Graphics cards, USB 3.0 PCIe cards, and Wi-Fi cards can be installed in computers to enhance functionality, but precautions must be taken to avoid electrostatic discharge which can damage the cards. Key steps in installing cards include wearing an anti-static wristband and placing the card and computer on an anti-static mat to prevent ESD build up. More powerful graphics cards provide better quality images and effects for gaming. USB 3.0 PCIe cards offer faster data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps compared to USB 2.0. Wi-Fi cards allow internet connectivity via wireless access points.

1. Hardware Installation
Jessica Hodson

2. Graphics Card
• The graphics card is responsible for generating all the text and pictures that are displayed on your screen.
Installing a graphics card will benefit when it comes to playing PC games on your computer or laptop. A
more powerful graphics card will enable better quality images and near cinematic effects.
• Resolution determines how many ‘dots’ are used to create the image on the screen.
• Refresh refers to how many times a second the image on the screen is redrawn.
• Colour depth is also another factor included in the graphics card and obviously, the more colours the
greater the detail.
• To install a graphics card, you will need; a new graphics card, screwdriver, and an antistatic wrist strap and
mat.
• A risk when installing the graphics card is the build up of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge). The build up of ESD
will damage the graphics card.
• To prevent the build up of ESD, when installing the card an anti-static wristband should be worn and the
card and desktop should be placed on an anti-static mat.

3. USB 3.0 PCIe Card
• The USB 3.0 PCIe card allows your computer to have 10 times faster transfer speed, speed of up to 5
Gb/s, and upgrade flexibility. USB 3.0 reduces the time required for data transmission and reduces power
consumption.
• The typical current card of a computer is the USB 2.0 standard with speeds only up to 480 Mb/s.
• When installing the USB 3.0 PCIe card, ensure the computer it is being installed on is no older than 4 years
in order to be able to handle the high speed of the card and ensure there is a free PCI slot on the
motherboard.
• A risk when installing the USB 3.0 PCIe card is also ESD (Electrostatic Discharge). The build up of ESD will
damage the USB 3.0 PCIe card.
• To prevent the build up of ESD, when installing the card an anti-static wristband should be worn and the
card and desktop should be placed on an anti-static mat.

4. Wi-Fi Card
• Having a Wi-Fi card installed into your computer or laptop, it allows you to connect to the internet when
receiving a signal from a Wi-Fi access point.
• A risk of installing a Wi-Fi card is if an unsupported network is chosen can cause interference, pose
potential security risks, and slow down the speed of the network.
• Another risk of installing a Wi-Fi card is the build up of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge). The build up of ESD
will damage the Wi-Fi card.
• To prevent the build up of ESD, when installing the card an anti-static wristband should be worn and the
card and desktop should be placed on an anti-static mat.