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General discussion

Should I replace my graphics card or monitor first?

Feb 25, 2005 1:06AM PST

I recently purchased a new graphics card (PCI type) and a new LCD flat-panel display (to replace the old CRT) for my home PC (running WinXP Home). Which one should I replace first? I am not sure whether there is a recommended "order" to the procedures. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Do them both at once.
Feb 25, 2005 9:59AM PST

Now, since you have purchased a PCI type (you did not say PCI Express), I am thinking you currently have your video on the motherboard which means no AGP slot available. Is this correct? If so, you will need to remove the drivers and related software for the existing device first. Then, and again if you have on board video, you will need to disable this. You can power off the PC, plug in the new card, and connect the monitor. Then power on and immediately enter the BIOS and disable any on board video. Save the settings and reboot. Your new hardware should be detected and you will be asked to provide a driver. Hope this helps.

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Monitor this
Mar 1, 2005 3:15PM PST

Stevens advice is excellent and I'd follow follow it.

There is no order for upgrading video card and monitor. In fact most monitors will work perfectly fine with the generic windows drivers. However video cards can be a bit more tricky with respect to drivers and as Steven mentioned it's always wise to uninstall the current drivers followed by a reboot before proceeding with a new card install.

I am sort of wondering why someone would replace any video card with a PCI card unless of course your talking PCIe. ;^)