How to Install an AGP Motherboard

If you need a computer with an AGP motherboard, you may want to install it yourself. This is perfectly reasonable: many people choose to assemble their own computers out of parts they purchase and select themselves to save money, as well as to have greater control and understanding over the finished product.

A computer you build yourself will be easier to repair, or even just identify problems with when you require professional assistance. However, for a beginner, installing a motherboard is a task that is easy to perform incorrectly. The following motherboard installation instructions should help you avoid common mistakes.

Step 1 - Setting Up

To begin, unplug your computer from everything it is connected to, particularly the power supply. Next, unscrew the screws holding your computer's case shut. Finally, remove the metal plate inside your computer's case. This is where you will be installing your new AGP capable motherboard.

Step 2 - Attaching the Motherboard

Next, remove your motherboard completely from its packaging and place it on the metal plate. You should notice holes for screws in your motherboard. The metal plate will have some corresponding holes. Both parts may have holes that do not correspond with the other part, however.

This is fine, and does not indicate a problem or incompatibility. Simply use screws on the holes that both your motherboard and plate have in common, and ignore the others. Your computer's case should come with everything you need in order to do this.

For holes that are surrounded by a metal ring, simply insert a screw and use a nut to secure it. This is important, as it grounds the motherboard and protects it. For holes that do not, you will need to use a plastic or cardboard washer to protect your motherboard from being damaged by the attachment process.

Step 3 - Installing the Case Finishing

Next, you must prepare your case for your motherboard. You can do this by installing the case finishing that should be included with your motherboard. It should resemble a small metal rectangle with spots for plugs. Remove the old case finishing from your computer's case and install the new one in its place.

Step 4 - Connecting the Motherboard

You can now use the wires that came with your AGP motherboard to connect it to your computer. Use the wires with their corresponding plugs, taking note of the polarity (the positive and negative marks) and being sure to plug them in appropriately if directed to do so. Remember to go by labels, rather than color scheme, as these wires will not be color coordinated in most cases. The exact process will vary from model to model, so it is a good idea to consult your documentation for this step.

Step 5 - Inserting the Motherboard

At this point, your motherboard should have a power supply and be connected to the various parts of your computer. You can now insert the metal plate with the AGP motherboard into your computer's case and secure it back into place with the screw you removed in the first step.