Many components use the PCI slots in a PC, the most
common of which are modems, sound cards and ethernet (network) cards.
This guide will take you through the installation process with the use of
photos and text.
To install your PCI card you will need:
Compatible modem, ethernet card, sound
card or other PCI card.
Cross-point (Philips) Screwdriver
suitable for your PC case.
Fixing screw (usually comes with the
case).
Anti-Static Wrist-strap (if available).
Locating the PCI slots
note: Disconnect the power and remove your PC's cover, see
our guide.
When the cover is removed, the first thing to do is to locate the PCI slots on
your motherboard, different motherboards have different amounts of PCI slots,
for example you may already have a PCI card installed, in which case just choose
an empty slot to install your new PCI card.
you can see an example of a PCI slot in fig 1.1 below:
In fig 1.2 above you can see a typical PCI card, we have pointed out an
alignment notch (A), this is used to align the card with the slot. If you
take a look at the slot in fig 1.1 you can see how it is aligned with the
card. Install modem/sound card/ethernet card
Once you have chosen which PCI slot you want to use, remove the "blank" from the
back of the case to make room for the card. If you are unsure how to remove the
"blanks" see your PC case's manual.
note: Blank refers to a small piece of metal that is inserted into the
back of the case, in alignment with the PCI slots. Most blanks are fixed into
position with a screw, but different cases use different methods.
Next, align the card with the slot and gently but firmly push the card into
position.
Once the PCI card is seated firmly into place fig 1.3, insert the fixing
screw fig 1.4, check to make sure nothing has been loosened during
installation and then replace the case cover.
When you reboot your machine Windows (or other OS) should find the card
automatically, it will then prompt you for the driver disk/cd that came with
your card, insert the CD and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you here a sequence of beeps when you boot
your machine back up then the card may not be fully seated in the slot.
If you encounter a problem with interrupt requests and/or intermittent problems
try using a different PCI slot or adjusting the IRQ settings in your bios.
