Installing Expansion Cards
Depending on the motherboard you have purchased, you may need to install one or more expansion cards. Many new motherboards have audio, video, and network "cards" built right into them. But if not (or if you don't want to use the integrated cards), then you will need to install expansion cards.
Precautions
Like any other component in your homebuilt computer, you should make sure that the cards you are about to install are compatible with your motherboard and with the operating system you plan on installing.
Compatibility becomes especially important when selecting AGP video cards, as the voltages for the different AGP standards are different. So be especially careful that your motherboard is capable of supporting the video card you have selected before you attempt to install it, and check to see if there are any motherboard jumpers you have to set for the card you are installing.
In addition, always be sure to observe anti-static precautions when handling expansion cards. Nothing is quite so depressing as totally destroying an expensive card because you forgot to take anti-static precautions.
Proper Insertion of Expansion Cards
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Like RAM, expansion cards and slots are keyed. Notice in the picture on the right that the AGP video slot is set back from the rest of the slots and is of a different size. In addition, the various ridges, tabs, and so forth on the card and the slot are intended to help prevent incorrect insertion or incompatible cards. But you should still read the documentation for your motherboard and cards to make sure they are compatible.
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The card shown in this picture is a network card that fits into the PCI slot. Notice that it is keyed to the slot.
It usually doesn't matter which PCI cards are installed in which slots. But sometimes it does, depending on how a particular board manages shared resources. So before installing PCI cards, check the motherboard and expansion card manuals for any recommendations for slot assignments.
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Once you have determined which cards will be installed in which slots, actually installing them is simple. Simply align the card in the slot, perpendicular to the motherboard, and push down until you feel the card "pop" into place. You may have to use some oomph here. If the card doesn't seat itself using fingertip pressure, place your palm over the card and push down firmly and evenly until you feel the card pop into place.
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Finally, secure the card into place by screwing the card's metal bracket into the screw hole over the expansion slot opening on the back of the case. (It's a good idea to save the slot covers in case you ever decide to remove the card.) Some cards may have additional connections that have to be made, such as the cable that connects a CD-ROM drive to the sound card. See the card's documentation for detailed instructions.
Now let's proceed to the next step, Installing the Hard Drives.
