Step 2. Installing Your Graphics Adapter

Installing an PCIe x16 Graphics Card

Ok, before we get started installing a new graphics card, we want to make sure of a couple of things. There are 3 main types of graphics cards out there. PCI, AGP, and PCIe from oldest to newest respectfully. Make sure that the card you are installing matches the bus (on the motherboard), in which it is going. Usually if they do not physically fit, they do not belong. There are also speeds of these ports. AGP has been around a while, but you have to be sure that if you have an 8x AGP card, that your motherboard supports 8x speeds. Same with PCIe (or PCI express), if you have a PCIe x16 card, make sure your motherboard supports that speed. To find your motherboard information, look at the motherboard and find the largest print with the company name and model. Simply look up the companies website and find the model, download the latest specification sheets.

In this case, I have a PCIe x16 Graphics Card, the Sapphire Radeon 4850. Lets open up the box and see what we’ve got inside.

OOoohh baby! Well ok, so the first thing we see is a “Warning” message when we open the box. Which basically says, this graphics card sucks some serious power.

Lets take a look at the card now. “Wow! That thing is huge!!” were my first thoughts. Maybe a little too big!

So, now I break out the measuring tape to see if this will even fit in my case. Now, I know that I should be able to fit about a 10 inch card into my particular case.

Ok, Now this is bad! This card is not going to fit into my case. This is a very unusual issue, but one that should be considered. Arghh!!!

Problem #2: My graphics card is too large for my case! Ok, this is probably the worst problem you can have. Because it means that you need a new case. That involves literally taking everything out of your current and putting it into your new one. I suggest taking the measurement of your new card and seeing how much available space is in your case beforehand. Frankly, when I did this, I had a really bad day in the market, so here’s my solution. BTW, I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS!

Ok, so first I try forcing my card in! I took a pair of plyers and pried away.

Then, I remeasured and the back would not go in all of the way… so… I took out my hard disks and cut at the metal!

lol, I couldn’t believe I did this afterwards, but it worked! Then I put back in my hard disks.

Ahahh! It fits! Now, obviously I have to bend that metal back and clean the edges so I don’t hurt myself.

Ok, now plug in the Power Supply directly into the card.

Ok! Graphics Card is in! Now there should be 4 available connectors on the outside of the case.

Ok, with this new card, I can now run FULL 3D and video processing to 4 of my 6 monitors. There will be virtually zero chopiness and perfect screen resolution. You’ll have to run the driver installation, but as long as you follow the steps, it should be very easy.

Next Step – Step 3. USB to DVI/VGA Adapters

Step 1. Upgrading Your Power Supply
Step 2. Installing Your Graphics Adapter
Step 3. USB to DVI/VGA Adapters
Step 4. Mounting Your Monitors
Step 5. Setup Screen Positions