Before jumping into the actual video card removal, examine the current video card and remove any wires or cables that are attached to it. Standard AGP and PCI cards will not have these features, but those with additional features may use multimedia cables for input, or like the Voodoo5 5500, require an internal power cord. Also keep a record of any cables that are detached, as well as determining their use with the new video card. Some new motherboards also feature an AGP locking mechanism that will need to be disengaged.

Then simply detach the case mounting screw and carefully remove the video card. When removing the card, use both hands and apply upward force in combination with a slight sideways motion. If the card will not budge, make sure that there are no obstructions holding the card in, or that you didn't miss any secondary AGP attachment mechanisms. After the video card has been removed, place it back inside its original packaging. Having extra components and peripherals lying around can be confusing when upgrading video cards, and all extraneous hardware and software should be taken away from the work area.

When upgrading from a card with the same interface (AGP to AGP, PCI to PCI) there will be no need for case modifications. If the new card is of a different interface than your previous hardware, or when moving from an integrated solution, then the back of the case will need to be adjusted. As a rule, the AGP slot (single) is brown while PCI slots (multiple) are white. Just line up the video card against the motherboard layout and open the appropriate slot on the case backplate. To ensure proper airflow and dust protection, remember to close all unused case slots using the supplied metal brackets.

Once the proper case layout is achieved, line up the card's metal bracket with the case backplate and install the video card using downward pressure. It should easily click into place and the top of the bracket should match up to the screw hole on the case. If there is any resistance, check that the card is actually positioned correctly and that no obstructions are between the card and the motherboard slot.

After the video card has been properly installed, you should still double-check that the card's AGP/PCI interface is flush with the motherboard slot. If the line looks uneven and sections of the gold interface are showing, then the installation should be performed again. Finally, attach the card firmly to the case housing with the appropriate case screw. Some experienced technicians may leave the video card loose for initial testing, but since attaching the monitor cable or even moving the case may inadvertently dislodge the card, the added stability is more than worth the time and effort.