How to Install a Sound Card

Posted on June 10th, 2009 by Marck

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Almost all computers work fine even without a sound card, but it can greatly diminish the multimedia experience. Sound cards make it possible for programs to play multimedia like videos, music tracks, and sound effects from games and utilities. If you’re building your own computer, here are some steps to help you install the sound card.

Internal and External Sound Cards

There are two types of sound cards available on the market:

Internal sound cards are devices built into the motherboard to enable sound recognition and playback on your computer. Internal sound cards are convenient for laptop computers and compact personal computers. While less powerful and less versatile, internal sound cards occupy less space in the computer case, which makes for better cooling and air circulation.
External sound cards. All sound cards are technically “internal,” but external sound cards exist as separate components to the motherboard. The card is a separate integrated circuit that allows the computer to decode audio signals from a program or a multimedia file.

Tools

To install a sound card of your choice, you need the following tools:

Sound card (one that fits motherboard specifications, or one that satisfies your preferences and needs)
Device driver installer (either from the CD or downloaded from the Internet)
Anti-static working surface
Screwdriver
Internet connection

Steps

Remove the cover of the computer case and locate the sound card slot. You may need to nudge aside or disconnect some cables if you find it difficult to locate the slot.
Most sound cards are installed through the PCI slot. Some sound cards may also be installed in other slots in the computer’s motherboard assembly, like the IEEE line or the USB port.
Hold the sound card by the edges, and secure the card to the PCI slot firmly but gently. You should hear a soft clicking sound.
Pull back on the card to check if it’s secure.
Most sound cards are plug-and-play devices recognized by Microsoft Windows or Linux, but you may need to install the device drivers through the installer CD or through executable files made available by the manufacturer on the Internet.
Download the necessary codecs to make your sound card play as many multimedia file formats as possible.

Installing a sound card is a very simple process, whether you need to replace an old one or if you’re making your own computer.