How to install a Video Card

NOTE: Please do not mistake an AGP Video Card with a PCI Video Card or a PCI Express Video Card. Yes they are all video cards but are installed into different slots. Before continuing this lesson, double check which slot your video card will go into and read the instruction manuals.

A note about our examples: In the examples below we are installing an AGP Video card. However installing another type of video card is very similar, you just need to find the right slot for it. If your video card doesn't line up with the slot, DO NOT force it in. Sometimes it will be a tight fit, but if it's way off, don't force it in. It is either in the wrong slot or a different speed. Some AGP and PCI Express video cards have different speeds and sometimes their slots are different sizes. Again, please double check everything and read the instruction manuals before installing a video card.

1. Remove a temporary metal plate. Only remove the metal plate from the slot you are going to use. If you do not remove this, you cannot install your video card. The slot for the video card is usually the first one. If you know where your video card is going to go, sit it in the case on the slot to see which temporary metal plate to remove.

2. Locate the AGP Slot on Motherboard. Your AGP Slot should look similar to the one in the image below.

3. Line up and install the Video Card in the AGP Slot. Line up the video card with the slot and gently press down on both sides until it slides in place.

4. Insert screw. There is only one screw needed to secure the video card in place.

Now that the video card has been installed we are now ready to install PCI components.