Installing Component Cards
For the first timer installing a new component card into their computer can seem to be a daunting task.  Actually sometimes the hardest thing about adding or replacing a component card is getting the blasted case open.  I have probably opened thousands of computer cases and the ones that gave me the most trouble are the "Easy Open" cases that have few if any screws.  Compaq, Dell, Gateway, and others have developed cases that require a minimum of tools to open.  Each manufacturer designs and builds their own brand so it would be impossible to list them all.  The best way to find out how to get into your computer case is to check your manual.  If you don't have a manual try the companies web site for instructions.

So you finally have the case open and you have your new card in hand.  Hopefully you first checked to make sure you have the correct card and an open slot the card will fit into.

Basic card types:

PCI - The most common type found and in some cases the only ones.

AGP - Normally only one will be found.

ISA - Legacy cards will fit here and if you have a newer motherboard and an older card you will out of luck because this is somewhat obsolete.  If you find one at all it will be the 16-bit slot as the 8-bit slots were probably last seen on I386 based computers.


If you have successfully located an empty slot or a card you wish to replace and you have the correct matching card then you can proceed to install the new card.  The slot in most instances will be located at the back of the computer case so that any card interface will be accessible.  If the slot is empty you will have to remove a cover plate that may be installed in the computer case.  This is usually done by removing a small screw holding the cover plate in place.  In the easy open cases you may have to move a bar or some other assembly to release the cover plates. Be sure to refer to your manufacturers manual if the process is unclear.

Once you have the cover plate or the old card removed it is a simple matter of seating the new card into the selected slot. Be sure to align the card correctly before you try to seat the card.  In some cases the space is so cramped you will have to be extra careful.  If this is your first time I would seat and then remove the card at least a couple of times. This will give you the experience in handling the installation of component cards. If you have any trouble with the newly installed card or any other card in your computer that is giving you intermittent problems, re-seating that card can sometimes solve that problem.