Do I install my video card first? Or set my primary adapter in Bios first? Which one?

[MrNiceGuy101]

I'm installing a video card on my PCI-e slot tomorrow! And I want to figure out how to; step by step. Do I rather set PCI-e at Primary Adapter in Bios first, or install the video card before doing it so?

Also, do I have anything to do with my desktop before installing the card? Like, uninstalling some stuff that is required to be removed before installing the new video card? Please provide a reliable information and steps on how to. I am really excited and I don't wanna mess up. Thank you!!!

 

[RobCrezz]

Dont need to do anything if you dont use a card currently.

1) power down computer and remove power cable
2) Open case, remove pci-e slot blanks
3) Install card (plug in pci-e power if required)
4) Plug the monitor into the graphics card (not the motherboard as previously)
5) Plug power back into the computer and turn on.
6) install the latest drivers from the website (i.e direct from AMD or Nvidia)
7) Profit

 

[MrNiceGuy101]

Dont need to do anything if you dont use a card currently.

1) power down computer and remove power cable
2) Open case, remove pci-e slot blanks
3) Install card (plug in pci-e power if required)
4) Plug the monitor into the graphics card (not the motherboard as previously)
5) Plug power back into the computer and turn on.
6) install the latest drivers from the website (i.e direct from AMD or Nvidia)
7) Profit

Wait, no. I have Intel G33/G31 Express Chipset Family. Which I've heard a built-in with the motherboard. So, do I specifically set my primary adapter to PCI Express at the Bios setup before installing the card? Or vice versa; install the card first before setting the primary adapter to PCI Express at the Bios setup?

 

[RobCrezz]

Dont need to do anything if you dont use a card currently.

1) power down computer and remove power cable
2) Open case, remove pci-e slot blanks
3) Install card (plug in pci-e power if required)
4) Plug the monitor into the graphics card (not the motherboard as previously)
5) Plug power back into the computer and turn on.
6) install the latest drivers from the website (i.e direct from AMD or Nvidia)
7) Profit

Wait, no. I have Intel G33/G31 Express Chipset Family. Which I've heard a built-in with the motherboard. So, do I specifically set my primary adapter to PCI Express at the Bios setup before installing the card? Or vice versa; install the card first before setting the primary adapter to PCI Express at the Bios setup?

Did you not read my post?

You shouldnt have to do anything in the bios before installing the card. As long as you plug the monitor into the card (not the motherboard), then it should default to be the primary.

 

[Snookslayer]

The computer will detect the card and switch from ur onboard graphics automatically.

So all u do is insert card and install drivers. No bios necessary.

 

[MrNiceGuy101]

The computer will detect the card and switch from ur onboard graphics automatically.

So all u do is insert card and install drivers. No bios necessary.

@RobCrezz & @Snookslayer

So basically, I will just leave my Primary Adapter setting at PCI and install the card and keep going with life? But one more question. Do I actually have to plug the monitor to graphics card for computer to automatically detect my new video card that is on PCI Express slot? Thanks a lot! Im really clueless how to install the gfx card to monitor, but still.

 

[MrNiceGuy101]

Sorry for double posting but, I got to correct.

Im really clueless how to plug in the video card to monitor, but still.*

 

[Snookslayer]

It automatically sees which slot the monitor is plugged into and displays accordingly.

Plug into mobo, system uses on-board. Plug into card, system uses card.

Even after installing card and drivers, the mobo on-board works when a monitor gets plugged into it. On-board only shuts off when monitor is plugged to card. That's why dual monitors and beyond all have to be plugged into card.

I think I understand why your asking since you've never done it. You might be wondering 'if I plug monitor to card before installing drivers, will the monitor even work? If not, how will I see website to download drivers?' Answer - the monitor will work with card without drivers installed; it just doesn't look very good. Text is a little blury, bad colors, etc. But good enough to find website and download drivers.

 

[MrNiceGuy101]

@SnookySlayer, so all and all I dont have to do anything with Bios set up? Just straight up install the card and plug in to the monitor and enjoy the life?

 

[Snookslayer]

You got it.

One more step. Install Battlefield and cower as Snookslayer lobs grenades over your head!

 

[MrNiceGuy101]

What is better processor?

- Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4800+ or Intel G33/G31 Express Chipset Family?