Installing a pci card

Blank refers to a small piece of metal that is inserted into the back of the case in alignment with the PCI slots. Most blanks are fixed into position with a screw, but different cases use different methods.

Contact us. Privacy policy. A shorter PCIe card works fine in a longer slot. Also, do I have a PCIe slot? Once installed, open it and head to the 'Mainboard' tab. One of the most common uses of the 1x slots is for port expansion cards where users are looking to increase the number of specific ports on their PC.

Sound Card. Video Capture. Video Card. If it has only one PCI Express x16 slot , the choice is easy, but some motherboards have more than one PCI Express x16 slot for multiple graphics card support.

The graphics card should go into the first PCI Express x16 slot. However, lower slots are usually capable of running the card as well. PCI Express is what you find in most computers now. PCIe supports a number of different things graphics cards, sound cards, etc. Stands for "Peripheral Component Interconnect. You can also get video cards designed for x1 slots. Those are normally used only if you want more than one video card in the computer.

Most motherboards have one PCI-Express x16 slot for a video card and one or more x1 slots for other things like network adapters. Less common are x4 and x8 slots. Note: Some PCI cards may require you to install drivers before installing the card, but these are rare. Always read the card's documentation before installing. Open your computer. PCI cards need to be installed onto your Computer's motherboard. To do this, you will need to open your computer so that you can access the insides.

Lay the case on your table or workbench, with the connectors on the back closest to the work surface. This will ensure that when you remove the side panel, you will have access to the motherboard. Most cases use thumbscrews which can be loosened by hand, though some may require a Phillips screwdriver.

Avoid laying the computer on carpet. Friction from the carpet is more likely to generate static electricity, which could then result in an electrostatic discharge. Identify the PCI slot s. You will see rectangular slots on your motherboard that correspond with bays on the back of the case. There are usually one or two PCIe slots closest to the processor, used for graphics cards , followed by one or more PCI slots. You may have expansion cards installed here already, or they may be empty.

If you are having difficulty locating your PCI slots, refer to your motherboard's documentation. Remove the metal bay cover. Each PCI slot will have a bay associated with it on the back of the computer.

When there's nothing installed, the bays are covered by small metal protectors. You can remove one by unscrewing the single screw holding it in place and then lifting it directly out of the case.

Set the screw aside. Don't remove any protectors for slots you aren't using, as this will let more dust into the system. Ground yourself. Before handling any computer components, you should ensure that you are properly grounded. This will prevent an electrostatic discharge, which can damage or destroy sensitive computer components. Grounding yourself with an electrostatic wrist strap is the best way to ensure that you are properly grounded.

Connect the wrist strap to the exposed metal of your computer case. You can also ground yourself by touching a metal water tap. Remove your card from the packaging. Gently remove your new card from the anti-static bag, gripping it by the sides. Do not touch the contacts along the bottom, and try to avoid touching any of the circuitry.

Insert the card. Press the card firmly straight down into the slot. Ensure that the card is level and seated fully in the slot before continuing. If you have the space, leave an open slot between your new card and any existing card. This will help keep your cards and components cooler. Secure the card. Use the screw that you removed from the metal bay cover and use it to secure the card into the same hole. Tighten the screw firmly but not so tightly that it will strip later.

Your card will be suspended horizontally when you set your case back up, so securing it is very important. Close up the computer.