Installing E4690 Video Card

[sakwilla]

Hi all,
Just received a E4690 video card in the mail and installed it into my G23 brainbox but not sure what to do now. Do i need to plug anything out inside - Im also thinking i need an adapter for one of the plugs as it doesnt fit in. Any help or links appreciated - not very savvy on the matter. TIA!

[sakwilla]

Please disregard, I found an adapter I bought ages ago and got the video card working! What a difference it makes with the CSI game - runs so quickly now!

[thesack12]

Complete Rookie Noob here, I've owned a machine for a total of 2 days.

I have an IGT G20 (Version AVP 3.0) with a game king platform and MLD monitor. 

I have the CSI slot game loaded, which runs erratic. Seller told me that I need to upgrade the video graphics to the E4690 card to make CSI run smoothly, and gave me a DVI to VGA cable to re-connect the monitor after the swap. 

After doing some searching on this website, it does seem like people have been successful making CSI run smoothly by changing to the 4690 card.  However, I have not been able to find any information or tutorials on how to swap the video cards. I know the graphics card is inside the brainbox, but I don't really have much of an idea on how to swap out the video cards in these machines.

Didn't want to make a new thread, and this was the most relevant thread which is why I'm posting this here.

If someone could please provide a link, or instructions on how to change the video card that would be much appreciated.

[Tilt]

There's an empty slot next to the PCI card (the one with the gray ribbon cable attached).  You install the video card in the empty slot and move the cables from video connectors on the front of the MPU to the new ones on the card.  That's it.  Another thing to check is how much RAM memory is installed.  If it doesn't have 4GB of RAM (2-2GB SIMM cards), upgrade that too. 

[sixcardmark]

I have some tested 2gb dimm sticks if you need any.

[thesack12]

There's an empty slot next to the PCI card (the one with the gray ribbon cable attached).  You install the video card in the empty slot and move the cables from video connectors on the front of the MPU to the new ones on the card.  That's it.  Another thing to check is how much RAM memory is installed.  If it doesn't have 4GB of RAM (2-2GB SIMM cards), upgrade that too.

Thank you for replying, Tilt.

I see the ribbon cable on the brainbox that you are describing, however I'm not seeing an empty slot next to it.  Looks like there is a place where a vertical slot should or might be just to the left of the ribbon cable.  However, its not open.  I have posted a pic in case it helps

I'm assuming I need to remove the brainbox, to access the slot? 

I'm also not sure how to determine how much Ram my machine currently has.  Would I have to remove the brainbox to determine that?

[thesack12]

I have some tested 2gb dimm sticks if you need any.

Thank you 6card.

I might take you up on that. 

I'm not sure if my machine has 4 gigs of ram or not.  Is there a fairly easy way to tell without, taking a lot of components apart?

[Tilt]

That's the slot where the video card will go.  Right now it's just a blank slot panel cover that is installed.  You remove it when you install the video card. 

[sixcardmark]

I have some tested 2gb dimm sticks if you need any.

Thank you 6card.

I might take you up on that. 

I'm not sure if my machine has 4 gigs of ram or not.  Is there a fairly easy way to tell without, taking a lot of components apart?

Turn the jackpot reset key and go to version/ device. Free memory/total memory will be on bottom of screen.

[thesack12]

That's the slot where the video card will go.  Right now it's just a blank slot panel cover that is installed.  You remove it when you install the video card.

I see, makes sense.

Do you happen to have any links or insight on how to remove the brainbox to install the new card?

[thesack12]

I have some tested 2gb dimm sticks if you need any.

Thank you 6card.

I might take you up on that. 

I'm not sure if my machine has 4 gigs of ram or not.  Is there a fairly easy way to tell without, taking a lot of components apart?

Turn the jackpot reset key and go to version/ device. Free memory/total memory will be on bottom of screen.

Thank you, that info was quite helpful.

It says 3416/4096 MB.  So apparently my machine is already outfitted with the 4GB of Ram. So that's one less thing I'll need to do.  Just have to figure out how to get the graphics card installed.

Thanks again

Thanks agi

[Tilt]

To install the video you'll need to disconnect all the cables on the brainbox (CPU), remove it from the machine, remove the top cover, remove the panel cover, install the video card, then re-assemble.  The video cables will connect to the new video card rather than the integrated ports they're presently connected to.  It's not difficult.

[thesack12]

To install the video you'll need to disconnect all the cables on the brainbox (CPU), remove it from the machine, remove the top cover, remove the panel cover, install the video card, then re-assemble.  The video cables will connect to the new video card rather than the integrated ports they're presently connected to.  It's not difficult.

Thanks,  Tilt.

That is all making sense, and it seems like this will be a plug and play type of situation with no re-programming required.  Which is comforting, because although I do have an Ekey 7 as well as a diagnostic key I have no way of re-uploading the games nor any knowledge on to how re-calibrate any of the software.

So being able to install the new card and be off an running makes me happy.

I'm just not sure on how to remove the brainbox.  I imagine its just some screws that are securing the shell to the inner cabinet. I'm hoping to find some schematics or pictures that show the how to remove the CPU.  Hopefully there are some of those floating around the interwebs.

Thanks again for your kind help.

[Tilt]

It's a no tool removal.  Disconnect the cables on the front of it (be careful with the ribbon cable), then open the CPU door on the left.  In the right corner of it is a spring loaded post.  Lift up on it and slide it out the front.  There's another one on the top that holds the top cover in.  It's really pretty easy.  Installing the video card should just be plug and play, but it's a good thing that you have the diag and Ekey, you'll eventually need them when a battery dies or something else glitches, which does happen.

[thesack12]

It's a no tool removal.  Disconnect the cables on the front of it (be careful with the ribbon cable), then open the CPU door on the left.  In the right corner of it is a spring loaded post.  Lift up on it and slide it out the front.  There's another one on the top that holds the top cover in.  It's really pretty easy.  Installing the video card should just be plug and play, but it's a good thing that you have the diag and Ekey, you'll eventually need them when a battery dies or something else glitches, which does happen.

Boom!

That's exactly the info I needed. That does sound pretty simple, and something somebody as green as myself should be able to tackle fairly easily.

I should receive my E4690 card in the next couple of days, at which point I will get on the install.

I will come back and post how it went.

Thanks again Tilt, appreciate you

[Tilt]

Glad to help.  If you run into any problems make a new post and we'll help you out.

[thesack12]

Glad to help.  If you run into any problems make a new post and we'll help you out.

Thanks again

This forum is awesome 

[thesack12]

Glad to help.  If you run into any problems make a new post and we'll help you out.

It took a few days longer than expected to receive my 4690 card, but last night I got installed. 

You were right, it was quite easy and took a total of about 10 minutes.  Most of that time was taking pictures before removing the brainbox and later referring to them to make sure I had everything hooked up properly.

Its crazy how much of a difference the 4690 card makes when playing the CSI slot game.  It runs flawlessly now.

Fortunately, I didn't run into any issues with the monitor cables.  Reading through some other related posts on this forum, it seems that some people had issues with adapters and had to run through several DVI cables to make the video card install function properly.

Anyways, thank you again Tilt.  Your insight and help is much appreciated.

[Tilt]

Glad to hear you got it installed without any issues and that's it's working well!    

You're welcome, always glad to help