The
Installation of AGP and PCI Graphics Cards.
You will find this
is just as easy as installing the memory. Remember to remove the
metal plate at the back of the case that lines up with your
intended installation i.e. there will be a removable plate that
lines up with the
PCI and AGP
sockets, some just screw off while others just push out.
Installing
a PCI card
The installation
of these cards could not be much easier. Choosing the card you
want to use is the difficult part!
PCI cards are
usually sound cards, modems, LAN cards and some graphics cards.
With PCI cards,
just align the card on the socket and gently push it down.
Unlike the IDE
connectors, it doesn’t matter which PCI slot you use. The
computer will recognize the card in whatever slot you put it in.
Job done!
Installing the AGP
card
The AGP Card is a
little different. You will see a small white clip at the end of
the AGP socket that is nearest the front of the case.
The clip does the
same job as the clips on memory sockets, but you have to insert
the card at an angle so that the clip catches the socket latch.
AGP graphics cards
are notorious for becoming unseated, even just by moving your PC
from one room to another. If you move it, then switch it on and
hear loud beeps that are a sure sign of unseated hardware. It
will be the
AGP card most of
the time.
When you seat the
card properly, you will hear a click similar to that when you
installed the memory.
Most AGP cards
come with the retaining clip, but not all MB have the latch to
lock the card in place. Don’t worry. It won't affect the
performance of the card or the PC as a whole if your board
doesn’t have it.
Your choice of
components are application-dependent, but a standard 32MB
Graphics card and
a reasonable sound card such as the Creative Labs SB
Live 5.1 are
reasonably priced and adequate for a home or small business
system.
Modems, ISDN or
broadband are personal choices:
• If you
surf the web occasionally, a good 56k V90 modem is sufficient.
• If you
run a business on the net, then broadband is the favored
choice.
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