With the ever increasing graphical system requirements of operating systems and gaming software, it is important that computer users understand the process of adding a secondary graphics card. The addition of a second video card into a computing system can provide for a near linear improvement in graphical-processing efficiency. This also can reduce the chances of the user being required to purchase an entirely new computer to achieve a significant improvement in system performance.
Instructions
1. Disconnect your computer from any electrical sources and remove its side access case panel. This may require the removal of two thumb screws from the rear face of the computer's case.
2. Locate the secondary PCI-e interface slot. This will be directly below the already installed video card on the motherboard. Further, this slot will be labeled on the motherboard as "PCI-e_1."
3. Insert the second video card into the PCI-e slot with the metal face plate facing the rear of the computer's case. This PCI-e slot is keyed and will only allow for the video card to be inserted in one orientation.
4. Locate two free PCI-e power connectors coming from your power supply unit and connect them to the video card power slots located on the end of the video card closest to the computer's front face. These connectors are also keyed and can only be inserted in one direction.
5. Connect the two graphics cards with the data bridge supplied with either graphics card. This thin ribbon cable will attach to each video card to an interface blade, which appears similar to the PCI-e blade on the opposite side. However, it will be much smaller in length. This connector will be located on the end of the card nearest the rear of the computer's case.
6. Replace the computer's side access panel and reestablish any previously severed power sources.
Tags: video card, computer case, card into, graphics card, PCI-e slot, rear computer, rear computer case