Upgrade section - Installing a sound card

Sound Card Installation

The first thing to do, as always, is discharge yourself of any static buildup. Power down the computer, remove the case or access panel and touch the chassis. This will neutralize any dangerous electro-static voltage. Then unplug your computer.

Before installing a sound card - Locate the old card

If you are replacing an old sound card, you’ll want to locate it by following your existing speakers. If they lead you to a card plugged into the motherboard, simply remove CD audio cable (usually a grey or black cable) from the card and then unscrew the card.

If they lead you to a jack on the motherboard, like this picture, you’ll just have to unplug the speakers and possibly a mic. You might have to go into the BIOS to disable the on-board sound, as well.

What to look for

Here are pictures of two different cards.

Most cards today will be color coded like the bottom example, but some are still like the top one. You could have anywhere from 3 jacks to 5 or even 6. The 15-pin connector is for a joystick or MIDI device.

Installing a sound card

Unscrew the existing sound card (if you are replacing one) or look for an empty slot. Place the new card in the vacant PCI slot and carefully push it down. Screw it into place.

If you already had a sound card, you can use the existing audio cable that connects to the CD, if it fits. If not, remove the existing cable from the drive.

Plug in the audio for installing a sound card

Different sound cards can have different types of connectors, so pay careful attention to what you are plugging into. Most are clearly labeled on the card. If there is a doubt, check your manual. You will be looking for a 4 conductor connector, similar to this photo.

It could have a plastic housing on it as well. This cable supplies audio from the CD when you play a music CD.

Finishing up installing a sound card

Put the case back on and plug everything in. On color coded sound cards, the green connector should be the audio out jack for your speakers. Power up and install the drivers.

You can find some nice deals on sound cards here

Thats it for my installing a sound card article.

More Build/Upgrade articles

Installing a motherboard
Installing a cpu
Installing a cpu fan
Installing memory
Installing a graphics card
Installing a sound card
Installing a network card
Installing a hard drive
Installing floppy disk drives
Installing a cd drive