The NVIDIA 8800 GTS can be installed by anyone with PC repair experience.
Installing a new video card is a great way to improve the performance of your PC. Games, movies and imaging software all benefit from a boost in graphics processing. The NVIDIA 8800 GTS is an HD capable, PCI-Express video card that can be installed easily even without previous computer hardware experience.
Instructions
1. Turn off and unplug the PC. Disconnect all of the cables from the back of the computer and place the tower on its side.
2. Unscrew the screws that hold the side of the computer tower. Slide the panel off to allow access to the interior of the case.
3. Put on an anti-static wristband. Attach the wristband's extender to the metal near the outer edge of the case to become grounded, removing the chance that static buildup will damage the hardware.
4. Locate the PCI-E slot. Look for a horizontal slot on the motherboard with openings that match the video card's thin, gold connectors.
5. Remove the PCI-E slot backing plate. Follow the slot toward the back of the computer case to find the plate. Unscrew the screw that holds it on if present and pull the plate off.
6. Line the video card up with the PCI-E slot. Lower the card gently into the slot until it touches down. Apply gentle but increasing pressure downward until the card locks into place. Ensure the card is seated properly by making sure the plastic locking tab on the slot has clicked into the notch on the bottom of the video card. Screw the card's backing plate in place.
7. Move all wires away from the video card's fan. Remove the wristband and put the side panel back on the case. Replace all previously disconnected cables.
8. Turn the computer on. Cancel any automatic pop-ups that attempt to install the video card. Go to NVIDIA's driver download page and download the latest version of the driver software for the 8800 GTS. Double-click the downloaded file and finish setup by following the onscreen directions.
Tags: video card, PCI-E slot, back computer, backing plate