How to Install a Graphics Card Driver

How to Install a Graphics Card Driver

When you install a new graphics card in your computer, it is time to install graphic card drivers so that your system can fully utilize the capabilities of the card. Most often, your graphics card will come with CD/DVD that will automatically install the drivers, but occasionally, you may need to download the drivers from the Web and install them manually.

1). Install the new card in your system by inserting the graphics card in one of the PCI or other expansion slots in your desktop. If you have a laptop, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing a new graphics card in the machine.

2). Boot up your computer and then click on the "Start" menu.

3). Click on "Control Panel" from the Start menu screen.

4). Click on the "Add New Hardware" on the Control Panel window.

5). Click on the radio button next to the "Yes, I have already connected the hardware" option on the screen if Windows doesn't automatically recognize the new card. If the operating system automatically finds the new hardware, follow the onscreen instructions to install the drivers.

6). Scroll to the bottom of the list that displays in the new window. Click on "Add a New Hardware Device." Click the "Next" button on the bottom of the screen.

7). Click the radio button next to "Install the hardware that I manually select from a list" and then click the "Next" button on the bottom of the screen.

8). Choose "Display adapters" from the list of hardware in the new window. Click the "Next" button.

9). Click the "Have Disk" button on the new window.

10). Browse to the location where the graphics card drivers are located. Click the "OK" button at the top of the screen. The drivers for your graphics card will automatically install.

11). Reboot your computer when prompted for the changes to your system to take effect.

Choose a Graphics Card

 

 

Graphics or video cards are one of the most important elements of any computer. For example, graphics cards with more dedicated video RAM allow games and applications to run faster and more efficiently. Some games and programs have minimum video requirements, so it's important to know what type of graphics card you need before you purchase new software or attempt an upgrade

Determine what type of Graphics Card you need.

1. Know what you will be using the computer for. Do you play a lot of games? Do you edit video or audio? Is your PC used mostly for office applications and browsing the Internet? Certain tasks like video editing require more powerful graphics cards.
   
2. Determine the minimum video requirements for the most resource intensive programs you use. Most system requirements will be listed on the packaging that the software came in. A graphics card that has 256 MB of dedicated memory will be sufficient for most basic systems.
   
3. Set a price range. Prices for video cards range from under $30 to over $500. More expensive graphics cards will be able to render video much faster and will have additional features like FireWire. That being said, don't spend more than is necessary to meet your computing needs.
   
4. Using the information you obtained regarding your existing video card, determine the expansion slot type you need. Most graphics cards are AGP, although some lower-end PCI cards are still available. Refer to your owner's manual if necessary.
   
5. Determine the video outputs you need. Graphics cards come equipped with DVI, VGA or S-Video outputs. For example, most newer LCD monitors use a DVI output. Older CRT monitors use a standard VGA output. If you plan to use multiple monitors, choose a card with multiple outputs.

Tips and Warning!

 

Avoid graphics cards that share computer RAM with your system. Always choose cards that have their own dedicated video memory.