How to Upgrade Video Card

Poor performance of your current hardware or a simple desire for better visuals on the computer, could be the reasons you would want an upgrade. They comprise a chipset. A chipset has a definite circuit combination which gives the video card particular features and makes it compatible with the entire computer. Since the manufacturers are constantly innovating and coming up with additional features, your old card is sure to become obsolete over a period of time. Hence your video card would not support most of the current programs and you will have to upgrade it, to ensure quality video viewing on your computer.

Upgrading them is simple enough and can be done easily at home. The important thing, however, is to buy the right card according to the motherboard slot and compatibility.

Steps to Upgrade Your Video Card

Before undertaking the upgrade for your computer, it is important to determine the type of video card you need, and compare video cards so that you purchase a new card accordingly.

Determining Video Card Type

Step 1
PCI, PCI-E, PCI-E2 and AGP are the various types of sockets you can find on your motherboard. Look for the sockets on your motherboard and refer your computer motherboard documentation to find out what type of card you have already installed in the computer. In case you have a PCI or PCI-E socket, you can skip the next step, as the motherboard is compatible with any new card available in the market. But if you have a AGP socket, you need to determine its version first.

Step 2
As the manufacturers of AGP video cards have been constantly reinventing their product, there are several versions available in the market. The 3 main types of the AGP card include - 1x, 2x-4x, 4x-8x. You can determine the type by examining the card's edge connector. Notches or slots on the card's edge will direct you for installing the correct one. Also, refer to the documentation which come along with your computer to get a better understanding of your motherboard's compatibility with video cards. Accordingly purchase a new video card.

Installing the Card

Step 1
You need to replace old video drivers from your computer with new ones. To start with, right click the mouse button on 'My Computer' icon, and click Properties → Hardware → Device Manager.

Step 2
Select 'display adapter' and right click the mouse button on the 'video card' option. Select 'Uninstall' from the drop down list which appears. Close all windows and shut down your computer. Also, remove the power chord connected to the CPU.

Step 3
Remove the CPU case and search for the video card. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the card and take it out from its position. In case your computer has a plastic clip holding the card in place, you can simply take it off with your fingers.

Step 4
After you have removed the existing card, insert the new card in its position and ensure that it has fit properly into the slot. Fix screws you may have removed or attach back the plastic clip on the card. Fix the case back on to the CPU, attach the power chord and switch on the computer. To install new drivers, insert the CD which came along with the new video card and your work is done.

A video card upgrade does enhance viewing experience on your computer. Animated videos become more clear, gaming graphics are better processed and other visual effects also appear more spectacular than ever before. Apart from upgrading the video card, it is vital to also upgrade the RAM, processor and memory, so that you obtain maximum benefits.