computer question for the gurus
 

I was wondering how hard it is to install a video and graphics card in a computer? I am looking to buy a new computer and the ones I like don't have a good enough video or sound card. I thought maybe I could save a few bucks by doing it myself or not have to wait forever for a computer place to do it.
I want a Geforce3 video card and Soundblaster 5.1 sound card but most computers come with Geforce2 (32MB) or some other outdated card and integrated sound. It doesn't look that hard to do. It looks like you just slide the old one out and the new one in.
Is it that easy? The boxes say it is.

It's simple,

I swapped my first motherboard when I was 13....

You don't have to uninstall your old drivers first. When your PC boots after the card change, the Plug & Play feature realises that it's not the same card and uses the default VGA driver.

Basically all you have to do is: Pull out the old card, put in the new card, boot the PC, put the CD (that came with video card) into Drive and follow instructions. I can do a video card swap in approx 15 min start to finish.

Yup totally agreed. Very simple. All you may need is a screw driver (maybe not even) and your set. I'm 17 and I've been doing it for acouple years now. Sound Blaster 5.1 sound card is really good too. I have it and I really enjoy it. Aslong as you have a nice set of speakers to go with it.

82, good pick on the video card, just stay away from the mx series on the geforces!!! i agree with the above. but make sure after you install it and install the drivers, go to their site and get the updated one first before you do any gaming. make sure you updatee your DirectX!! good luck!
p.s. what ever you do, stay away from ATI!!! the driver support sucks!! they last updated driver was OCT of 2001!!!:mad: Nvidia has there s*it together! i should know, i ma running a Radeon 32mb DDR and it really doesnt compete to the gf2 or gf3. oh and another thing, DONT GET THE NEW GF4MX!!! they are about as equal to the Geforce 2 MX!!:eek:

I just installed a Mac Edition ATI Radeon. Bought it for $26 on ebay. It's no where near as nice as the AGP 4X somethingotherfunkysoundingwithnumbersandletters card that came with my G4, but I love running multiple monitors at the same time. This will make three. I feel sooooooo in control. :)

Take care,
-Chris