Sound Card is also referred to as Audio cards which is evidently a significant computer component. It is an integrated chip which is installed in the internal part of a computer tower on the motherboard. Sound cards as the name suggests, are cards which handles aspects related to audio. These cards are accountable for audio input and output functions. These cards may vary in size, feature and technology based on which they are developed. You need to make sure that your sound card is compatible with your motherboards and other relevant parts of the system. Hence, while buying an audio card or sound card you need to consider certain important factors which ae explained in our Sound Card/Audio Card Buying Tips section.
Once you have obtained a compatible card for your system, you may want to install it by yourself. It should be known that installing a card is a technical phenomenon which requires sufficient knowledge about computer hardware and technicalities. It is always better to have a guide which may provide you assistance in accomplishing the task. You may also ask help from someone who has prior experience and some knowledge about computer system.
Installing a sound card is not a daunting job but requires attention and sufficient knowledge about computer technicalities. The difficulty of installing sound card in computer system can be rated as 2:5. Before you start working on the task you need to write down all possible information about the sound cars such as serial number, version of the device etc. You also need to make possible arrangements to prevent ESD or Electro Static Discharge. ESD can lead to further damages to your computer system as well as it may have adverse effects on you. The best way to keep yourself and your system protected from ESD is by turning off the system and unplugging all AC power cables.
Setting Jumpers:
If your sound card has jumpers, then it should be known that it is highly essential for you to configure these jumpers according to appropriate configuration required. However, most cards nowadays enjoy plug and play functionality or else are configured using relevant software. If the sound card you buy is based on jumper settings that you need to make sure that the setting is appropriate for your system. In order to get some help about the jumpers and their placement you can either ask your sound card vendor or else you can search over internet. However, there are chances that you may find appropriate setting in the manual provided to you along with the device. These jumpers are essential for setting the DMA, IRQ and IO addresses.
Installing Sound card into slots:
Best part about contemporary sound cards is that these cards can be inserted into slot available on the motherboard. This is possible because these cards are based on different advanced technologies such as PCI, ISA and AMR. Among these three PCI and ISA slots are commonly seen in computer systems. So card based on these technologies are easy to be installed. However, it should be known that a card developed on PCI technology will only work with PCI interface or slot. Similarly an ISA card will only be compatible with ISA slot.
These slots have clips on the sides, so that when you place the card in the slot and press it gently it will automatically snap and clasp the card firmly into the slot. However, there may be an additional option for holding the card in the slot by fastening it with help of additional screws. However, the panel of the sound card should be screwed at the rear of the case so that the connectivity options (ports) are visible from behind (The panel can be at front or back depending upon the case and motherboard form format, it is necessary that the panel should be visible in order to be able to connect audio input and output devices).
There are some sound cards that come with cables to be connected to other components such as CD/DVD drive. If any of such components is present you need to connect possible component by following instruction manual provided with it.
Once the sound card is appropriately connected to the motherboard and properly placed on the case you can now put back the dismantle chassis and put on the system. It is also important to have a sound driver or audio driver software installed to enable the sound card to function. Before you perform a full setup by connecting input and output device to the panel you should try to connect just one of the speakers and check whether it is working. This will eradicate the need of disconnecting all the connection in case if any problems persists.
BIOS: BIOS is also considerably important aspect as it is essential in case of on- board sound cards. If there is an on board sound card then it should be disabled in order to let the new card work properly
Software: Generally a sound driver is required for a sound card to work properly. This software is usually offered by the motherboard manufacturer or sound card manufacturer. This software also makes the sound card function appropriately. However you need to make sure that the card you brought is compatible with the motherboard technology. These drivers can also be obtained from internet from the manufacturer’s site. One can also upgrade the driver if possible upgrade is available. For this you need to first understand which version you are using.
- To get information on your sound device you need to perform the following steps :
- You need to click on the Start Button and then select Programs or All Programs. \
- You will be able to find ‘Accessories option, click on this option to reach System Information folder.
- After clicking on the System Information options you will find a drop down menu with numerous options. Within this list you need to locate the Components option and click on the + (plus) sign besides it. You will be able to see more options.
- In those options you need to select Sound Device or Multimedia, once you click on either of the option you will be able to see required information and specification about your sound card.
