PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition

Removing expansion cards

To remove an expansion card, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the system cover and locate the expansion card to be removed. It’s surprising how easy it is to remove the wrong card if you’re not careful. No wonder surgeons occasionally get it wrong.

2. Once you’re sure you’ve located the right card, disconnect any external cables connected to it. If the card has internal cables connected, disconnect those as well. You may also need to disconnect or reroute other unrelated cables temporarily to gain access to the card. If so, label those you disconnect.

3. Remove the screw that secures the card bracket, and place it safely aside.

4. Grasp the card firmly near both ends and pull straight up with moderate force. If the card will not release, gently rock it from front to back (parallel to the slot connector) to break the connection. Be careful when grasping the card. Some cards have sharp solder points that can cut you badly if you don’t take precautions. If there’s no safe place to grasp the card and you don’t have a pair of heavy gloves handy, try using heavy corrugated cardboard between the card and your skin.

5. If you plan to save the card, place it in an antistatic bag for storage. If you are not installing a new expansion card in the vacated slot, install a slot cover to ensure proper airflow and replace the screw that secures the slot cover.

Warning

You may encounter an expansion card that’s seated so tightly that it appears to be welded to the motherboard. When this happens, ...