connectors can be used as they are able to generate some performance, but still the PC which is being upgraded must have a PCI express x16 slot for the graphics board. Most of the high end graphic cards which are available today can be linked to the power supply. You might need an adapter and connector for this purpose. The faster of the cards which are available today might need over 100 watts of power and thus the PC's power supply must be checked. It must also be ensured that it provides the necessary wattage for supporting the new card. The PC must have adequate cooling measures so that overheating does not occur. The case must also have ample rooming. A high end graphic card cooling system occupies the space of two expansion slots.

In case the PC uses the RAM for normal processing duties and for the graphics and you are adding a new card to an integrated graphic budget system, it must be first checked on the online support site of the manufacturer or the computer manual and confirmed that whether the system is accepting the graphic card or not.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Time required: 4-8 hrs

Resources required:

1. Drivers- Most graphic cards often come with not-ready-for-prime-time drivers. Therefore you must have the installation software and the CD with the driver available before actual installation. You can also download the driver from the website of the manufacturer.

2. Screw driver

3 Grounding strap

Instructions:

Installing the graphic card

1. Open the case: You can unplug the PC and then position it in such a way that the case's interior within reach comfortably. If it is tower case, installing the graphic card becomes easy when the case is laid to its side. Now gently remove the cover.

2. Ground yourself: You can ground yourself for protecting the delicate circuits of the PC affecting the static electrical charges on your own body. In case the grounding strap is unavailable, you can ground your body by touching a metal faucet, a pipe or a metal part which is located on the exterior of the PC case. You should do this before touching the inside of the PC or any of its component.

3. Remove the old graphic card: You can now remove the older graphic card. This can be done by removing the small screws which secure the card to the chassis of the computer. Now open the small clip which is located at the end of the card slot and remove the card while grabbing it at its edges. Try to apply force evenly. You can gently move the card lengthwise if it seems struck.

4.Installing the new card: Remove the packaging of the new card. Do not touch the circuits or chips which are located on the face of the card. Hold the card only at the edges.for securely seating the card, You can align the connector of the card which has the expansion slot and then firmly and gently push it down on its top edge, applying equal pressure at all points. By using the screw or some other clamping mechanism, you can screw the card to its chassis. You can also connect the power connectors.

5. Installing the driver: You can now reassemble the PC case and then power up the system. The graphic card drivers can be installed.by clicking cancel and ignoring the Windows prompt for running the installation wizard. Then the installation program which comes along with the graphics card can be run.

6. Manually installing the driver: If there is no installation program and you only have the card driver, you can also manually install the graphic card driver. This can be done by selecting the add hardware option from the Windows control panel. This program will guide you through the installation process and will ask you about the location of the driver files. The location can either be the CD or the hard drive.

Frequently asked questions

1.Why should the graphic card be upgraded?

A. For fully enjoying the games, graphics and other multimedia programs, the upgraded graphic card is useful and necessary.

2. Is the graphic card costly?

A. Graphic cards are available in different price ranges and can be selected as per the budget specifications.

3. Can the graphic card be replaced and installed at home ?

A. The graphic card can be easily replaced and installed at home by following the above given steps.

Quick tips

1. For the gaming purposes, the nVidia Ge Force 8800 and the AMD ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT should be selected.

2. For causal and home users, the nVidia Ge Force 8600 or the AMD ATI Radeon HD 2600 series are more suitable.

Things to watch for

Proper self grounding is necessary before substituting the graphic card.