Tips on How to Install a New Video Card for Desktops

One of the advantages of using a desktop instead of a laptop is that you can always choose to upgrade your video card at any given time. All you need to do is to find the right model and brand that is compatible to the rest of the parts of your CPU. Once that is said and done, the next thing that you should be working on is looking for the right tips on how to install a new video card properly. This can help ensure that you won’t end up ruining your entire unit in the process. Here are some of these tips.

Clean the PCI-E or AGP slot of your motherboard

The right way to do this one is to dust off these slots by using a small keyboard vacuum. You should not use a heavy duty vacuum cleaner for this task since doing so might cause certain parts of your CPU to fall off because of too much pressure. You may also use a simple keyboard duster or a microfiber cloth. Just make sure that you do not rub your motherboard in any way since this can produce static electricity.

Install the needed software before you insert the new graphic card

This is the best practice for certain types of graphic cards out there since doing so can make your life a lot easier. Using a CPU that does not have the right software for the new graphic card that is currently installed can be very difficult since it can slow your unit down. This can make it hard for you to open folders and run certain programs.

Make sure that your hands are free from static electricity

Always remember that when it comes to knowing how to install a new video card, you have no other choice but to touch the graphics card with your bare hands. Since static electricity can cause your video card or your CPU to malfunction, it is imperative that you lessen the amount of static electricity in your hands. In order to accomplish this one, you can try clasping a silver spoon with both hands or touching the casing of your CPU for a couple of minutes before touching the graphic card.

Hold the graphic card properly

This is one of the most important tips on how to install a new video card. Grab your new graphic card by its side. You should try your best to not touch either side of the plate. You should not touch the pins that are going to be plugged into your motherboard either. Even though this process is quite tricky, doing so is extremely worth it in the end.

Don’t be too heavy-handed

Even though the pins of graphic cards in general are quite durable, you should still snap it into place as gently as you can. This ensures that none of the parts of your motherboard or graphic card falls off unintentionally.