How To Take Out Graphics Card

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• Choosing a Card
|
• Installation
|
• Installing Drivers

Graphics cards are ane of the biggest workhorses in your computer, particularly if you do a lot of gaming. Gaming enthusiasts should expect to upgrade their graphics cards every 2 to iii years, though you tin can certainly stretch a card out longer than that. Swapping graphics cards has gotten much simpler over the years, and driver installation is pretty much a hands-off procedure. One time y'all've chosen your card and accept your computer open, you tin can usually have your new card installed and ready to go in just a few minutes.

1. 1

   Rest budget confronting power. Graphics cards can hands go the virtually expensive component in your computer, simply they don't have to be. Many of the budget and midrange cards can still provide great operation, depending on your needs.^[1] If you are a gaming enthusiast that has to play the newest games at the highest possible settings, you'll want to expect for the more than powerful and expensive cards. If you only game occasionally, aren't worried almost the newest releases, or don't mind sacrificing a few graphics settings, you tin can go much more than blindside for your buck by looking at midrange cards. If you lot only want to sentinel Hard disk drive video or play a few 2d games, most upkeep cards should do the trick.

   • Practice your enquiry before putting your money down. Sites similar Tom'southward Hardware (tomshardware.com) and PCWorld (pcworld.com) regularly test and provide comparisons for many of the most popular new and upcoming graphics cards. These exam results can aid you quickly see how all of the available options stack up against each other.
   • Don't worry well-nigh the amount of memory (RAM) the graphics card has. Inflated amounts of memory are often used to make poor cards expect more highly-seasoned. What is of import, yet, is the memory bandwidth. This is the speed that the memory can send and receive information from the computer. GDDR5 is the electric current leader in this category, and will significantly outperform 4 times the corporeality of the older GDDR3 memory.^[ii]
   • If yous take a midrange CPU, you're likely non going to get the most out of a loftier-terminate graphics card. The graphics card is an important factor for performance, merely games rely on all of the components in your reckoner in differing capacities, including the CPU, the arrangement RAM, and even the difficult drive read and write speed.
   • 4K gaming is condign more than and more than of a reality, but it volition crave a tiptop-of-the-line graphics menu (or two) in order to get satisfactory performance out of your games at that resolution. Proceed this in mind if you're in the market place for a 4K monitor as well.

2. 2

   Open up your computer case. Before purchasing your new graphics card, you'll desire to check a few things inside your instance or in your computer's documentation. Remove the side panel from your computer by loosening the thumbscrews or regular Phillips screws along the back. Typically, y'all'll exist removing the console opposite of the motherboard's Input/Output panel on the dorsum of the computer.

   • Except in very rare circumstances, it is non possible to upgrade the graphics card on a laptop. Refer to your laptop's documentation to determine how to upgrade its graphics menu if possible.
   • When opening your example and working inside your calculator, make certain that you are properly grounded. This volition aid prevent electrostatic discharge that can damage your computer components. Y'all can ground yourself by using an electrostatic wriststrap, or past touching a running water tap before working in the calculator.

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3. 3

   Examine your power supply. Graphics cards are ane of the biggest draws on your power supply, so you'll want to ensure that your power supply can handle the power requirements of the new carte. Different cards draw dissimilar amounts of power, and then cheque the specs on the carte you want to buy, too as the specs on your computer's power supply.

   • There are a diversity of power supply calculators online that you can use to enter in all of your components and run into the minimum recommended wattage. You'll want a footling more than than the minimum to future-proof your figurer. Another general rule y'all tin follow is that you typically volition want a power supply that supplies double the wattage that your graphics card requires.
   • If y'all're installing multiple graphics cards into a unmarried computer, you'll likely need a power supply that provides at least a kilowatt of power.
   • There is no way to determine a power supply's wattage without physically looking at information technology. At that place is no software that tin report the wattage. Most all power supplies have a sticker that is conspicuously visible on the side which will tell your the ability supply's specifications. You tin usually just remove the side panel from your computer and visually inspect the sticker.
   • Many of the more powerful graphics cards require ane or 2 6-pin connectors (PCIe) from the power supply.^[iii] Most newer power supplies should have these cables, merely older power supplies volition not. You can get adapters to connect to one of the other cables, but you lot may be meliorate off replacing the power supply anyway if information technology's that erstwhile.

4. iv

   Measure out the space where the graphics card will become. Graphics cards have gotten quite large, and if y'all have a small instance with tight spaces, it may be difficult or fifty-fifty impossible to insert the card you want. Apply a tape mensurate to measure the space where your graphics card will be inserted. Check this infinite against the specifications of the graphics cards you are looking at. Make sure to pay attention to the width as well, equally many of the more than powerful cards tin be quite wide.

