Install sound card - you have to consider
When you install a new sound card in your computer, there are a few things to keep in mind. We show you how to use the hardware correctly and how to make it work.
Install the sound card correctly: how it works
All you need to install is a medium-sized Phillips screwdriver. But be careful: make sure that the screwdriver only touches the screws and not any components of the computer. Even the smallest scratches on the motherboard can cause serious damage.
- Disconnect the computer from the power supply and screw on the housing. Place the small screws in a place where you can find them.
- Now look for a free PCI slot. These are the elongated, white, plastic strips in which the graphics card will be inserted later. These are located on the mainboard towards the rear of the case.
- If an old sound card is still installed, it should be removed for the time being. You can see this when a card with colored outputs for speakers, microphone and Co. is inserted in a PCI slot. Remove the two screws that secure the card to the chassis and carefully pull the card out of the PCI slot.
- Now get the sound card out of the packaging. Be careful not to touch the gold contacts. It may be necessary to remove a cover on the back of the housing beforehand. Then carefully insert the sound card into a free PCI slot. If possible, you should choose a slot that is as far away from other components as possible. If the graphics card is plugged in right next door, the air can circulate less well, which results in poor cooling.
- Now you can fix the sound card with the two screws. The housing can now be closed again.
- Start your computer and install the driver for the sound card. You can find this either on the manufacturer's website or on the enclosed CD.
- If an on-board graphics chip was previously installed, you can either switch it off via the BIOS or simply uninstall the driver for it. To do this, press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously, enter "devmgmt.msc" and click "OK". In the Device Manager you can now uninstall the driver you want by right-clicking on it under "Audio, Video and Game Controllers" (see image).
This practical tip shows you how to set up your sound card optimally.