The design of the Acer Aspire T690 desktop computer lends itself to many upgrades for improving the basic model purchased from your retailer. While increasing the RAM memory to its highest permitted level improves overall performance (according to motherboard specifications), you can dramatically upgrade the Acer T690 in more specific ways by adding new expansion slot cards.
Instructions
1. Determine which features to improve or add to your machine according to your desires and budget. The number of available open card slots limits the upgrades you can do in the long run: Plan for the most "bump" now and in the future.
2. Unplug all connecting cables and power cords outside the machine and remove the computer side cover. On most T690 models you'll see empty expansion slots on the lower left side of the motherboard. The top slot with the little "ear" on the right side is the PCI Express video card slot. A very short slot, the PCI Express x1 slot, may be located below the video card slot. Two or more longer slots---the PCI Express x16 slots---are below the PCIEx1 slot. Since the top slot is reserved for video, you can add only as many other new nonvideo devices as you have other available slots.
3. Acquire the new expansion card(s) after confirming the number and type of your available slots. Shop for cards at a local parts store or online for the best deals. Read the product descriptions carefully and select the correct card type for your available slots. The card must be compatible with your operating system as well.
4. Remove the screw securing your upgrade card's corresponding case slot cover and slide or punch out the cover. Holding the card by the edges only, carefully push the gold "toothed" edge of the card into the open slot until it seats firmly. Attach the new card to the bracket with the screw.
5. Plug any corresponding cables into the new card, not the old "on-board" ports. Plug in the power cable. Leave the side cover open and reboot your machine. Often Windows installs the necessary drivers automatically. If not, Windows will ask for the manufacturer's driver disk, which comes with your new product. Install the drivers and reboot the machine.
6. Shut down the T690 if no error messages occur, unplug the machine again, and close up the computer's side cover. Plug the cables back in and reboot.
Tags: available slots, side cover, Acer Aspire, Acer Aspire T690, Aspire T690, card slot, computer side