How to remove a computer sound card

Most sound cards are built directly onto the motherboard of your computer, making them irremovable. If you have a removable sound card that connects to a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slot, taking it out is a relatively straight forward process. Below, are the steps required to remove computer sound cards.

Preparation

Before you begin, make sure you reduce, or eliminate, the risk of electrical charge damaging any of the hardware in the computer. The best way to do this is by wearing an anti-static wrist strap. While inside the computer, make sure it is disconnected from power, and you're familiar with ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge) and its potential dangers. It is also necessary to detach any audio cables connected to the sound card on the back of the computer case.

Open you machine

After you have disconnected the audio cables and power cord, you must remove the side panel from the computer case. The side panel is usually held in place by several screws, or a bracket or clamp of some kind. Remove the fasteners securing the side panel, and carefully pull if off. Once the panel is removed, the inside of the computer should be visible. The sound card should be located near the bottom of the computer case on the left side, the area circled in red.

Remove the sound card

The next step is to disconnect the sound card from the computer case. The sound card and other expansion cards are often secured to the computer case with a screw (shown below) or a clamp of some kind.

Once the fastener is loosened, you can remove the sound card. To reduce the chance of damaging the motherboard, which the sound card connects to, use two hands to remove the sound card, one of each side. Gently remove the sound card, applying even pull on each side. If necessary, you can pull a little from one side, then the opposite side, in a "seesaw" motion.