Install The Video Card

Here's a picture of the video card before it's installed. It's impossible to install the video card the wrong way around since the notches along the gold connectors key it with the PCI Express x16 slot. Plus it's clear that the end of the video card with the slot bracket is the end that goes next to the back of the computer case. As video cards have become more powerful, they have become more power hungry. It's becoming commonplace for high performance video cards to require some sort of direct connection to the power supply. The eVGA GeForce 8800 GTS has a power socket for a 6-pin PCI-E power connector at the end of the card as shown circled in yellow.

The video card installs into the PCI Express x16 slot of the ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition motherboard. The PCI Express x16 slot is the blue slot shown circled in yellow, the expansion slot nearest the processor socket. The picture on the right gives a closer view.

Remove the slot covers on the rear of the computer case corresponding to the PCI Express x16 slot. In fact, two slot covers are used because, like many high-end video cards, the eVGA GeForce 8800 GTS video card is extra wide and actually covers the slot adjacent to the PCI Express x16 slot, which is a PCI Express x1 slot. This is quite common and not an issue. However, other video cards may need only one slot cover removed. Or, the video card may still be extra wide, covering the adjacent expansion slot, but not actually use both slot covers.

To insert the new video card into the PCI Express x16 slot, line up the gold edge connector and notches on the video card with the PCI Express x16 slot. Keep in mind the slot cover built onto the end of the video card will lay flush against the back of the computer, so it should not be too hard to get the video card properly aligned into the slot. Grasp the video card firmly by the corner and upper edge and push straight down and fully into the slot. An example of this is on my Video Card Upgrade - Insert The New Video Card page.

Use the slot cover screws to secure the card to the computer case, but don't over tighten as this can twist the card in the PCI Express x16 slot and cause it to be not completely connected inside the PCI Express x16 slot. Here's how the computer looks once the video card is installed, including with the slot cover screws in place.

The 6-pin PCI-E power socket on the video card can now be connected with the PCI-E power connector coming from the power supply. Find the power connector in the jumble of cables coming from the power supply. It is in the same shape as the socket and should be labeled PCI-E.

The PCI-E power connector is keyed so it can only be plugged into the video card one way. A clip on the power connector clicks into place to keep the power connector securely plugged in. If the power connector needs to be unplugged, squeeze the clip on the power connector while pulling on the power connector and it will easily slide out.

Here's how the interior of the computer case looks now with the video card installed.

This picture of the back of the computer case shows how the two slot covers are used by the video card. The slot on the left has the input ports for the eVGA GeForce 8800 GTS video card. The slot on the right is simply used for video card fan exhaust.

Next: Computer Assembly - Connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard

My complete recommendations for building a computer with quality components at unbeatable prices is on my home page at Build A Computer Like My Super PC - Cost To Build A Computer. Here again are the recommendations for a video card! Description Where I Would Get It Today Today's Price Comments eVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB DDR5 Amazon $209.99 Free shipping! Retail box. Clicking the link takes you directly to it. A GeForce GTX 960 video card like this one is great for demanding graphics environments, including digital video and top-tier gaming, without spending too much. Very quiet and powerful. DirectX 11 support built-in. PCI-E 3.0 compliant. SLI compatible. Fast DDR5 memory. Power supply of 400-watts or better recommended. Does use an extra slot. Uses one 6-pin power connectors from the power supply (the Antec Sonata III comes with this).

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How To Build A Computer. Step By Step Instructions To Assemble. Skip To Any Assembly Step.

	Parts List
	Tools
	Computer Case and Power Supply
	Motherboard
	Processor, CPU Cooler and Thermal Compound
	RAM - System Memory
	Video Card
	Monitor
	Keyboard and Mouse
	Hard Drive
	DVD RW
	Sound Card and Speakers
	Modem
	Install the Processor onto the Motherboard
	Install the CPU Cooler
	Install the RAM - System Memory
	Install the Motherboard into the Computer Case
	Install the Video Card
	Connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard
	Connect the System Panel Cables
	Ready the Monitor
	Ready the Keyboard and Mouse
	First Boot
	First Boot Common Problems
	Install the DVD RW Drive
	Install the SATA Hard Drive
	Connect the Speakers (if using built-in sound)
	Second Boot
	Configure the BIOS Parameter Settings
	Test The Hard Drive
	Install the Operating System - Windows XP
	Install the Operating System - Windows Vista
	Driver Installation

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