Reference number: CH000419

Installing a PC computer Sound card.

Question:

Installing a computer PC computer Sound Card.

Answer:

Buying tips
Before getting started
Set Jumpers
Install into Expansion slot
Attach internal cables
Attach external cables
BIOS Setup
Software setup
Troubleshooting

Buying tips and help

If you have not already purchased a sound card please see our sound card tips section help before continuing.

Before getting started

1. Difficulty of installing computer sound card should be a 2 out of 5.
2. Write down important information from the top or bottom of the card such as the Model Number, Serial Number and specifications.
3. Ensure you are familiar with ESD and its potential dangers.
4. When physically installing the Sound Card drive, ensure the computer is off.

Set Jumpers

While today most sound cards are configured through Plug and Play or through software configuration, if your sound card has jumpers, verify that the jumpers are properly set. These jumpers are usually used to set the IRQ, IO and DMA addresses.

We would recommend these settings be set to IRQ-5 I/O-1 DMA-220 (unless it conflicts with other peripherals currently installed in the computer).

Additional information about resource settings can be found on our resource page.

Install into Expansion slot

Today, Network cards are cable of connecting into an ISA, PCI or AMR slot. Locate an available slot within the computer and gently push the card into the slot until it snaps and holds place. Once the card is in the slot, place a screw into the top of the card to hold the card into position.

Additional information about the computer bus or expansion slots can be found on our computer hardware bus page.

Attach internal cables

Most sound cards have the availability of connecting a CD audio cable to the card itself. If present, connect the CD audio cable from the back of your CD-ROM to the sound card now.

Attach external cables

Place the case back onto the computer and connect the keyboard, monitor and power to the computer (we recommend that you do not connect all the cables yet, if problems are experienced you may have to disconnect all the cables again).

Once the case is back on the computer, connect either a pair of headphones or speakers to line-out on the back of the sound card. The above illustration gives an example of what the line out connection may look like.

If you are connecting speakers to the computer the above picture illustrates how a pair of speakers may be connected to the computer.

BIOS Setup

It is only necessary to enter BIOS setup if your computer has an on-board sound card. If present, the on-board sound card must be disabled before the new sound will work properly.

Additional help and information about BIOS can be found on our BIOS page.

Software setup

Once the sound card has been physically installed into the computer, the sound card should have included software to install the sound card. Use this software to install the card into the computer.

Sound card drivers can be found on our sound card driver page.

If you do not know the manufacturer, model, and/or make of your sound card, please refer to document CH000503 for information about determining the type of sound card in your computer.

Troubleshooting

If additional issues are encountered during or after the installation of the sound card, please refer to our main sound card page for additional help and information.