Step 10 : Installing the Graphics Card

You're almost done installing the new Athlon 64 system. One of the most critical components that we have yet to install is the graphics card. Here's how you do it.

In this guide, we'll use a Gigabyte GV-R98X256D (ATI RADEON 9800XT) graphics card.

This is an AGP 8X graphics card that requires a separate power source to operate. Note the four-pin power connector located on the top-right corner of the card. Because of the need for extra power, we would recommend that you purchase at least a 400W power supply unit to ensure stability. Other graphics cards that may require as many as two power connectors would demand more power and we would advise you to get a 500W power supply in cases like that.

Before installing the card, remove the corresponding faceplate from the casing.

Insert the card into the slot as shown.

Once the card is fully inserted, you should be able to fasten the AGP card's faceplate to the casing with ease.

Don't forget to connect one of the four-pin power connectors from the power supply unit to the card. Otherwise, the system will not boot.