Computer Hardware:
• Tools, Static & Cleaning
• Form Factor
• PC Case & Fans
• Motherboard
• Processor (CPU)
• Power Supply Unit
• RAM
• Hard Drive
• Solid State Drive
• Optical Drive
• Floppy Disk Drive
• Graphics Card
• Sound Card
• Network Card
• Computer Monitor
• Keyboard & Mouse
• Laptop / Netbook
• Building a Computer
• Overclocking
Operating System & Backup:
• Operating System
• Drivers
• Windows Tools
• User Accounts
• Backup
• Windows 10
Internet & Network:
• Internet
• Wi-fi or Cable
• Improve Broadband Speed
• Network Computers
Computer Peripherals:
• Printer
• Scanner
• External Hard Drive
• USB Flash Drive
Computer Security:
• Anti-virus
• Anti-Spyware
• Phishing
• Firewall
Common PC Problems:
• Slow Computer
• Hardware Failure
• Software Failure
• Printing Problems
Miscellaneous:
• Windows Shortcuts
• Glossary of Terms
• HTML Colour Picker
• Number Base Converter
• Tools, Static & Cleaning
• Form Factor
• PC Case & Fans
• Motherboard
• Processor (CPU)
• Power Supply Unit
• RAM
• Hard Drive
• Solid State Drive
• Optical Drive
• Floppy Disk Drive
• Graphics Card
• Sound Card
• Network Card
• Computer Monitor
• Keyboard & Mouse
• Laptop / Netbook
• Building a Computer
• Overclocking
Operating System & Backup:
• Operating System
• Drivers
• Windows Tools
• User Accounts
• Backup
• Windows 10
Internet & Network:
• Internet
• Wi-fi or Cable
• Improve Broadband Speed
• Network Computers
Computer Peripherals:
• Printer
• Scanner
• External Hard Drive
• USB Flash Drive
Computer Security:
• Anti-virus
• Anti-Spyware
• Phishing
• Firewall
Common PC Problems:
• Slow Computer
• Hardware Failure
• Software Failure
• Printing Problems
Miscellaneous:
• Windows Shortcuts
• Glossary of Terms
• HTML Colour Picker
• Number Base Converter
Graphics Card
The new computer should be working well but will be significantly improved by adding a decent Graphics card. There are a huge array of Graphics Cards available and it is a good idea to do a bit of research before buying one. There are plenty of Graphic Card charts on the internet showing the most powerful cards down to the cheaper more affordable cards. It is recommended to get the best Graphics card that you can afford and also make sure there is enough room inside your Computer case for it to fit.
For this article i have selected the AMD Radeon R9 270 Direct CU OC 2GB GDDR5 Graphics Card which was a decent mid-range card for the money when bought. This card is compatible with PCI Express 3.0 which is supported on the Motherboard (ASUS Z87-K) and as the Motherboard also supports Crossfire only then a AMD card is preferable in case a second Graphics Card is added in the future.
Installing the Graphics card is straightforward but you must follow anti-static procedures as usual. Switch off the computer and remove the mains lead, then remove the Computer Case cover.
This particular Motherboard (ASUS Z87-K) has two PCIe x16 expansion slots but the one that should be used is labelled PCIEX16_1 and is yellow (Consult the Motherboard manual). You need to remove the corresponding plastic backplates so that the Graphics card will fit into the expansion slot with the ports facing the rear of the case. The card is secured to the case with a single screw.
This Graphics card will need to be powered directly from the Power Supply Unit (PSU) using a 6-pin PCIe connector and cable which is supplied with the PSU (Corsair CX750M Modular). As usual make sure the cable is tied back neatly and is away from any fans.
Now that the Graphics card has been installed then replace the computer cover and plug in the Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, and Power making sure that you connect the Monitor to the Graphics card and not to the Motherboard as we have done before. Switch on the Computer and when Windows has loaded then insert the disk that came with the Graphics Card and install the driver and any software. It is also recommended to visit the manufacturer's website and install the latest driver.
More information on Graphics cards.
Sound Card
Although the Motherboard has in-built Audio you may want to add a much better audio capability by adding a Sound card. You may want to add 5.1 or 7.1 Surround Sound for example. You can buy a Sound Card that will fit in a PCIe x1 or PCI expansion slot.
Like the Graphics Card it is straightforward to install a Sound card but you should follow anti-static procedures. Switch off the computer and remove the mains lead, then remove the Computer Case cover.
You need to remove the corresponding plastic blanking plate from the case so that the Sound card will fit into a PCIe x1 or PCI expansion slot with the card ports facing the rear of the case. The card is secured to the case with a single screw.
As the Computer case has a Headphone and Mic jack at the front of the case then you need to connect the Front Panel Audio Ports directly to the Sound Card using the 'HD Audio' connector in order for these jacks to work.
Now that the Sound card has been installed then replace the computer cover and plug in the Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers, and Power. Switch on the Computer and when Windows has loaded then insert the disk that came with the Sound Card and install the driver and any software. It is also recommended to visit the manufacturer's website and install the latest driver.
More information on Sound cards.
