Early computers needed to have sound cards installed in order to connect speakers, but most new computer have full sound functionality built-in already. If you do a lot of audio production or want the best possible sound quality for high-end speakers, installing a sound card will get you the sound you need. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue.
No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Related Articles. Author Info Last Updated: August 4, Part 1. Ensure that you need a sound card. Nearly all modern computers have the sound card built-in to the motherboard.
You can double-check that you have a sound card built-in by looking for speaker jacks on the back of the computer. Sound cards are really only necessary for audiophiles and recording studio computers, or for very old computers that don't have built-in sound.
Power down your computer and remove all the cables. This will allow you to move your computer to a place that allows you to easily access it.
Place the computer on its side on a table, with the ports on the back closest to the table. The ports are connected to the motherboard, so having them closest to the table will ensure that you can get to the motherboard when the case is open. Avoid laying the computer on carpet. Remove the side panel on your computer.
Most newer cases have thumbscrews, but you may need a Phillips-head screwdriver. The screws run down the back of the computer. Remove the panel on the opposite side of the motherboard and set it aside. Ground yourself. You should always ground yourself when working inside your computer. You can use an electrostatic wrist strap or touch a metal water tap to discharge any electrostatic buildup.
If you don't ground yourself, you run the risk of damaging your components with electrostatic discharge. Clean out any dust. Since your computer is open, you should take this opportunity to clean out the dust that has built up inside the case.
Too much dust can lead to overheating, which can lead to your components failing. Use compressed air to remove as much dust and debris as possible. Make sure to get in all of the nooks and crannies. Part 2. Locate the PCI slots. These are the slots that you can install expansion cards into.
PCI slots are typically white, and you may have of them. The slots line up with the removable panels on the back of the case. If you're having difficulty identifying the PCI slots, check your motherboard's documentation.
You can look this up online if you have the motherboard's model number. Remove the existing sound card if necessary. If you are replacing an old card, remove the old card first. Having two cards installed will lead to hardware conflicts. Remove the screw securing the card to your case and pull the card directly out of the slot. Make sure that any speakers connected to the old sound card are disconnected before you remove the old card.
Insert the new card. Remove the corresponding dust guard panel from the back if you are installing the new card.
Make sure that the notches in the slot line up with the card, and press the card straight down firmly. Don't force the card into the slot, and ensure that the ports on the back line up with the with the bay opening. Secure the card with a screw. Screw a single screw into the metal tab that secures the card to the computer chassis. Don't overtighten, but ensure the card is snugly fastened to the case. This is optional on virtually all newer computers, as this connection is now handled by the hardware.
Close the case. For additional information about resource settings, see our resources page. Today, sound cards are connected into the PCI slot. Locate an available expansion slot in the computer and gently push the card into the slot until it snaps and holds place. Once the card is in the slot, place a screw into the back metal plate to hold the card into position. Most sound cards have the availability of connecting a CD audio cable to the card itself.
Place the case back onto the computer. Connect the keyboard, monitor, and power. Then, connect either a pair of headphones or speakers to the line out on the back of the sound card. The picture is an example of the back of a sound card.
With most sound cards, the line out connection is the light green jack.
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