Guide to install PCI card 

Now that the Motherboard is fitted, we can proceed to install PCI card. Because of wireless technology, wireless PCI cards are getting popular. Typical PCI cards are Sound Card, Modem, Ethernet Card etc. The procedure to install PCI card is similar to graphics card installation. Only difference is slot.

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Kindly note that if your motherboard has sound adapters and ethernet built in, you may skip this step.

How to install adapter card?

You will notice at the back of the PC Case, there are a number of thin strips of metal held in by a screw. These are Blanking Plates. In order to fit adapter cards (video / sound cards etc.) it is necessary to remove these plates as necessary. At this stage, it is wise to remove all of them, and store them nearby.

Normally PCI slots are white. On the Motherboard itself you will see a number of plastic slots with very small metal pins inside as shown in the picture below.



Please note that these are the standard colours, but colour may vary on newer motherboards.PCI slots can be used for any suitable adapter card.

How to install PCI card?

Unpack your adapter card taking extra care to handle it by the edges and not touching any of the components. You will notice that it has a plate at one end very similar to the blanking plates as discussed earlier.

It should be possible to gently push the card into the matching slot, such that the plate on the card fits into one of the blanking plate holes at the back of the PC. You can then use the original screw that held in the blanking plate to secure the card to the case.  Now plug card in PCI slot.

Well, now that thats done, just make sure you screw the PCI card into the case for your cheap computer and you are done!

Congrats! You have installed the PCI card.

Repeat this procedure as necessary with any other adapter cards you may have, and complete the task by refitting blanking plates in any holes that are unoccupied by cards. Do you want to install PCI card in another empty slot? The procedure is same as above. Hope you enjoyed this guide to install PCI card. With this we come to the end of PC building. Now you are expert in PC building. Best of luck.


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