Amanda1116

I currently have ATI Radeon Xpress 200 and just want to make sure I install my new one properly. I've located my PCI Express x16 slot and just want to make sure I dont mess anything up!! Do you just put the new card into that slot? Do I have to connect anything to anywhere? I got this off ebay from a new computer the seller just took it out of the computer to upgrade. i have two DVI to VGA/D-sub adapters if i need those?? Thanks in advance for any help!

TheMatt

Hi Amanda, and welcome to TSF!

Basically, you just slide it into the slot perpendicular to the motherboard. Then, screw the bracket into the back of the case, and plug in the 6-pin PCIe connector from the PSU into the back of the card.

Once you have done that, plug the monitor into the DVI port if you are using DVI, or plug the adapter into the video card and the monitor into the adapter if you are using VGA. It does not matter which DVI you use.

Then, go into Windows and boot into Safe Mode. Right before Windows is about to load, tap F8 and select Safe Mode. Then, install the drivers from the CD. Reboot normally, and your drivers should be installed.

Amanda1116

Thanks for helping me out, I appreciate it!

I think I'm following the first bit, but I'm not sure i follow this: "and plug in the 6-pin PCIe connector from the PSU into the back of the card"
And then how do I tell if I'm using DVI or VGA.

If you can tell I'm not very good at doing anything inside of the computer most I've ever done is add a memory chip.
Thanks again!

Amanda1116

Oh and I remembered another thing, I don't have the CD since I just bought it basically out of another computer, not from the store or anything. I was told by a friend to run a Drive Cleaner to clean out my old one and then I should be able to go to ATI's website to get the Catalyst installer for my new card. Does that sound ok to you? Or should I do it another way?

Sorry I have so many questions, I don't want to do this the wrong way and blow up something in there hahaha. Think in terms of those "Dummy" books

TheMatt

After second inspection, it appears that card does not require a PCIe power connector. Still, what PSU do you have? You should have a good 500w PSU to run that card. A bad PSU can cause problems later on.

Once you have it installed, you just plug your monitor cable into the video output of the card. If you are using a DVI cable, then you just plug it in, but if you are using a VGA cable, you should use the adapter.

If you don't have the driver disk, then I would download the ATI Catalyst 7.1 drivers from here: http://ati.amd.com/support/drivers/x...-cat71-xp.html
Boot into Safe Mode with networking to use the internet.

Amanda1116

Ok remind me how to check my PSU.

And I apologize again for my questions but I'm a confused here "you just plug your monitor cable into the video output of the card." Is this the normal power sorce for my monitor thats on the outside or is this something inside that I overlooked. I took a peak inside last night just to see what i was working with.

Thank you again for being so incredibly patient with me!
And by the way I like the little smilie thing you your signature

TheMatt

No problem.

Take a look at the back of the monitor. You will notice two places for a cable, possibly three. One will be the monitor power. this plugs into an AC outlet in the wall. You still need this to power the monitor.

The other will be a blue D-sub connector with "a lot of little holes" in it. You take your VGA cable (also probably blue), plug one end into the blue connection of the monitor, and the other end into the blue end of the VGA to DVI adapter you mentioned. Then, plug the adapter/cable combo into the white DVI port on the video card.

As for the PSU, you should notice a metal box at the top of the case, probably grey or white. There should be a sticker on this box that mentions power output (example: 300w or 300 watts) along with a bunch of amperage values for +12v, +5v, and +3.3v (example: +12v @ 16a or +12v @ 16 amps). If you don't know what to copy, take a picture of this sticker with a digital camera if you have one.

Amanda1116

Oh awesome, thanks so much. I'm at work now *shhhh* I get of in a few hours so when I get home I'll get to work :D Do you still suggest me running the Drive Cleaner Pro is it not needed?
Thanks so much again!!!!

TheMatt

You don't have to run it for it to work, but sometimes if the old drivers are stubborn, you do need to.

Post back how it goes when you get home.

Amanda1116

Ok I just got in there and everything seems good so far!!!

I'm sure you would have been laughing hysterically if you were here when I did that. I lower the card in there to the slot, and go "hmmm well it doesnt fit that way" and after about 10 minutes of carefully turning it around im like "well if that stupid silver thing wasn't on the end it would fit perfectly" so i took pictures of it to post so you could once again save my day and sat down to plug everything back up and relized that theres a removable door where the ends can pop out!! oh my goodnesss!!! Then when I did that I relized what the adapter was for and everything, which I did need. So again I thank you times a million and everything seems to be good so far!! *crosses fingers* i'm off to play a game and see how it goes!!!

Amanda

TheMatt

You're welcome.

Post back how the game runs.