How to install a usb pci card to a desktop case computer, it is not a tower. please answer. thank you

Suggest use a USB adapter card.

More specifically a PCI USB adapter card.

Dell Support > Inspiron 530 Series Desktop PC > Owner's Manual,

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd530/en/OM/HTML/index.htm

In the list click on - Removing and Installing parts

1) Unplug the computer from power.
[Unplug FROM the surge protector, not the back of the computer. (Power Supply)
Unplugging from the back could lead to a power surge ]

2) Computer on a table open the computer case,
Click on - Removing the Computer Cover - in the list.

3) FOLLOW Anti-Static Precautions
Your body carries Static electricity. Static WILL fry out (Short Circuit) the delicate hardware inside the computer.

Computer on a table, computer unplugged from power, computer case open.
TOUCH an unpainted surface, of the metal frame of the open computer case.
This action will relieve your body of Static.

Should you leave your computer in the middle of working on it, be SURE to Touch the metal frame again, upon your return.

4) http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd530/en/OM/HTML/parts.htm#wp1184332

Here you see an illustration of your motherboard. Oriented as it is in your computer case. (Just no hardware components, nor cables are attached)

At the bottom of the motherboard are 2 White long expansion slots.
In the illustration they are labeled by the numbers 21 and 22.
If one of these slots is open, and not being used, you can install a PCI USB adapter card.

This is one example of a PCI USB adapter card,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5606148&Sku=S262-2744

At the back of the computer, located towards the bottom, are the Expansion Slots.
Four horizontal slots.

If there isn't some sort of add-on adapter card already installed, all of the expansion slots will be covered with an Expansion Slot Cover.

If there is an add-on adapter card installed of course, one of the expansion slot covers will be removed.

Line up the PCI USB adapter card with the open PCI slot, you have chosen.
Now look at the expansion slots at the rear of the computer.
Notice what expansion slot that the PCI USB card's bracket, lines up with.

Go to the back of the computer, and view the small metal bracket on the bottom right. Loosen the Thumbscrew, and swing the bracket out. (Thumbscrew is supposed to just loosen, not come out)

Remove the expansion slot cover for your PCI slot choice.
Install the PCI USB adapter card.
Note that there is a Locating Lug in the PCI slot, and a matching Locating Notch, on the PCI USB adapter card.

Line them up, then push the PCI USB card straight down into the PCI slot.
Also watch the metal bracket on the back of the PCI USB card.
The 'tang' at the Bottom, slides down in-between the framework.

The top of the bracket has a half-moon notch, that lines up with a small 'dowel' on the computer case framework.
Make sure it is aligned, and the bracket is aligned.

What I am referring to will become readily apparent, as you go to install the PCI USB card.
If there are any other add-on adapter cards, they may try to fall out, when you go to install the new add-on card.

You just have to line them up, so their bracket notches are all on the 'dowels', and hold them in place. Then swing the 'door' closed. Tighten the thumbscrew.

If you have an Add-on card in the way, and by moving it to the other PCI slot, will allow you to install the PCI USB card, go ahead, and move it.
Doesn't matter. BIOS will find it, and assign an Interrupt Request.


There are two other expansion slots above the 2 white PCI slots.
The expansion slot right above the top PCI slot, is a PCI-Express x1 slot.
If this slot is open, OR the only one available, you can use a PCI-Express USB adapter card.

Example,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5606149&CatId=511


The last expansion slot you have is above the PCI-Express x1 slot.
This is a PCI-Express x16 slot, and is ONLY used for a graphics card.

For additional questions please post in a Comment.
Regards,
joecoolvette

just plug the card and insert the cd and install it...

Okay,..........

1) You can download a wireless Ethernet adapter driver all day, but if you Do Not have a wireless adapter card installed in your computer, the drivers do you no good.

Or if you do not have a wireless USB adapter plugged into a USB port.

Example of a wireless adapter card,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4695358&CatId=2692

Example of a wireless USB device,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6367137&CatId=2692

Example of an Ethernet adapter card,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=686143&CatId=200

If you are just going to hardwire the computer, just buy an Ethernet adapter card, (PCI version), and install it in your computer, (On the motherboard), in any available white PCI slot.