   • A graphics carte may take upwardly the width of two PCIe trophy, only it will only need to plug into one slot.

5. 5

   Check your motherboard's compatibility. Nearly all mod graphics cards run on the PCIe interface, which replaced the outdated AGP method. If your computer was purchased or congenital in the last x years or so, chances are that information technology uses PCIe. If you're trying to upgrade the graphics card on a really quondam reckoner, you lot may be stuck with AGP unless you upgrade the motherboard too.

   • PCIe and AGP slots are colored differently on the motherboard. AGP is typically a darker color such as brown, while PCIe is usually white, yellow, or blue. There is no standard, however, so refer to your motherboard's documentation or look for labels adjacent to the slots.
   • PCIe slots are typically located closest to the CPU on the motherboard.

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1. 1

   Power downwards your computer. Make sure that your computer is completely powered downwardly before you work on the within. Unplug information technology from the wall one time it has been completely powered down.

2. 2

   Disconnect the monitor. Your monitor is most likely connected to your old graphics card, and then disconnect it from the dorsum of your estimator before removing the old carte.

3. iii

   Ground yourself. Whenever you work inside of your estimator, you should make certain that you're properly grounded. An electrostatic wriststrap attached to the blank metal of the example is the most convenient mode to footing yourself when working in a calculator. Yous tin can also footing yourself past touching a metallic water tap with the water running.

4. 4

   Remove your previous graphics card (if necessary). If y'all are upgrading, you'll need to remove your old graphics card before installing your new one. If you were using your motherboard's on-board graphics carte, you may not have a menu to remove.

   • Use a Phillips-caput screwdriver to remove the screw that is securing the one-time card to the example.
   • Unplug any cables connected to the old graphics card.
   • Undo the latch underneath the back terminate of the former graphics menu (PCIe). This latch helps secure the graphics card, so make certain to unlatch it before pulling the old carte du jour out.
   • Gently pull the former card directly out of the slot. Pull the old card straight out of the slot. You may take to be firm, just don't strength information technology out. If y'all tin't pull the card out, make sure that the latch has been released and the Phillips screw has been removed from the card's bracket.

5. five

   Remove any boosted bay covers (if necessary). Many newer graphics cards require 2 bays on the back of your reckoner. You may need to remove the protective console for the next bay if you oasis't used it before. These panels usually popular off, though information technology varies depending on your computer case.

6. 6

   Insert your new menu. Make certain that there aren't whatsoever cables obstructing the slot and that none will go stretched underneath the back of the bill of fare. Button the card firmly downward direct into the PCIe slot until you hear it latch and it is evenly inserted.^[4] Secure the card to the instance using Phillips-head screws (nigh cards will come with a couple). Make certain to secure each bracket if the carte takes upwards multiple bays.

7. seven

   Connect the power supply. Most new graphics cards require at least one 6- or 8-pin connector from your ability supply, usually along the peak of the graphics card. Brand admittedly sure that yous connect all of these, as your reckoner volition probable non boot if your graphics card is non properly powered.

   • Due to the way that the pins are configured, the plug will but fit one manner. Don't strength the connectedness, but make certain that the connexion is secure.

8. viii

   Close up the case. With the graphics card firmly seated and connected to the power supply, you tin can close up your case and movement on to the software side of the installation.

9. 9

   Connect your monitor to your new graphics menu. When plugging your estimator cables dorsum into your computer, make certain that the monitor is now connected to ane of the ports on your new menu. If your monitor is very onetime and your graphics carte du jour is new, you may need an adapter to connect the monitor. Most graphics cards come with these adapters.^[five]

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1. 1

   Kick into Windows. Before you practise annihilation with drivers, brand sure your computer is booting properly. If the computer is non able to outset, or runs into errors immediately after starting, the graphics card may not exist seated properly or may non be getting plenty power from the power supply.

   • Windows volition likely boot into a low-resolution style when starting with your new graphics card. Ignore the prompts to detect the new hardware for now.

2. ii

   Uninstall your old drivers. If your old card was an AMD/ATI and you're moving to NVIDIA, or vice-versa, you should uninstall your old drivers starting time in order to avoid conflicts. If you're staying with the same manufacturer, it is still recommended that yous remove your old drivers so that yous can get a clean start. You lot can uninstall your drivers from the Control Panel.^{[half dozen]}

   • Open the Control Console and select "Programs and Features" or "Uninstall a program". If you are using Windows XP, select "Add or Remove Programs".
   • Find your graphics drivers in the list of installed programs. For NVIDIA, this will usually be "NVIDIA Graphics Driver XXX.XX". If yous are removing AMD/ATI drivers, expect for "AMD Catalyst Install Manager".
   • Follow the prompts to uninstall the drivers. For NVIDIA, highlight the driver, click Uninstall , then follow the prompts. For AMD, highlight "AMD Catalyst Install Managing director", click Change , select "Limited Uninstall ALL AMD Software" and then follow the prompts.
   • Reboot your computer after removing the drivers. This will consummate the uninstallation process.

