Upgrading video and sound cards is usually pretty simple stuff. For the most part, all PCs already have a video card and a sound card, and they are removable and replaceable. If you want better audio or video performance, consider an upgrade.
Before you purchase a new video or sound card, you need to open the case and see what’s already installed. If the video card or the sound card is in a “slot,” it can be removed and replaced with an upgraded model. There are different kinds of slots though, and you’ll be looking for a PCI (peripheral component interconnect) slot and AGP (advanced graphics port) slot. A PCI slot is thin and white, and can hold a video card or a sound video card, among other things. (PCI slots also hold USB cards and modems.) Most PCs have at least four PCI slots. Newer PCs may also have an AGP slot. An AGP slot is wider, and brown. In this case, the AGP slot will house the video (or graphics) card.
Once you know what type of slot your PC offers, and what type of slots house your cards, you can shop for a card to replace the one(s) you have. Make sure the card you purchase is better than the one you own though; you don’t want to replace one mediocre card with another. This is definitely a case of “getting what you pay for,” so search for a good card, with onboard RAM (so it can hold its own data instead of swapping out to the RAM on the motherboard), and that your PC meets the card’s minimum requirements.
With the hardware requirements met, you’ll need to open the PC’s tower and install the card. If you’ve never installed a card before, read the manufacturer’s warnings regarding ESD (electrostatic discharge) first. Once you are properly grounded and ready to move forward, remove the screw that holds the old card, remove the card, and seat the new card into its slot. Press firmly and secure the card with the screw. If you’re careful enough, you may be able to sell or reuse the card you remove.
Again, reading the manufacturer’s instructions will help you perform the installation properly. Once installed, close the case, and start the computer. Note that you may also have to install a driver for the new card. If so, insert the CD and work through the installation process.
Tip: Adding and installing a FireWire card is the same as adding a video or sound card. Your PC has to meet the minimum requirements, you have to have an available slot, and you have to install it just as you would any other card. Many FireWire cards also come with available USB ports as well.