How to Install a ATI Radeon HD 3450 onto a Dell Inspiron 530?

BrandonX

New member
I am not really good with Technology but I am getting a ATI Radeon HD 3450 for my Dell Inspiron 530. The computer came with the Intel chipset. How do I install the new card? Thank you.
 

ChrisD

New member
This card should be installed in your computer's motherboard in the PCIe x16 (Graphics) slot. I am not familiar with your exact computer, but the usual installation steps are:1) Unplug the computer. Remove the left side panel from your PC (the left panel is the one on the left when you are looking at the front of your PC.) The panel is usually secured with 2-3 screws on the back. 2) put the graphics card into the correct slot. Your PC only has one of this type of slot (I checked on Dell.com). Generally, you can tell which slot you need by looking at the card, and then looking at the slots that are open (available) on your motherboard (the green board you will see when you remove the left side panel.) You can usually tell which slot the card belongs in by comparing the bottom the of card with the slot itself... like putting a puzzle together.3) plug the board into the slot, and make sure it is firmly seated. The ports on the board (the part you plug the monitor into) must be pointed towards the back of the computer.4) Plug the computer back in, then (after the computer boots) install the drivers for the new graphics card that came with it.If you install the card and your monitor does not show the computer booting, either you have not installed the card correctly (it must be firmly seated, you have somehow managed to put it in the wrong slot, or the cord from the monitor is not firmly seated. The instructions with your new card will probably help you pick the correct slot in your motherboard. Most motherboard slots have labels (in very small white print on the motherboard itself.) Remember, you want the PCIe x16. There is only one of these on your motherboard, so it should be easy to find.If you aren't sure you want to do all this yourself, you can take it to Best Buy... but they will charge you and arm and a leg and try to sell you stuff (e.g., upgrades) you don't need.
 
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