Hardware Installation- 17 -
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card:
• Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that
came with your expansion card.
• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before
installing an expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.
3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover(s).
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for
your expansion card(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
PCI Slot
Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express x16 Graphics Card:
• Installing a Graphics Card:
Gently push down on the top edge of the card
until it is fully inserted into the PCI Express x16
slot. Make sure the card is securely seated in
the slot and does not rock.
• Removing the Card:
Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straight out
from the slot.