[ConfusedComputer]

I'm new to the forums of 'Tech Support Guy' and joined specifically to post this question.

How do I install my video card?

Before your redirect me to another post, YouTube video, or HowTo site please note that I have already gone through such sites, but was looking for help SPECIFICALLY regarding MY installation circumstances. Thank you for understanding.

I have an HP Pavilion a1220n (modified). I play some light/older games but my on-board video doesn't have quite enough juice to do the job so I'm adding a video card. I have already purchased a video card, and have verified that it fits its requirements, and is (should be) compatible with my PC.

The primary concern I had was about my current drivers. Do I need to disable/uninstall my current on-board video drivers THEN add the video card and it's drivers?

The card I'm adding is a conventional PCI nVidia GeForce 9500GT 1GB by Sparkle Computer, Inc (http://www.sparkle.com.tw/product_de...102&sub_id=333).

Please provide step-by-step instructions on what to do with my current display circumstances/drivers, and how to go about installing the card.

Thank you, and don't hesitate to ask for more info because since I'm new to the forums I may not have known to provide all the information you need to help me resolve my issue.

[BG-0]

First of all, have you upgraded your power supply? If not, do so. Corsair CX400 is very high quality and shouldn't cost that much. Newegg should have free shipping and a low price. PC Power & Cooling 370 W is another choice. If you're really, really tight on money, cheaper Antec units could do, also. Seasonic units are very fine too, but come as OEM and if you don't find them locally, don't have free shipping and aren't any cheaper.

You can, and pretty much should, uninstall the old drivers, and download the new ones ( http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us ) beforehand.
Power down. Install new card into the slot. Change monitor cable into the new card, power up. Go to BIOS right away. (if you can see anything on your monitor...*) Go find an option to disable the onboard video. Save settings, reboot, install new drivers, reboot.

*If not, try again with the monitor cable still in the integrated port.