The AMD 64 Athlon X2 CPU is designed for use in the Socket 939 motherboard. There are many variations of the Socket 939 board. Some have an integrated graphics chip, built into the motherboard; some don't. Another major variation, which is crucial to upgrading the graphics capability of the system, is what video card slot it has. Socket 939 boards come in "AGP," or accelerated graphics port versions, and "PCIe" versions, which stands for PCI Express. Video cards are available for both versions with the "DVI" connection, which stands for digital video interface. AGP and PCIe cards are not interchangeable, but it is easy to tell which kind you need.
Instructions
1. Turn off the computer. Remove the power cord from the back of the computer. Unplug all the devices that are connected to the computer, such as the monitor, printer and network cable. Note where your monitor connects to the computer, because you need to know if you are using integrated video or an add-in video card.
2. Remove the left side cover. Covers are usually held on with two Phillips head screws at the back of the cover. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws, then slide the cover back and remove it.
3. Lay the computer on its right side. Look inside computer, at the spot where the monitor cable connects to the back of the computer. If the plug it connects to is part of the motherboard, you're using integrated video. If the plug connects to a card, mounted in a slot on the motherboard, you have an add-in card. If you have an add-in card, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw from the card's mounting plate, where it attaches to the computer case. Look at the other end of the card, where it plugs into the slot on the motherboard. You will see a button at the rear of the slot. Use one hand to pull out on the button -- it's spring-loaded -- and use the other hand to lift out the card.
4. Determine whether you have an AGP or PCIe card slot. An AGP slot will be red in color and the PCIe will be blue in color. Be sure to purchase the right type of card. Also, when purchasing the video card, be sure that it has a DVI connector. This connector provides digital video output.
5. Lower the video card into the slot, lining up the mounting plate the opening in the rear of the computer case. You will hear the spring-loaded button snap into place. Install the Phillips head screw in the top of the mounting plate and computer case.
6. Stand the computer back up. Replace the side cover and screws. Plug back in all devices that were disconnected: Connect the monitor to the new video card. Plug the power cord back into the computer. (Note: your monitor must also have a DVI connection, or you will have to use the digital to analog adapter that should come with a new video card.)
7. Turn on the computer. Load the driver installation disk that came with the video card into your DVD drive, and follow the prompts.
Tags: video card, computer case, mounting plate, add-in card, back computer, card into