DFI LEA6x6 series - Manual (Page 8)

www.dfi.com Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
8
Chapter 2
Installing the Graphics Card
For most computer systems, you will only need a medium size Phillips screwdriver to remove the cover and
a small flat-blade screwdriver to secure the monitor cable.
Step 1: Power-Off the Computer
Make sure the computer and all other peripheral devices connected to it has been powered down.
Disconnect all power cords and cables.
Step 2: Remove the Computer’s Cover
Refer to your computer system manual for specific instructions on removing your computer’s system unit
cover. In general, you will need to remove several screws on the back or side of the system unit and then
slide the cover off.
Step 3: Remove the Slot Cover
Remove the slot-cover screw and slot cover adjacent to the PCI Express slot. Put them in a safe place for
later use.
Step 4: Unpack the Graphics Card
Remove the graphics card from the shipping carton and its protective packing. Please do not throw away
the packing material or the shipping box. You may use these again to prevent damage should you need to
ship the graphics card for repairs.
Step 5: Insert the Graphics Card
Align the graphics card above the PCI Express slot then press it down firmly until it is completely seated
in the slot. Make sure the graphics card is straight and level compared to the computer’s system board by
viewing it from the side.
Step 6: Replace the Slot-Cover Screw
Secure the graphics card with the slot-cover screw you removed in step 3.
Step 7: Replace the Computer’s Cover
After you have finished installing the graphics card, put the computer’s cover back on the system unit. Refer
to the computer’s system manual for instructions if necessary.
Important:
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage the graphics card, system board, processor, disk drives,
add-in boards, and other components. Perform the upgrade instruction procedures described at
an ESD workstation only. If such a station is not available, you can provide some ESD protection
by wearing an antistatic wrist strap and attaching it to a metal part of the system chassis. If a
wrist strap is unavailable, establish and maintain contact with the system chassis throughout any
procedures requiring ESD protection.
Important:
Hazardous voltages are present and exposed when operating the computer with the cover
removed. To prevent equipment damage and personal injury, never apply power to the computer
when the cover is off.
Handling the Graphics Card
It is quite easy to inadvertently damage your graphics card even before installing it in your system unit.
Electrostatic discharge can damage computer components without causing any signs of physical damage.
You must take extra care in handling the graphics card to ensure that no static build-up is present.
Tips in Handling the Graphics Card
1. To prevent electrostatic build-up, leave the graphics card in its anti-static bag until you are ready to install
it.
2. Do all preparation work on a static-free surface with graphics card components facing up.
3. Hold the graphics card by its edges only. Be careful not to touch any of the components, contacts or con-
nections, especially gold contacts, on the board.