A sound card is a device that lets you play sounds on your computer. Typically, modern motherboards have an integrated sound card. It uses memory and processor resources. However, if this device fails, or you decide that the sound quality is not to your liking, try installing a separate sound card.
It is necessary
Sound card, driver, internet access, Phillips screwdriver
Instructions
Step 1
If you do not have a driver for your sound card, read what is written on it - the name and manufacturer. Make a note of this information.
Disconnect the system unit electrical cable from the power source. If external audio devices are connected to the computer - speakers, headphones, microphone - disconnect them. Remove the screws that secure the side panel of the system unit and remove the panel.
Step 2
If the motherboard already has a sound card installed, remove the screw that secures it and remove the card from the slot. If you used only the integrated sound card, next to the slot where you plan to install the new device, tighten the screws and remove the metal strip covering the opening on the rear panel of the system unit.
Step 3
Insert the card into the slot firmly, until it stops, and fix it with the screw. Replace the side panel, tighten the screws. Look carefully at how external devices should be connected: their plugs and the corresponding connectors of the sound card are either marked with the same color, or there is a schematic representation of external devices above the card connectors.
Step 4
Connect your computer to a power source, press the Power button. If your computer's motherboard has a built-in sound card, it must be disabled in the BIOS (Basic In-Out System) settings. Pay close attention to the messages that appear on the screen after the initial download. You will see something similar to Press Delete to Setup. Press the key you read the name and go to BIOS settings. In the menu items, find the option that determines the status of the integrated devices. Perhaps it will be called OnBoard or Integrated. Set the Audio Device state to Disable. Press the F10 key to save the settings and exit the BIOS menu. The computer will continue to boot.
Step 5
If your computer is running Windows, the system will detect a new device and try to find a driver for it. If the driver is on an optical disc, insert it into the drive and specify it as the source when prompted by the system. If you do not have a driver, go to the manufacturer's website and download the necessary program from there to your hard drive. When the system asks you to specify the path to the driver, click on the "Browse" button and specify the location on your hard drive where the driver is located.
