PCI Card Installation

The products that you buy should come with installation instructions that you should follow. You computer also comes with installation instructions for some things. If you do not trust yourself to install some product, get some one else to do it. These are only unofficial guides that you use at your own risk. I will not intentionally tell you to do something damaging, but, I do not take responsibility for any damages or mishaps or any other bad things that occur from using these guides. By using one of the guides bellow, you are confirming that you have agreed to and understand these terms (I am not liable).

This is for general PCI cards installation. You should check the instructions for more specific details as to how to attach pass-through cables (monitor pass-through in video cards, CD-ROM pass-through in PC cards) and other cables.

Don't forget to be in a static free enviroment and to discharge static electricity by touching the power source before removing the power cord.

Just for Reference:

  1. Make sure the computer has cooled down. Unhook all cables (except the power cord) from the computer and open the casing. There should be some buttons to push that will allow you to open it.
  2. Touch the power source with your fingers to discarge static electricity. The power source is the box that has the power cord attached to it. After discharging the static electricity, remove the power cord.
  3. There should be a cover/lid over the PCI expansion slots; open this lid to expose the slots.
  4. Decide which slot you are going to use. Use a screw driver to remove the screw that is holding down the port access cover that is aligned with the PCI slot. This should leave an opening in the back of the computer. Save the screw.
  5. Take the PCI card out of its static-proof bag and hold it by its corners. Do not touch any of the components on the card or the connector on the bottom of the card.
  6. The connector is shaped so that it can only fit into the slot one way. Line it up with the slot this way (the front of the card should be facing the opening in the back of the computer).
  7. Firmly, but gently, push the card into the expansion slot until it is all the way in. Do not "rock" the card in; push it straight in. If you meet resistance, don't try to force the card in; pull it out and try again.
  8. Once the card is firmly in, re-insert the screw that you saved. The card is now installed. The ports on the card should be sticking out the back of the computer.
  9. Close the lid over the expansion slots and close the computer casing. Reattach any wires you disconnected.
  10. Don't forget to attach any cables you need onto the ports of the PCI card. Also, don't forget to install any drivers or software that came with the card; it may not function until you have done so and restarted you computer.



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