Instructions for Installing a New Graphics Card into a Desktop PC - Essay Example

A discrete graphics card will allow you to perform these tasks and do much, much more. Installing a new graphics card is not as difficult or daunting as it seems at first, and can be done simply by people with no knowledge of Personal Computers. The instructions below detail the steps to install a new graphics card into a desktop personal computer. Materials, Supplies • A graphics card • A compatible PC (has a PCI-E slot and power supply with enough wattage, check documentation that came with the computer) • A Phillip’s head screw driver Estimated Cost and Time Needed • PC: $500-$2000 (one time cost) • New graphics card: $35-$1000 (cards around the $100 will suit most tasks) If you own a desktop PC then you already have one of these costs, and the other major cost is obviously purchasing the graphics card itself.

Two major manufacturers are Nvidia and AMD, both of whom make quality cards. The time required depends on your comfort and skill level, but would rarely be more than a half hour. Instructions Step 1: Take safety precautions • Shut down your computer as you normally would • Turn off your computer by depressing the “O” button on your power supply (See Figure 1) • Leave the computer plugged into the wall! This will allow static charge to dissipate