Installing Video Card & Monitor

[laharl]

Hi everyone!

I made a thread about a few months ago where y'all helped me pick out my computer parts.

Well, I almost have all the parts, but now something comes to mind.

I'm going to have to install my 8800Gt Evga video card, my pci wireless adapter, and my monitor into my computer. (I had it custom built, but bought those 3 things seperately.)

In what order do I install them? Should I put in the monitor, then the video card, and finally then wireless adapter?

Doesn't the monitor need a graphic card to have a picture?

Also, what precautions do I need to take about static electricty? My sister said I needed some static resistant wristband and floor mat.

[jschild]

The monitor is 100% seperate (except for the plug which goes into the video card) from the computer.

You can install both the Wireless adapter AND the Video Card at the same time, but I would recommend doing them separate to help prevent issues.

Therefore I would, first, install the video card. Connect the monitor and all required parts to the computer (mouse, keyboard) and boot up. The computer will start and detect the video card. Don't bother changing resolution because you will need to go to Nvidia's site and download the lastest drivers for your videocard and install them. You might need to reboot twice (only do when it tells you to) but you will have to reboot once at least.

Now that your new card is running with up to date drivers, shut everything down and unplug the power (do this also when installing the video card). Touch some metal to discharge any static on your body.

Now install your wireless adapter. Again boot up your computer and when it asks, insert the cd that came with it to install the drivers. After the drivers are installed it might ask to reboot. Do so if it asks. Then go to the maker of the wireless adapter and see if there are any updated drivers and install them. You might need to reboot again. After all this is done, you should be ready to go.

Also, what precautions do I need to take about static electricty? My sister said I needed some static resistant wristband and floor mat.

Placing the computer on something plastic will help. Carpet is a big no no. Touching something metal before going to work is all you really need to do, at least in my experience. Do this every time you get up and move away from the computer.

[laharl]

Awesome! Thank you that answered all my questions.

Only 1 thing. How do I go to the Nvidia site and download the updated drivers if I don't have internet because I didn't install the pci Wireless adapter?

I do have an Ethernet cable... should I do this close to my router so I can plug an Ethernet cable into the computer? Then unplug it after I install the pci adapter?

After you or someone answers that I'll be ready to build my set up my computer! Yay!!

[Kalos]

Awesome! Thank you that answered all my questions.

Only 1 thing. How do I go to the Nvidia site and download the updated drivers if I don't have internet because I didn't install the pci Wireless adapter?

I do have an Ethernet cable... should I do this close to my router so I can plug an Ethernet cable into the computer? Then unplug it after I install the pci adapter?

After you or someone answers that I'll be ready to build my set up my computer! Yay!!
Using an ethernet cable would work, or you could just download the driver patch (download, but not run or install the downloaded program, just keep it stored for once you've installed the graphics card).

You don't need to install the graphics drivers from Nvidia at once, it'll work on a basic level for just running Windows. Obviously running games and such is out of the question without putting the proper drivers on, but like a ship and its rudder it'll float without.

[laharl]

So, what your saying is. I install the graphic card and hook the dvi connector into the monitor and the keyboard and etc.

Then I start it up and put the 8800gt graphic card Cd in and get the driver patch. Down install it but just download....You know what? I think I'm just confusing myself.

I guess I'll take the simple man's approach and use the ethernet cable. I'll just drag the plastic mat from under our other computer over to the router. Then I'll set the computer down on the mat open it up and do what y'all said.

It's safe to put it on a plastic mat above carpet right? Sideways?

[jschild]

Yes, but don't DRAG it on the carpet. That's how you cause static buildups. Pick it up and set it down and touch it all over. Then you touch metal a few times, to ensure any static buildup is discharged.

[laharl]

Cool, Ty. I surely would of dragged it if you didn't say that. :).

Well, I'm all set. You two helped me alot picking out the parts too.

I don't know if you remember but it was like a 20 page thread lol.
Anyway ty.

P.S. My job at burger king over the summer was pretty fun to get the money for my computer.

[Kalos]

As for working with static, I usually work bare foot; sounds primative, but you can't get friction between material on your feet (socks/shoes ect...) and the floor, and that's where it usually comes from. Try not to wear wooly things as well. Touch the side of the case, preferrably with both hands, before you touch any components, that should negate any charge you had into the case rather than into the components you were about to grab. And repeat the case grab whenever you do quite a bit of shuffling around.

[WatcherZero]

Avoid wooly clothes, keep the mains plugged in (but turned off at the wall) and you can keep touching the case to earth yourself.

[elsegundo]

you dont really need the nvidia drivers to really be able to use the monitor/card. you just need the drivers to use it optimally. as far as i can remember, graphics cards come with a CD that has older drivers. you can install that for now.

next install the network card. install the drivers for it. done.

once you get your network card working, you can surf the web and all that, go to the nvidia website and download the updated drivers. its not a big deal if you use the drivers that come with the package initially. you can use those drivers forever too. but its always a good idea to update it once in a while.

so with that said, i'd do this.

unplug computer case.
open computer case.
remove current video card.
insert new video card.
plug monitor into video card.
plug computer case (do not close case).
make sure everything works and configure your monitor settings (resolution basically).
turn off computer and unplugg again.
insert pci network card.
turn on computer and go through the new hardware popup wizard. install drivers. etc.
surf the next, play some games, etc.
then update the video drivers. =]
and yes, remember to ground yourself before touching anything, and keep grounding yourself throughout the whole process.
once everything works well (hardware works), you can close the case, as the remaining steps just involve updating software.

[laharl]

Thanks Gundo! Very detailed step by step guide. I think I'll print this page out to have it with me when doing this. :)

[laharl]

Gah! I just found out that they are giving me the Windows XP Professional CD to install myself!

I just read a guide to learn how to install XP.

All I need to know is where do I fit in installing Windows XP when installing my Monitor, graphic card, and pci-wireless adapter.

I hope this doesn't change everything. I just got the hang of it. :(

[jschild]

You install EVERYTHING in this case first (hardware that is).

Then install XP from the disc. There is a good chance the wireless will not work at the start but it should ask you to insert the cd with the drivers for it. It also may, or may not, do the same for the video card. However, video will come up, you will just want to install the drivers before starting to play games.

[laharl]

Awesome Thanks!