Why?

Video cards are the fastest changing computer technology right now. Because of this, you may want to upgrade your video card once or twice during your computer's lifetime. This will provide you with faster game performance as well as newer features to support the newer games.

How?

1. It's a relatively simple process that I won't go into detail on too much.  When choosing your new video card, look at my notes on what to look for and recommendations on Video Cards.  If you are wanting to get an AGP video card, make sure you have an AGP slot on your motherboard!  Now, make sure you have the latest drivers for the video card (from the CD that the video card came with or better yet from the manufacturer's website). Have them unzipped on your hard drive and ready to go! This way when Windows asks for the drivers they are ready for you.

1. You now need to remove the driver files for the current video card you are using.  See if you have something on your Start Menu to do this with - i.e. go through your start menu and look for tools for your video card. Under the tools for your video card, there may be an option to uninstall the drivers. Do this. Then right click on the My Computer Icon on your Desktop and go to Properties. Click on Device Manager and double click on Display Adapters.  Click on your current video card that is listed there and press the remove button.  You will then want to shut down your computer. 

3. Unplug your monitor cable from the video card. Open the case and remove the video card by first unscrewing the screw that holds it in the slot.  Then gently pull the card out of its slot.  Gently insert the new video card (it may require a little force, but not very strong). Screw it in place as well. Restart the computer and tell Windows where you placed the new drivers.  Windows will install the new drivers and ask you to restart your computer.  Do so, and when it restarts, right click on your wallpaper and go to properties to set up your resolution and color depth. Now you're finished! Fire up that Quake game you've been wanting to try out!