PCI cards have been around for quite a long time. In fact, they have been around for such a long time that I expect them to start disappearing from store shelves soon. However, here at Talk Binary we want to be your source for hardware and software installation without any compromise. With that said, here is our tutorial on how to install a PCI card from scratch.

If you are wondering what PCI stands for here is the definition: Peripheral Component Interconnect

Here are a few examples of what a PCI device looks like:

Data Fax Modem, Network Card, Sound Card

In order to complete this tutorial you will need the following tools:

Phillips Head Screw driver
Grounding Bracelet (optional but highly recommended)

Step 1:

The first thing you need to do is unplug your computer from its power source and move it to a table or a location where you can work comfortably.

Step 2:

Once you have unplugged your computer from all of its peripherals and power source, the next step is to open it up. Most computers are made so that you only have to remove 2 or 3 screws from the back on the right side of the computer ( looking at it from the back ) Remove those screws and slide out the right side panel.
Do not touch anything inside yet!

Step 3:

After you have opened up your computer, the next thing you need to do is rid yourself of any static electricity that you might have in your body. This is where the Grounding Bracelet is a very useful tool. If you were to be statically charged and you never discharged yourself before working on your computer, you could easily discharge on your motherboard and completely murder your PC. This is why you need to ground yourself. So grab your grounding bracelet and if you are left handed strap it on your right hand and viceversa. Connect the end of it to the chassis of your computer to be grounded throughout the install.

If you don’t have a grounding bracelet the alternative to grounding yourself is to plug in your power cord to your computer and wall and touch the power supply for a few seconds. Don’t forget to remove the cords when you are done!

Once you are nice and grounded, move on to the next step.

Step 4:

Next, familiarize yourself with what’s inside your PC. You might have other PCI, AGP, or PCI Express cards installed. Most motherboard manufacturers use a standard color of Beige for a PCI slot. However it may differ on your computer. The beige slots are PCI slots on this motherboard.

Step 5:

Next step is to remove the bracket next to the slot in which you want to install your PCI card. Use your screw driver if you have a standard case ( Make sure to keep the screw because you will need it later ). Some cases don’t have screws. As you can see in the pictures, there is a green lever on this case which makes is a lot easier to install and remove devices connected to the motherboard. Most cases will not have that feature though.

Step 6:

Now, go ahead and grab the PCI card that you want to install and align it so that it is sitting on top of the slot you are going to use. Like this:

Step 7:

After the Card is in the slot, replace the screw that you removed when you took off the bracket and remove your grounding bracelet from the chassis. Close up your computer and replace the screws on the back if you have any. Your installation is now complete on the hardware side.

Step 8:

The last things you need to do is connect all your cables back and have your Drivers ready for when you turn on your computer. If your machine does not have the Driver for your device built into its cabinets then you will definitely need the Driver on hand to have the device working properly. That’s it!


Disclaimer
We do not take responsibility if something goes wrong with your machine. This tutorial is simply to educate you on a method of installation.

Enjoy!