Step 10 Installing the Video Cards and Expansion Cards

Installing the Video Cards and Expansion Cards

At this point, I will be installing two video cards with SLI technology, a physics card, and a sound card. As I stated earlier on in the build I will be removing the sound card after installation because the onboard sound will be more than sufficient for my user purposes. As with all other components, the cards will have to be removed from their packaging and checked for defects before installation.

• The first step I will take is to install the two video cards. I need to check my motherboard user guide to make sure that I am installing the card(s) into the correct slots. I will now hold the video card by the edges and push down into the correct slot. (Example: PCI Express Slot, PCI Slot)

Holding the video card


Inserting the first video card into the correct slot

• Now I need to use a mounting screw and secure the card in place within the case.

Securing the video card to the case

• I decided to use the rear panel firewire connector and install it into the accessory port under the first video card. This is not necessary but I figured I might use it in the future. Different motherboards might come with a variety of these accessory ports and it is a choice whether or not to install them. These accessory ports will also need to be secured with a screw, like the video card.

Firewire port installed

• Because, as I said, I am using two video cards, I will repeat the first video card process and install the second video card into the proper slot.

Second video card installed

• Before I install the SLI bridge for the two video cards, I have to install the two other cards I mentioned before. (Note: The SLI bridge will only be used when installing two video cards that are using SLI technology.) Now I will install the PhysX card. I will hold the card by the outside edges and push it into the proper slot. (Example: PCI slot) The PhysX card with have to be secured to the case using a screw just like the video card(s).

Pushing the Physics card into the proper slot

• The last card that I will install is a sound card. Again, as with the other cards, I need to hold the card by the edges and push it down into the correct slot. (Example: PCI Slot) Then I need to secure it to the computer case using a screw.

Pushing the sound card into the correct slot

All of the cards installed

• In order to use the SLI Technology with the two video cards I will have to install the SLI bridge that comes with the motherboard.

Installing the SLI bridge

• The SLI Bridge also came with an SLI guard that installs in one of the expansion slots between the video cards. There is a curved piece attached to the slot that makes sure the SLI Bridge will not hit the side of the computer case. I will now install this.

Installing the SLI Guard

• Next I will install the Fire wire connector to the motherboard, the PhysX card power connector, and the two PCI Express power connectors from the power supply to the Video cards.

PCI Express Power connector

Physics card Power connector

• Now I need to reinstall the expansion slot cover to the back of the computer case that covers all of the mounting screws for the cards.

Reinstalling the Expansion card Cover

All of the cards have been installed and I am ready to move to the next step. (Note: The wiring might start look messy and congested at this point so it is a good idea to start organizing it. Also, when organizing the case do not use any metal straps on the wiring. Most power supplies come with velcro or plastic straps that can be used. Check the manual for further assistance.)