Installing Peripherals
Remember: ESD
We are thoroughly into the process now; in fact we are almost done.
Installing the peripherals is a repetitive process, so you shouldn’t have much trouble, especially considering how far you have come already. You may have even installed a peripheral in other computers as it is a fairly common procedure. I will cover the installation of the Video Card which you can use as a procedure template for the remaining cards you may have.
More video cards |
We are going to install the video card into the AGP Slot (the upper most slot on the motherboard and usually in a tone of medium brown). If you have a PCI video card, you will need to install it into one of the PCI slots. If you are unsure whether you have an AGP or PCI card, check your documentation. It often says right on the box too. Chances are it is AGP because very few PCI video cards are available these days.
First, unscrew the slot cover aligned to the AGP slot. You can throw this away (or you can keep it if that is your bag). Then if there is a slot clip, make sure it is in the open position. Take the video card out of its protective bag, and hold it on either end of its PCB. Place the rear end (the end furthest from the edge of the case) and place it slightly into the slot. Then place the front end into the slot. Apply some steady and firm pressure to both and then alternately from side to side like you did with the memory modules until the card slips correctly into place. It is most likely in place if the screw clip is roughly lined up with the screw hole and runs fairly snug with the edge of the case. Be sure to screw the video card into place.
If your video card has a fan the requires an extra power connector, make sure you plug it in. You don’t want it overheating unnecessarily.
Aside from the part about the fan and the slot clip, you can use these same steps to install the rest of your PCI (and ISA, if you are into legacy) cards. It is probably best to do this
after installing your operating system. This just simplifies the process and often reduces possible sources of error. All this requires is for you to shutdown and unplug your computer and stick the cards in and boot back up. If you are the careful type, you can install them one by one. P.S.: Make sure you have the driver disks ready before you shut down to install the devices.
Once this is done you can finally attach the ATX power cable to your motherboard. This is the rather large connector coming from the power supply. Plug this into the motherboard. If you have a Pentium 4 motherboard, don’t forget to also plug in the square, 4-pronged power connector as well.
Now attach the power cable to the back of the computer along with the keyboard, mouse, and monitor cables (and don’t forget to plug the power cord into the monitor as well). You are almost ready to boot up. Can you believe it?
Pre-boot Checklist
Before booting up for the first time there is a list of things you should double-check:
- All fans are connected (ESPECIALLY THE CPU FAN!). Also ensure nothing is blocking the fans from spinning.
- Power cables (internal and external) and plugged in correctly
- Check that the 110V / 220V switch on the Power Supply is properly configured for your area.
- IDE and Floppy cables are correctly plugged in at all points
- Your video card is securely in place
- Take a Deep Breath
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