IF it is the Mini Tower model.

The Desktop, Small Form Factor (SFF), and Ultra Small Form Factor (SFF) computers, are too small in width for a regular size Ethernet adapter card.

They need a Low-Profile Ethernet adapter card,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833114034

This is for a Dell Optiplex GX620 Mini-Tower computer,

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx620/en/ug/A02/mtabout0.htm#wp1051997

Scroll the page down until you come to the bold blue heading - System Board Components
This is an illustration of a Top view of the Mini-Tower's motherboard.

16 and 17 point to two PCI slots.
This is where an Ethernet adapter card that is the PCI version, will plug into.

PCI slots are White in color.
An example of a basic PCI slot, ( 3 are shown),

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PCI_Slots_Digon3.JPG

If you do decide to go wireless;

1) Wireless networking operates at half of the speed of wired networking.

A computer that is wired directly to an Ethernet adapter card, is twice as fast on the internet, as a computer that is connected wireless.

2) Make sure your Router is capable of wireless.
Make sure the wireless router has a built-in Modem, or that you have a separate Modem.

[ For DSL.
Phone line connects to Filter. Filter has a place for a telephone cable, and an Ethernet cable.
Ethernet cable connects to Filter, and other end connects to Modem.
Ethernet cable goes from Modem to Wireless router that does not have a built-in Modem.

OR,
Phone line connects to Filter. Ethernet cable from Filter goes directly to wireless router, that has a built-in Modem.

Computer has to have a USB wireless device, or a wireless adapter card, installed.

For additional questions, or to clarify anything I have stated, please post in a Comment.
(Believe upper right of your page, blue Comment)

Regards,
joecoolvette

every computer will have at least one pci slot its white in color i insert your card in to the slot and press it tightly and screw the pci card to cabin and insert the cd received with the pci card and install them

If it fits the connector on the motherboard. Also be sure to check the motherboard for compatability for the new PCI card

Yes. But you can also remove the metal tab of the pci card and install it in the open slot - as long as you have a narrow pci card.

You can buy a new PCI card with ethernet plugs or a new usb card, and with a minimum of fuss, install it yourself. Make sure you ground yourself to some metal on the case before removing or installing the card. To be safe, check the specs of your system by entering the service tag # at Dell.com, so you can make sure the new cards you purchase are compatible with your older system. Or, if you prefer, take it to reliable local tech shop. They may even have good used cards they'll be willing to sell you inexpensively, if they recycle old desktops.
If you search the internet for 'PCI cards' or 'install PCI card', you'll find more details to guide you...
Good luck.

I hope this information allows you to resolve this issue. If you need further assistance, please post back with a comment to this thread.
If I've managed to answer your question or solve a problem, please take just a moment to rate this post....thanks!

Hi

I'm not sure, please open the computer case and see if there is a free pci slot.

Note that opening the computer might void warranty.

Also, you would do fine with a USB Wifi adapter. cost around the same if not cheaper.

Thanks and good luck,
let me know if you need anything else.
Ekse

Hi

OptiPlex GX260 can be Small Form-Factor, Small Desktop or Small Mini-Tower. Compatibility with PCline 5.1 PCI depends on the profile of the PCI Card and the Profile of your OptiPlex.

GX260 Small Form-Factor is compatible with Low-Profile PCI Cards only. GX260 Small Desktop and Small Mini-Tower are compatible with standard PCI Cards. (Small Mini-Tower however uses a PCI Cage).

Check OptiPlex GX260 Systems User's Guide - http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx260/en/ug/index.htm
From here you visualize the 3 form factors. Also there is info and steps to install PCI cards.

NB:
1. Generally, upmarket PCI cards are standard height. Some manufactures supply a metal piece to allow it to be used in Low-Profile or Standard Profile.
2. Driver software needs to be installed after the hardware is installed.

Mike

Hi, Actually there are various types of customized firewire connections for your computer. Here is a link to view some products that might work with your computer. http://www.firewire-1394.com/firewire-usb-combo.htm Also, there are different sizes of PCI cards available. You have to shop around to find an apropriate size.