Fitting a new graphics card

If you enjoy playing 3D games it’s important to have a good graphics card. The graphics cards supplied by computer manufacturers do not always offer the best performance, though, so if you find that certain games won’t run it might be time to upgrade. In this video, we’ll show how to upgrade the two most popular types of graphics card and how to fit two cards in the same computer for the best possible performance.

There are two kinds of graphics cards. The most up-to-date cards use a slot called PCI Express, and older cards use one called AGP. Motherboards will have one or the other, so you must buy the right type for your computer. We’ll show you both cards later, but check your computer’s manual if you’re not sure.

Some cheap computers may not have a card in the graphics card slot – this is because they use a graphics chip on the motherboard instead. This is called integrated graphics. Some of the cheapest computers may not even have a graphics card slot. In that case, there is no way to upgrade the graphics without buying a new motherboard or computer.

If you are upgrading an AGP graphics card, be sure to read the exact specifications in the motherboard manual. AGP cards work on one of two voltages, and using the wrong card can break not only the card but the computer as well. It should be impossible to fit an incorrect card, but don’t waste your money buying the card before finding this out. You can find more information at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agp#Compatibility.

Sadly, it is not possible to upgrade the graphics in a laptop computer, so if you want to play 3D games you’ll need to make sure you pick a suitable computer when buying.

Where to find the graphics card
We have a computer here with the case removed so you can see where the graphics card is found. The graphics card slot is normally the topmost slot in the case, and almost always the longest slot. Sometimes there may be a smaller slot above it. If you look very closely the slots are often labelled so look for AGP or PCI Express.

Modern graphics cards also need to be connected to the power supply. Always check that your power supply is powerful enough for the new card, and that you have a suitable power plug spare.

Before starting always make sure that all of the cables connected to the computer have been unplugged, especially the power and monitor.

Upgrading an AGP card
This motherboard has an AGP slot with an average card fitted. We’ll upgrade it to a Sapphire HD 3850 card, which is much more powerful.

The first step is to remove the existing card. Unscrew the card from the case. Don’t just pull it out as most motherboards have special catches to stop the cards from falling out. Move the catch out of the way and pull the card out. Now the card is removed you can see the retaining catch.

Align the new card over the slot and then press it in firmly, but without forcing it. If there is a catch it should click back into place.

If the card needs extra power, like this one, then remember to connect it to a cable from the power supply. Screw the card in place, replace the case and replug all the cables into the computer.

Upgrading a PCI Express card
The process of upgrading a PCI Express graphics card is exactly the same as the AGP card – carefully remove the old one, plug in the new card and connect its power lead.

With some computers, though, there’s an extra option: using two graphics cards at the same time to give even better performance in 3D games. You’ll need a motherboard designed for this, with two suitable slots, and two cards. Not all cards can do this, so buy carefully.

To install the two cards, simply fit each one in its slot using the method we showed earlier.

The cards now need to be connected together. A small connector should be supplied with the cards. Fit this on the connection at the top of the cards. Plug in the power cables, screw the cards in place, then replace the case and cables to the computer.