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Chapter 2: Hardware Information
2.5 Expansion slots
Inthefuture,youmayneedtoinstallexpansioncards.Thefollowingsubsectionsdescribethe
slots and the expansion cards that they support.
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card
Toinstallanexpansioncard:
1. Beforeinstallingtheexpansioncard,readthedocumentationthatcamewithitand
make the necessary hardware settings for the card.
2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).
3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later
use.
4. Alignthecardconnectorwiththeslotandpressrmlyuntilthecardiscompletely
seated on the slot.
5. Securethecardtothechassiswiththescrewyouremovedearlier.
6. Replace the system cover.
Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do
so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
WhenusingPCIcardsonsharedslots,ensurethatthedriverssupport“ShareIRQ”orthat
thecardsdonotneedIRQassignments.Otherwise,conictswillarisebetweenthetwoPCI
groups,makingthesystemunstableandthecardinoperable.
2.5.2 Conguringanexpansioncard
Afterinstallingtheexpansioncard,congureitbyadjustingthesoftwaresettings.
1. TurnonthesystemandchangethenecessaryBIOSsettings,ifany.SeeChapter4for
informationonBIOSsetup.
2. AssignanIRQtothecard.Refertothetablesonthenextpage.
3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.