3. iii

   Download the latest drivers from the menu manufacturer's site. Now that your one-time drivers are gone, you tin can install the drivers for your new card. Ignore the drivers that are included on the disc that came with your card, as these are already out of date. Visit the AMD or NVIDIA website, depending on which bill of fare you accept, and enter your new graphics bill of fare model into the Search tool. Download the latest drivers that work for your bill of fare model.

   • Driver files are adequately large (around 300 MB), and may have a picayune while to download depending on your connection.

4. 4

   Run the installer for your new drivers. Follow the prompts to install the drivers on your computer. Most users can select the "Express" choice. During the driver installation, your display will likely flash a few times, and may alter to a more suitable resolution.

   • You will likely be asked to reboot your reckoner once the driver installation is complete.

5. five

   Start using your new card. With the new drivers installed, you can start putting your graphics menu to piece of work. Load upwards your favorite game or graphic-intensive program and see what kind of functioning y'all tin can go!

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Add together New Question

• Question

  Is graphics bill of fare aforementioned as video carte?

  

  Matt Ham
  Computer Repair Specialist

  Matt Ham is a Estimator Repair Specialist and the CEO and President of Computer Repair Doctor. With over a decade of experience, Matt specializes in Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, and Smartphone repairs and upgrades. Matt holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering science from North Carolina State Academy and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University. Matt has expanded Computer Repair Doc to seven different locations. He is as well a Co-Owner of Repair Life, a full-scale marketing agency specializing in driving both online and offline leads to prison cell telephone and computer repair shops and device retailers.

  

  Computer Repair Specialist

  Expert Answer

  A graphics carte is also called a video card, and generates graphics for the estimator. Yous will demand a a graphics card if you desire to exercise more than avant-garde gaming, more advanced graphics simulations on your auto.

• Question

  How practice I change a graphics card with a Linux based machine?

  

  That'due south easy! Just go open your calculator, find the PCI slot and insert the carte.

• Question

  Practice you lot install the new drivers before or later on changing the graphics card?

  

  Ryan 200509

  Customs Answer

  After! Installing the drivers before installing the graphics card can crusade issues.

• Question

  Practice I have to get a new power cable to connect the graphics carte or is there 1 in the computer I can use?

  

  It depends. If the computer is already assembled and you're upgrading the GPU, yous shouldn't need a new power cable (just you might if you lot threw out the one that came with the power supply). If you're edifice a figurer from scratch, the power supply will have all the cables yous need (merely you should cheque which ones it has and which ones you need).

• Question

  Exercise I need to uninstall the old graphics menu drivers later I install the new i?

  

  Near probable, yes. Otherwise conflicts may occur. In fact, yous should do this earlier new drivers are installed.

• Question

  My computer goes into a black screen when I uninstall my quondam graphics card. Why does that happen?

  

  It happens because in that location's nothing telling the brandish what to do.

• Question

  Can I utilise the same cables for my 970 and 960?

  

  Yes, the two employ the same cables.

• Question

  Tin can I use nonetheless stuff from my 1050 on a 1050 ti?

  

  Yes, you can! There were no significant changes, only VRAM and the processing power, but the commuter is the same and the i/o nearly the same if not the aforementioned.

• Question

  Will the same cables from a GTX 750 work with an Asus GTX 970?

  

  Ryan 200509

  Community Reply

  Almost likely not. From my experience, I've never seen a GTX 750 with a cable. Unless you are using SLI, the take a chance is very minimal.

• Question

  How practice I change my Intel driver to Nvidia?

  

  Intel does not make graphics cards, and therefore doesn't make graphics drivers, and so you only have to install drivers using instructions in the article.

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Commodity Summary X

To alter a graphics menu, first power downward your computer, unplug it from the wall, and disconnect your monitor. Next, make sure to ground yourself past touching something like a metal tap while the water is running to avert static electricity surging through your computer parts. If yous take an old graphics card installed, use a Philips-caput screwdriver to remove any screws securing it to the case. Then, unplug whatsoever cables, undo the latch securing the bill of fare, and pull information technology out gently and straight. Now, insert your new card by pushing information technology firmly straight into the PCle slot until yous hear information technology click, and screw it in place. Finally, connect your power supply if needed, and close up your example. For more tips, including how to install your new drivers, read on!

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