How To Put In a Discrete Card

[orangyvv]

Ok Im a noobie here. I have a discrete card to put in, but I want to make sure I do it right.
So far, here's EXACTLY what I think I need to do, but I'm not sure, and I need you guys to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Step 1: turn off computer
Step 2: Plug the new card in
Step 3: Turn on computer
Step 4: Log in and go!


I feel like this is too easy. Will windows automatically use the new card? How can I be sure its using it?

 

[Andrew Humphries]

What kind of card is it? (make, model....) Any details of the PC it is going into?

 

[clutchc]

If you haven't had another discrete card in before, that is basically it. If you had a discrete card in before, you should uninstall its driver first.

After you have the card installed, boot to Win7 and then run the driver pgm for the new card.

 

[orangyvv]

If you haven't had another discrete card in before, that is basically it. If you had a discrete card in before, you should uninstall its driver first.

After you have the card installed, boot to Win7 and then run the driver pgm for the new card.

Uhm, what's driver PGM

 

[orangyvv]

What kind of card is it? (make, model....) Any details of the PC it is going into?

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2085166/4200-sapphier-x1950-pro.html
There^ I know, it's rubbish

 

[clutchc]

If you haven't had another discrete card in before, that is basically it. If you had a discrete card in before, you should uninstall its driver first.

After you have the card installed, boot to Win7 and then run the driver pgm for the new card.

Uhm, what's driver PGM

The new card will come with a DVD. Run that and let it install the gfx driver*. Win7 will eventually find one in its MS Updates, but it will be older than the one on the DVD. If you want the very latest driver, visit the AMD site and download it there. But for simplicity, just run the DVD. It should all be in the booklet that comes with the new card.

* graphics driver = the program that tells Win7 how to use the new device (gfx card)

 

[orangyvv]

So the fact that I dont have drivers explains why Windows isn't using the new card? At least according to device manager. I know that the card is running because it about tripled the sound of my comp

 

[Andrew Humphries]

You may need to disable the onboard video through the bios, kinda sounds like your PC is ignoring the new one.

 

[orangyvv]

You may need to disable the onboard video through the bios, kinda sounds like your PC is ignoring the new one.

Oh lord, I'm a little scared of my BIOS

 

[clutchc]

So the fact that I dont have drivers explains why Windows isn't using the new card? At least according to device manager. I know that the card is running because it about tripled the sound of my comp

How do you know it isn't using the new card for video? You must have remembered to move the HDMI (?) cable from the integrated video to the card if the sound is different.
What does DM say that leads you to believe you aren't using the new card? And what card is it... the X1950?

 

[orangyvv]

So the fact that I dont have drivers explains why Windows isn't using the new card? At least according to device manager. I know that the card is running because it about tripled the sound of my comp

How do you know it isn't using the new card for video? You must have remembered to move the HDMI (?) cable from the integrated video to the card if the sound is different.
What does DM say that leads you to believe you aren't using the new card? And what card is it... the X1950?

Well, Device manager didnt have it listed, but I also did not move the cable.... I'll see. right now I'mm in a bind, however. It seems I got my card half in, half out

EDIT: Fixed the card, brb, gotta try moving the cables

 

[orangyvv]

Oh my word.... This card doesn't use VGA cables.... I dont even know what it is... Sheesh

 

[doubletake]

Sounds like you should have done some research before purchasing, let alone trying to install a new graphics card.
You also have to learn to help others help you by providing sufficient details to go off of, such as what monitor you have, what model card you want to buy/have bought, if you have any experience installing components before, etc etc.

You'll most likely have to buy an active DisplayPort/MiniDP to VGA adapter in order to use your new GPU with a VGA-only monitor.

 

[clutchc]

Oh my word.... This card doesn't use VGA cables.... I dont even know what it is... Sheesh

Do the video ports look like these: http://www.slashgear.com/gallery/data_files_old/1/2/atix1900.jpg
If so, those are DVI-I ports. They output a digital video signal. VGA is older analog. You can get one of these to adapt to your VGA cable: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?gclid=CKisg7rvtr0CFYhaMgodfCoAhA&Item=N82E16812226023&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Audio+Adapters-_-N82E16812226023&ef_id=UzX2fAAABMxuMAyg:20140329040808:s

 

[orangyvv]

Oh my word.... This card doesn't use VGA cables.... I dont even know what it is... Sheesh

Do the video ports look like these: http://www.slashgear.com/gallery/data_files_old/1/2/atix1900.jpg
If so, those are DVI-I ports. They output a digital video signal. VGA is older analog. You can get one of these to adapt to your VGA cable: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?gclid=CKisg7rvtr0CFYhaMgodfCoAhA&Item=N82E16812226023&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Audio+Adapters-_-N82E16812226023&ef_id=UzX2fAAABMxuMAyg:20140329040808:s

Yeah, thanks! I cannot remember, but I KNOW I used something to convert it before. Im digging my house upside down trying to find it.

 

[orangyvv]

Oh my lord, the things you find. Get this. I found a Old Logitech wingman(unfortunately I have NO idea what pinset is in it) in great condition, and a Never used, SoundBlaster Awe64 Gold~ Model CT4390... Lordy, can you say vintage computer parts?

Hmm... They made both 18.2 and 82.3 GB HDD's back then...Break out the IDE cables!

Ooh... DDR ram... 128mb stick, 256mb stick, and a couple 512 MB sticks.... All @133 MhZ