A computer with a graphics chip integrated on the motherboard typically uses only a small amount of RAM for video playback and gaming. This limited memory may cause slow rendering of graphics, jerky motion and degraded image quality. Installing a GeForce FX5200 video card will give your computer additional memory and processing power for video applications. To install the card, you'll need to open up the computer case to access the motherboard. This procedure isn't difficult, even if you don't know much about computers. Follow instructions carefully to ensure that the GeForce FX5200 is installed correctly.
Instructions
1. Open the Windows "Start" menu and click inside the "Search" box. Type "device manager" and click the icon to bring up a list of hardware devices installed in your computer.
2. Click the "Display Adapters" heading and right-click the name of your current graphics adapter. Choose "Uninstall" and click "Next." Select "Finish" to uninstall the driver software.
3. Close the previously opened window and click the "Start" button again. Choose "Shut Down." After the computer has powered down, disconnect all cables and devices. Lay the case on its side on a flat, stable work area.
4. Press in the release latches at the back of the computer's access panel, or remove the Phillips screws or thumbscrews securing the cover in place. Lift off the panel to expose the interior components and motherboard.
5. Locate an open expansion slot on the motherboard. Remove the Phillips screw holding the metal slot cover in place, and remove the cover. If you are replacing an older graphics card that is already installed, remove the screw holding the card in place and pull the card out of its expansion slot on the motherboard. Set the old card aside.
6. Line up the metal bracket on the FX5200 card with the edge of the computer case and position the gold connectors on the bottom of the card over the expansion slot. Push the card down firmly into the slot to lock it in place. Replace the screw you removed earlier to secure the GeForce card in place.
7. Close the case panel and secure it with the Phillips screws, thumbscrews or latches. Reconnect all cables and peripheral devices. Plug the VGA cable from your monitor into the VGA port on the FX5200 card rather than the computer's main monitor port.
8. Place the FX5200 installation CD into your computer's optical drive and wait for the setup wizard to auto-start. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the software driver for the FX5200 video card and restart your computer.
Tags: your computer, expansion slot, card place, computer case, cover place, expansion slot motherboard