5. GRAPHIC CARD
INSTALLATION
| Before You Begin |
| Static electricity can severely damage electronic parts. Take these precautions
prior to beginning the Graphics card installation: |
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Before installing the Display driver, make sure your Windows® 95/98/2000/ME/XP
or NT was installed in VGA mode and functions properly. |
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To use an AGP Graphics card with Windows® NT4.0, you may need to re-install
NT with Service Pack 5 (SP5) or Service Pack 6 (SP6) before
installing the AGP card. |
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If you are running Windows® NT4.0, please note that some drivers are
not compatible with earlier releases of Windows® NT. Consult
your dealer or local support to ensure you have the most
recent releases for Windows NT and the drivers. |
| IMPORTANT |
| Uninstalling Your Existing VGA Driver |
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Remove your existing Display Driver using the Add/Remove
Icon in ‘Control Panel’ |
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Shut down your computer |
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Remove your existing video card |
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NOTE: If your system (motherboard) has an onboard
Graphics controller, please contact the system
vendor on how to properly disable it. |
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Preparing Your
Computer for Installation
Prior to working on your computer, make sure the power of the
computer and any attached equipment such as a monitor or printer
is turned off. Unplug your computer and remove the cover. Remove
your current Graphics card. For systems with ‘On-Board 3D Graphics’,
there is no Graphics card to remove. Some systems may require
you to disable your ‘On-Board 3D Graphics’. Consult your PC users’
manual or vendor manual on how to properly do this.
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Selecting the Proper Expansion Slot
Most computers have a combination of AGP, PCI and ISA expansion
slots. All these slots may look similar at first, however
you will notice their differences once you examine them
more closely. The ISA connectors are black and are the largest
of the three types. The AGP slot on your computer motherboard
is usually the closest connector to the CPU and is made
from a plastic of a contrasting brown color. The PCI connectors
are usually located between the AGP and ISA connectors are
made from a white plastic, and is the same connector type
that most Sound or Modem Cards are connected. If you are
still unsure which connectors are AGP and PCI, consult your
system manual to help you identify them.
Plugging your Graphics card into an incorrect slot could
damage the card, your computer, or both. Do not try to force
a card into a slot that does not accommodate it, as it is
probably the wrong slot. The diagram below should help you
in identifying the proper slot. |
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Inserting Your Graphics Card
Remove the cover for the slot you intend to use and save
the screw for the mounting bracket of your new Graphics
card. Then, position the Graphics card over the expansion
slot that coincides with the type (AGP or PCI) of card purchased.
Push the card firmly and evenly until it’s fully seated
into the slot. Replace the screw to secure the bracket of
the Graphics card to the computer chassis. Replace the cover
of your computer. |
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Connecting Your Display
Plug your Monitor, Flat Panel Display, or your S-Video (TV)
cable into the appropriate connector on your Graphics card.
All cables MUST be connected before your computer is powered
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