Installing a new graphic card

[Clammo]

Hi

I'm wondering if someone could give me a little advice please.

I'm going to be upgrading my graphic card, however this is something I've never done before.

I've checked and I'm pretty sure my motherboard (ASUS P6T deluxe X58) and PSU (Tagan 1300W) are perfectly okay for a GTX480, however at the moment I'm running GTX295's in SLI.

So here's the entirely noobish questions -

Is it simply a case of unplugging the old ones and slotting the new one in whilst making sure I'm earthed, and then the PC should pick up on the new hardware when it boots up? Or is it not that simple?

And secondly, as I said, currently I'm using 2 cards - how do I know which slot to put the single card in?

And finally, is there a reliable, high performing brand of this card people would recommend?

 

[GoodGame]

The SLI pair might make it a tad more difficult. Is there some kind of driver helping run in SLI?

I'd get a copy of your motherboard manual and check the motherboard manufacturer's recommendations to be sure there's no tricks, like hardware switches, or other tech notes. E.g. if the card is double-wide or single-wide.

But yes, basically it's a matter of plug and play. You'll need a philips screw driver to loosen up the screw holding down the card, and then hit a release tab that helps secure the card in place. You also generally remove a plug from the power supply to the card, and might have to unplug in the card's fan. Then just gently take it out of the case without touching any of the metal parts, nor flexing the card.

Then the reverse to install.

 

[Clammo]

Thanks for the reply GoodGame.

I've no idea if I'm honest if there's a driver helping run in SLI - I just use the Nvidia drivers from their website, I'm pretty sure they're the same ones people on single cards use. Or is that not what you meant?

I'll have a browse through the manual and see, however you lost me at double wide/single wide!

Thanks, that's what I was after, idiot proof instructions on removing/installing.

 

[GoodGame]

Thanks for the reply GoodGame.

I've no idea if I'm honest if there's a driver helping run in SLI - I just use the Nvidia drivers from their website, I'm pretty sure they're the same ones people on single cards use. Or is that not what you meant?

I'll have a browse through the manual and see, however you lost me at double wide/single wide!

Thanks, that's what I was after, idiot proof instructions on removing/installing.

Not exactly. Do you have a pre-built system like a Dell or Gateway? In that case, I'd see about going to them for assistance/recommendations.

If you have a system built by an independent with a commercial mother board that has it's own product number, then I'd go to the motherboard maker's website for assistance.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

You will need to open up the case, unplug all wires leading to the GTX 295's. There will be a pair running to each: one with 6 pins and one with 8 pins. The two cars will also be connected to each other with an SLI bridge. You will need to unhook that. Once that's done, unscrew the cards at the back (where they are held to the case) and then press in the clips on the PCIe slots the cards are inserted in. Gently pull them out (if its not coming out, check it again, removal should be easy)

Once that's done, insert your new card into the top slot on the motherboard as it will be the fastest one. Screw it to the backpanel of the case, connect the appropriate PCIe power cables (you will probably need a 6-pin and an 8-pin.)

Boot up your system, and the way I prefer to do it is to go into safe mode, uninstall the driver, reboot, boot to regular Windows, install the drivers. In between I also suggest using a driver sweeper to get rid of any parts not removed by the uninstaller.

SLI is part of the usual nVidia driver package, although it is only enabled when you actually have two SLI cards.

@GoodGame: the OP said his cards are GTX 295's which are always double-slotted. You'd be hard pressed to stick a hot running pair of GPU's into a single slot

Likewise, the GTX480 is double-slotted as it too runs real hot. We're lucky its not triple-slotted.

 

[Clammo]

Thanks for all the advice guys, much appreciated.

Goodgame, it was bought from Cyberpower as I didn't want all the superfluous software and junk major retailers stick on their systems, and I could choose my exact specs. Good idea about asking them, dunno why I didn't think of that, especially as I might be invalidating my warranty if I start fiddling round inside it, will give 'me a call.