Summary:
This 830-word tutorial explains the procedure for replacing a PC´s sound card. The tutorial begins with necessary tools and goes through installation.

Details or Sample:
Sometimes a PC’s sound card dies without much, if any, warning. Other times, you just want to upgrade to a newer and better card: one with superior audio output for your music and games. Whatever the reason, it’s time to change out the card: the only problem is that you aren’t sure of how to do this.

You don’t have to take your PC to a tech for help, though. With a little patience, you can replace the card by yourself. Here’s how – step-by-step.

This job requires only a couple of tools. You’ll need a non-magnetic screwdriver (probably a Phillips head), a can of air and an anti-static pad. The pad is optional, though: you can tap the side of the PC’s cover to discharge static before you touch the hardware (provided that the cover is made of metal and not attached to the computer still). You’ll also want a safe place to store the screws. Some PC tool kits come with handy storage containers: if you don’t have those, an empty coffee mug – or another cup that’s not easy to turn over – will do.

Disconnect everything from your PC’s tower and move it to your work surface. Your work area should be clean and free of drinks, food and other things that can spill or mess up your computer.

Remove the case and put it aside. Before you put it back on, you’ll want to brush or blow off the dust and other accumulated junk on the inside.

Use your canned air to blow out the inside of the PC case. This will stir up some dust, so you should stand back a little bit. Otherwise, you’ll spend the next half hour or so sneezing instead of working.

You should know that you accumulate static electricity when you move around – especially on carpeted surfaces. If this static discharges into your hardware, you run the risk of breaking something. Before you touch anything inside your computer, tap the anti-static pad or the PC case that’s lying to the side. Repeat this every time you go to touch the computer: it’s better to be overcautious about this than it is to mess up your computer.

Now you need to find your sound card. This is easy: just look for the card – usually plugged into the back of the tower – with the microphone and speaker jacks. Your CD-ROM drive is probably attached via a small cable: locate this and gently disconnect. Don’t pull too hard, though: you’ll either break the cable or bash your hand on metal.

And when you pull off the cable, leave the other end connected to your CD-ROM drive. That way, you can easily trace the cable back to that end if you lose track of all the cables and wires inside the computer.

Remove the screw that holds your sound card in place. Double-check to make sure that everything is disconnected from that card. You should be able to pull the card straight out from the motherboard. Don’t wiggle it from side to side much, if any: that can damage the motherboard. Be patient and pull both sides of the card evenly to get the thing out safely.

Don’t throw away the old card: put it someplace safe. You might need this as a backup. The new sound card could be broken or incompatible. It’s always best to keep the old computer parts on hand until you’re certain that the new ones work correctly.

The new card installs the same way that the old card came out. Use steady, even pressure to insert the card into the motherboard. Make sure that the card is in all the way before you replace the screw.

Now you should be able to reconnect your CD-ROM cable. Take the computer back to the desk and plug it back in. Hook up all of the necessary components, like your keyboard and mouse. You should also, of course, plug in your speakers.

Restart the computer with the case off. This will make it easier for you to go back in and make adjustments – or whatever else needs to be done – if the card is not working properly.

You might have to install new audio drivers. The sound card should come with a CD-ROM. If not, Windows might have the drivers on the operating-system CD. And if that does not work out, you can check the card manufacturer’s Web site.

When you’re certain that the sound card is blasting your eardrums exactly as promised, shut down the computer and put the case panel or cover back on. Clean up your work area, restart your computer again and enjoy the luxury of new and improved sound.

If you’ve done everything gently and correctly, your audio should work just as planned. If not, you should visit the manufacturer’s Web site for technical support. The odds are good that the technician can help you troubleshoot and fix the sound card.

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Written by: Sarah81
Available File Types:Text
Words: 830