User guide

10
Chapter 2, Installing Your Matrox Axio HD or SD Hardware
Before you install your Matrox Axio card set
Read the following information carefully before attempting to install Matrox
Axio cards in your computer system.
Start with a functioning system
Before attempting any Matrox Axio installation, you should have a computer
system with Windows XP Professional, or Windows Vista Business or Ultimate
fully installed and functioning smoothly. This will avoid potential problems later
on.
Avoid costly damage
Static electricity from your body can damage your Matrox Axio cards or your
computer. Although you may not notice it, static electricity is generated every
time you move. It’s often too small to cause a spark, but it can still cause damage
to sensitive electronic components or at least reduce their lifespan.
To avoid damage, please observe the following precautions:
• Do not remove your Matrox Axio cards from their antistatic bags until
you’re ready to install them. Before removing the cards, place the packages
within easy reach of the area where you intend to perform the installation.
• You should avoid touching the chips and other components on the circuit
boards. Try to handle the cards by their edges.
• Try to work in an area where the relative humidity is at least 50%.
• Do not wear wool or synthetic clothing. These fabrics tend to generate more
static electricity than cotton, which is best for this kind of work.
• Turn off the power switches on your computer and its connected
components.
Once you’ve opened your computer, drain static electricity from your body by
touching a bare metal surface on your computer chassis before you install or
remove any parts of your system. If you have a grounding wrist strap, use it while
handling and installing any components in your computer.
Providing adequate ventilation
Before using your Matrox Axio-equipped system, you must ensure adequate
ventilation in your computer. Because your Matrox Axio components are
positioned closely together, they produce a significant amount of heat. Forced air
ventilation is therefore extremely important. Inadequate ventilation may result in
erratic operating behavior.
¦NoteYour Matrox Axio system is equipped with numerous temperature
sensors to let you monitor the operating temperature of your various Matrox Axio
hardware components. These temperatures are displayed in the Matrox X.info
Axio Installation and User Guide.book Page 10 Monday, July 14, 2008 8:00 AM