What is good about a computer that can’t play sounds, right? The sound driver makes most of our computer experiences more worthwhile. Without it, we will not be able to listen to our favorite tracks or enjoy a good movie, we will not feel the excitement of the games we are playing or worse, we will not be able to use Skype! Under normal circumstances, the computer unit that we buy from a store is already installed with a working sound card. However, there will be a situation when you might need to install the sound card yourself (replacement of damaged card or an upgrade to a better card).
Sound card installation is easy. However, if you are planning to install one in your laptop, you might want to check you warranty first. Warranties are often nullified once you open the laptop by yourself. Otherwise, you will be able to complete the installation in a few minutes.
Buying the Sound Card
It is wise if you buy your sound card from the same shop where you got your computer. The people from that shop will be able to assist you more effectively before they know your unite. However, if that shop is selling their sound cards at a very unreasonable price, it is but normal that you go elsewhere and find another shop. Just get the model of the sound card that is compatible with your computer and then the store that sells the card at the lowest price. Be cautious about the cards though, some sound cards may bear the label of the brand that you want to buy although they are not really manufactured by the actual company that produces the brand.
Sound Card Installation
The reasons why a sound card replacement is needed should be clear to you. You need to realize that replacement should not be your first option once you notice that you are having sound problems. It might be that the problem is not really the sound card but some other components in your computer or maybe the problem is not on the hardware even. Try other solutions before you consider installing a sound card by yourself. Well, if the computer really does not have a sound card in the first place, this should not be an issue at all.
Before you begin anything, read the user manual of your computer and of the sound card that you have just purchased. These manuals can help you understand your computer more. In the end, it will be easier for you to proceed with the task if you know a lot about it. Once you are pretty sure that you know what you have to do, you can proceed with the steps below:
1. Install all the drivers needed by the sound card to work. These drivers are usually part of your entire purchase. However, some sound card manufacturers do not include the CD containing the drivers. In such cases, clients are asked to download the drivers directly from the manufacturer’s webpage. If this is your case, download the drivers first and install them in your computer before you physically install the sound card.
2. After installing all the drivers, you need to take the necessary precautions by switching off your computer — shut down and unplug. Let your computer stand for a couple of minutes too, the capacitors in your computer might contain enough electricity to electrocute you a little bit.
3. Next, unscrew your CPU’s box to see where the sound card slot is located.
4. Once you have spotted the old sound card, trace all the wires connected to it and unplug them all. Be careful when you do this because you are still going to need these wires for your new sound card.
5. Unpack your new sound card and replace the old one. Connect all the wires into the new sound card in the way that they are connected to the old one. Take the time to remember how the wires were connected before your unplugged them.
6. After securing the sound card into place, cover your CPU again. Replace all the screws tightly before plugging the computer to a power supply.