Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
8. Attach the video cable from the monitor to the proper connector at the rear of the monitor. If the
card uses a DVI-I, HDMI, or DisplayPort connector and the monitor uses the standard 15-pin
VGA connector, use an appropriate adapter (might be provided with the video card or
available separately from stores that stock computer parts). If you're building a dual-display
system, be sure to plug in your primary and secondary displays to the appropriate connectors.
Note
If you are replacing an existing video card (or switching from onboard video to an add-in
video card), remove the existing installed video driver before powering down to install the
new card. This helps prevent the system from improperly identifying the new video card and
makes for a smoother upgrade. To do this, open the Windows Device Manager, select the
existing display adapter, and select Remove or Uninstall. Do not reboot the system if asked;
instead, power down and remove the existing video card.
After the entire system is assembled, when the system boots up, Windows should detect the
new video card and automatically begin the driver installation process. At that point, follow
the manufacturer's instructions for installing the latest video drivers for the new video card.
After the video card drivers are installed, you can use the Windows Display properties to fine-
tune its settings for resolution, color depth, or refresh rate if desired.
Installing Additional Expansion Cards
Many systems use additional expansion cards for networking, sound, or other functions. These cards
are plugged in to the bus slots present on the motherboard. To install these cards, follow these steps:
1. Insert each card by holding it carefully by the edges, being sure not to touch the chips and
circuitry. Put the bottom-edge finger connector into the appropriate open slot (usually PCI or
PCI Express). Firmly press down on the top of the card, exerting even pressure, until it snaps
into place.
2. Secure each card bracket with a screw.
3. Attach any internal cables you might have removed earlier from the cards.
4. If the card requires additional power, connect the appropriate power lead from the power
supply.
If you have multiple slots to choose from, try to consider airflow when choosing the slot to install a
particular card. In some cases you might want to leave blank slots between cards, or group all the
cards away from any video cards that might be installed, because video cards generally create more
heat than all the other cards combined.
Replacing the Cover and Connecting External Cables
Now the system should be nearly assembled. All that remains is installing the cover assembly and
connecting any external devices that are cabled to the system. This normally includes a keyboard,
mouse, monitor, speakers, and network cables. I usually don't like to install the case cover screws
until I have tested the system and am sure everything is working properly.
System Startup
 
 
 
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