A display adapter is a computer hardware device that is responsible for processing and sending images to a monitor, which can also be called a video card or graphics card. Installing a new display adapter can increase a computer's ability to process complex graphics, and can also allow the computer to connect to different devices using the ports on the back of the display adapter. Installing a display adapter requires physical installation inside your computer's case and setting up display driver software.
Instructions
1. Shut down your computer and unplug all cords from the back.
2. Use your screwdriver to remove the screws along the right side of the back of the case to release the case's side panel. Usually this requires taking out three screws with a Phillips head screwdriver, but depending on your case, you may need a Flathead screwdriver.
3. Set the side panel that you removed aside, and then lay the case down so that you can easily look into it at the motherboard.
4. Locate the appropriate slot to install your display adapter. Video cards are usually installed in AGP or PCI express slots, which are usually the highest slots in a column of descending parallel ports along the lower left corner of the motherboard. You can determine the appropriate slot by comparing the size of the card's plug--the end with gold-tipped connectors--to the size of the slots on the motherboard.
5. Remove the slot cover with the appropriate screwdriver. At the back of the case behind the AGP or PCI express slot, you will probably have to unscrew a metal slot cover to make room for the video card. They screw holding on the cover will usually be a Phillips head screw.
6. Plug the video card into the open slot. Start by aligning the card squarely in the slot, with the ports of the card lined up where the slot cover used to be. Push the card firmly into the the slot, making sure pressure is directed perpendicular to the motherboard so that the card does not bend one way or the other. The card should pop into place.
7. Close the case, plug the cords back in and power on the computer.
8. Insert the driver installation CD that came with your display adapter.
9. Open the driver CD and run the driver installation executable file. (Inserting the CD may cause the process to begin automatically.) Wait for the driver install process to complete, then restart your computer.
Tags: display adapter, slot cover, video card, your computer, appropriate slot, back case