The HP Pavilion A400N is a desktop computer capable of meeting most student and home user needs right out of the box. However, if you are a gamer suffering from sluggish system performance or a business user looking to increase productivity via the addition of a second monitor, you may find it necessary to install a standalone graphics card. The motherboard on the A400N will support the installation of both PCI and AGP graphics cards. While the notion of working on your computer's motherboard may seem intimidating, the process is actually very straightforward.
Instructions
1. Exit any currently-active applications and shut down your computer. Power down any other connected devices. Remove the power cord from the computer and disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, peripheral devices and any other attached cables. Move the computer to your work area.
2. Look at the back panel of the computer and locate the two thumbscrews near the right edge. Tilt the computer over, such that the side with the thumbscrews is uppermost. Loosen the thumbscrews and remove the side panel.
3. Examine your computer's internal components. If the back panel is facing you, the PCI and AGP slots will be located at the near-right corner of the motherboard. Determine which of the available slots you will use for installation. If your card will not fit into a particular slot, that slot is the wrong type for your card.
4. Locate the expansion slot cover for your chosen slot. Unscrew the screw holding the cover in place. Set the screw and slot cover aside.
5. Align the copper contacts on your card with the appropriate slot and slide it into place. Apply gentle pressure to the card until it is fully seated within the slot. Use the screw from the expansion slot cover to secure your graphics card in place. If your graphics card requires a power source for an attached cooling system, locate the appropriate power cable and plug it into the corresponding connector.
6. Replace the back panel and use the thumbscrews to secure it into place. Restore your computer to an upright position and return it to its previous location. Connect your monitor to the connector on your graphics card. Reconnect the keyboard, mouse, peripheral devices, power cord and any other previously-disconnected cables.
7. Turn on your computer. Install any driver software that may have come with your graphics card. Once this step is complete, your computer is ready for use.
Tags: your computer, graphics card, your graphics, your graphics card, back panel, slot cover