Head Agp

How to Install a Graphics Card

It is very easy to install a graphics card, all it needs is only 15 mins of your time and you can get your gaming computer booting up with the new graphics card.

AGP slot was the standard for graphics card interface with the motherboard. As technology advances, the newer PCI-Express has taken over and many graphics card nowadays use PCI-E slot as its interface with the motherboard.

Before you can install the graphics card, you need to identify which type of slot does your graphics card uses.

If you are not sure which slot does your graphics card use, check out the user manual that comes with the graphics card.

Once you are ready to install your graphics card, follow these four steps...

Step 1: Uninstall the current graphics card drivers

Before you install your new card, you have to uninstall your current card driver. This is because the current driver might not be compatible with the new graphics card and it might result in hardware conflict.

On your Windows desktop, click 'Start' -> 'Control Panel'. In the new window that pops up, search for the 'System' icon and double click on it. Look for the 'hardware' tab. Click on the 'Device Manager'. This will pop up a new window showing your entire hardware configuration. Your graphics card should be listed under the 'Display Adapter' heading. Double-click the name of your graphics card. In the next window, go to 'Driver' tab and right below, there is an 'Uninstall' button. Click the Uninstall button. Once it is done, close all the windows and shut down your computer.

Step 2: Remove old graphics card

Now, unplug the power socket from the wall and remove the casing of your computer. Locate the AGP slot (short brown color slot above the rows of long white PCI slot) with your old graphics card. To prevent static charge from damaging your computer parts, touch a metal part of the case to ground yourself. Remove the screw on the back plate of the graphics card and unplug the graphics card from the slot.

Step 3: Install new card.

Align the new card correctly with the AGP slot (align with the PCI-e slot if your graphics card is of the PCI express type). Applying even forces on both end of the card, slowly push the new graphics card into the slot. Secure it to the back plate with a screw.

Step 4: Install new drivers.

Plug in all cables and boot up your Windows. Your operating system should now automatically recognize the new hardware and walk you through the installation wizard. Most of the time, you will need to insert the driver CD that come with the graphics card into the CD-ROM. Locate the 'setup.exe' file in the driver CD and double click on it. It will then walk you through the installation process. If your graphics card is not the latest model, then most probably there is a newer version of the driver on the Internet. Check out the manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers. Install it. Once done, reboot your PC. Now, you're ready to start gaming.

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2 Helpful Steps In Installing AGP Graphics Card For Better Computer Gaming Experience

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) graphics card or video card is installed in your system’s motherboard to enhance the speed of your games and the quality of images your computer displays, allowing better gaming experience. To ensure proper installation of AGP graphics card, you need to prepare for the installation of your AGP graphics card and carefully follow installation process.

Prepare for the installation of your AGP graphics card

There are quite a number of steps to follow to before you start installing your AGP graphics card. These are quite simple though. These are meant to keep your work flow efficient and to keep you safe during the entire installation process.

*First of all, you need to make sure that your video card is compatible with the slot on your motherboard. Most computers or motherboards come with two types of slots, namely AGP graphics card slot and the PCI or the Peripheral Component Interconnect slot. The PCI slot allows for the installation of sound cards, modems, and other video cards. On the other hand, the AGP slot, which is more powerful, is dedicated for the installation of AGP graphics cards. To make sure, your computer has this slot, do check with your computer or motherboard manufacturer.

*Next, you need to prepare the materials and equipment you need to use for the installation of your AGP graphics card. Read the manual that comes with your video card for specific things you need to prepare. Generally, you will be needing a Phillips head screwdriver that fits the AGP graphics slot, your video card user manual, and your computer manual for the opening of the AGP card slot. Others also advise that you use an anti-static bracelet or a grounding wrist strap to avoid damages to your computer caused by static electricity. It is also preferable that you refrain from working in an area that is carpeted, as it is prone to build up static electricity.

*You also need to be familiar with the parts of the AGP graphics card to get things running smoothly and to avoid damaging your graphics card. It is usually made up of a screw hole, a monitor port, the metal bracket, and gold contacts. Gold contacts are highly sensitive and they are the ones that actually connects to your motherboard, so make sure you do not touch these contacts to avoid damages.

*Make sure the computer is turned off. This will help ensure a safe installation of your graphics card. If your computer is turned on, shut it down properly, turn off the main switch, and remove the AC power cord.

After you have familiarized your graphics card and you have already prepared your computer and your work area, you can now proceed with the installation process of your AGP graphics card.

Carefully follow the installation process

The process is very simple especially if your graphics or video card comes with directions. Always care to read special instructions in the manual. These steps, however, will generally help you install your AGP graphics card to your computer:

*First you need to open the back of your computer. Most computers have back panels or doors that you can easily open and unscrew. Do not forget to keep the screws in a safe place.

*Next, find the AGP slot among usually six slots in your computer then uncover it. In some cases, you need to unscrew the cover and slide it outwards or simply push or slide the cover to release. Read your computer manual to learn more about the AGP slot cover.

*Put the AGP graphics card in the designated slot carefully and properly. Make sure it is well-seated in the slot and screw it down to its place.

*Return the back panel or door of your computer and fasten the screws well.

* Next, plug in the monitor cable to your new video card and make sure it well-secured. Plug in other cables back to your computer.

*Finally, you can turn your computer on and let it boot. You may be prompted to install drivers for your new AGP graphics card, but always refer to the instructions that came with your video card to ensure proper installation of the drivers.

After carefully following the preparation as well as the installation process of your new AGP graphics card, you are now ready to experience a new thrill and excitement in computer gaming way better than before.

You can visit AGP Graphics Cards for more information on different AGP graphics cards.

How do you run dual display on MB with 2 PCI expressx16 slots?

I've noticed that a lot of new motherboards have 2 (or more) PCI Express x16 slots. I need to run two monitors (NOT cloning), and my current system has a dual-head AGP card. Can I just use 2 PCI Express cards in these newer motherboards, or is this strictly a Crossfire/SLI thing? I don't need the extreme graphics power for what I do (audio work), so cheapie cards work fine for me.
Thanks for the replies. So assuming I build this and have a single dual head card... later if I want to run a third monitor, can I populate the second PCI Express slot to do that? If so, would I have to do SLI/Crossfire? I guess it wouldn't be a big deal if I have to, but would I get a 3rd display out of it?

You wouldn't even need all that. Even the cheapest of the cheap video cards come with 2xDVI outputs on them now.

Just make sure to put the video card in the master PCIe slot if you are only using 1. Plug both monitors into the DVI outputs on the back.

Set your display settings to stretch the display across 2 screens and you're good to go.

You were correct in assuming that having multiple PCIe slots is for SLI/CrossFire, but it is not needed for dual display.

EDIT:
To answer your new question:
As I said, even the cheap ($50) video cards have dual DVI ports on them, so you can use at least 2 displays. I am unaware of any currently manufactured card that still only has 1 output.

To get 3 or more displays you will have to have multiple video cards. It is some feature of both SLI and CrossFire. I'm not too sure how to set this up as I've never done it.

To the person above:
NVidia added support for up to 6 monitors as well. It all depends on GPU and motherboard chip set.

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