Having a powerful graphics card under the hood is the best thing you can do for your PC. That’s because much of your computer’s performance is down to its graphics processing capabilities. Apart from your RAM, it’s the one component you can upgrade for immediate and significant improvements if you play demanding games or edit videos.
The good thing is that GPUs are pretty easy to replace and upgrade regardless of your PC-building experience. It means you don’t need a new PC to meet any application’s minimum or recommended specifications.
If you’re replacing a defective card or want to upgrade an old one, there’s now a plethora of available options that cater to diverse budgets. It all depends on what you want to achieve.
The battle for the next generation of GPUs also makes the future all the more exciting, as new iterations of cards hit the market almost every other year.
If it’s your first time replacing a card, there’s more excitement in learning how to install a video card, and you’ve come to the right place. This article will show you exactly how to install a graphics card and everything you need to make it work.
Your Graphics Card Installation Checklist
The first lesson in learning how to install a graphics card into a Desktop is preparation. To get ready, make sure you have everything in place. By everything, we mean the following:
- An updated BIOS and compatible motherboard
- Adequate power supply
- Ample space for the GPU
- Installation toolkit
Motherboard Compatibility
You don’t have to worry about your motherboard’s PCIe version, as PCIe maintains a degree of backward and forward compatibility. This compatibility means a newer graphics card can fit an older slot and vice versa. Also, powerful GPUs like the Nvidia RTX 4090 are PCIe 4.0 x16 expansion cards.
So, your motherboard should handle whichever card you want to install just fine unless you use a board with pre-PCIe 2.0 slots.
Also Read: How to find out what your motherboard’s model is?
Additionally, it’s essential to check that the motherboard’s BIOS or UEFI firmware is updated, as older versions might not recognize or struggle to support the latest graphics card technologies.
Also Read: Best BIOS Settings for Better Performance and Gaming
Power Supply (PSU) Compatibility
Your computer’s power supply unit (PSU) is its lifeblood. It receives electricity from your power outlet and converts it into a usable form for components, including your video card.
Graphics cards, especially high-performance ones, typically demand substantial power. So, you must ensure that your PSU delivers adequate wattage to the hardware to experience all the performance gains.
PSUs can also have different configurations when it comes to connectors. Some graphics cards require multiple connections, often in the form of 6-pin, 8-pin, or a combination of both. You’ll learn how to plug in the GPU later.
An insufficient or incompatible PSU can lead to system instability or even damage. So, you must confirm that your PSU can, at least, pump out the recommended watts for your GPU and has the required connectors.
You can check your PSU’s specs by opening your PC’s case and checking its identification stickers and connectors. Then, go to the website of the GPU’s manufacturer to compare wattage and connector requirements.
If your PSU does not meet the minimum requirements and lacks the number of connectors needed, it’s time to consider an upgrade. On the other hand, you can think about buying a different graphics card that works with your power setup.
Physical Size and Case Compatibility
Many of today’s high-end GPUs have bigger size dimensions due to their advanced cooling solutions. Some graphics cards occupy more than one slot width due to beefier heatsinks or fans, potentially causing clearance issues with adjacent components.
So, consider the card’s length, width, and height before purchasing your upgrade. You have to ensure it fits comfortably within your case without obstructing other components.
Beyond mere fitting arrangements, adequate cooling clearance is essential. A congested or cramped space can hinder heat dissipation, leading to high temperatures, reduced performance, and a shortened lifespan for the card.
Also Read: How to stop a Windows 10/11 laptop from overheating while gaming?
You can check the GPU’s specifications on its manufacturer’s page to confirm its size demands. For example, NVIDIA provides information regarding the ideal clearance for airflow for the 4090.
CPU Consideration
CPU compatibility is generally not a concern when installing new graphics cards. However, a powerful GPU paired with an older or weaker processor can lead to bottlenecking. This issue happens when the CPU limits the graphics card’s performance because it can’t keep up with the unit’s requests.
So, when getting your GPU, ensure the difference in specification with your CPU won’t affect your expected speed.
Also Read: Your Daily Roadmap: How to Speed Up Your Windows 10/11
Installation Toolkit
You need a screwdriver and, optionally, an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge.
You can use a Phillips-head screwdriver in most cases, but other types (such as Pozidriv) can work as long as they fit the screws in your chassis.
While you’ll be turning off your computer before installing the card, it won’t hurt to take extra precautions.
Uninstall Your Current Driver
Your graphics card driver is the software utility that helps the hardware communicate with your operating system and other hardware components. An incompatible driver can render your shiny new GPU useless.
So, before you start, remove any piece of software attached to the current GPU, as you’ll install a new one for the device you’re about to mount.
If you use a modern AMD or NVIDIA card, go to the Settings interface to remove the manufacturer software application. Follow these steps:
- Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
- Click Apps after Settings opens.
- Click Installed Apps if you’re running Windows 11.
- Use the search bar to find the app (GeForce Experience or Radeon Software).
- Click the app and select Uninstall (Windows 10), or click the three dots beside the app and select Uninstall (Windows 11).
Also Read: How to Uninstall Programs on Windows 10/11?
How to Install a New Graphics Card
It’s time to get down to the main business. As mentioned earlier, installing a GPU is a straightforward process.
The steps below make up the complete guide on how to install a new GPU:
- Unplug your computer
Shut down your PC, turn off its power supply unit, and unplug it from its power source. Once completely turned off, place your PC case by its side so your motherboard faces up.
- Unscrew the slot covers (expansion brackets)
Most modern PC cases come with metal plates at the rear. Others may come with disposable plastic plates. These plates typically have holes (like vents) for airflow. They serve as cover for slots that are not yet occupied.
If you’re replacing a GPU, unscrew the brackets from the case.
- Locate your motherboard’s PCIe x16 slots
The ideal slot for your graphics card is the one closest to the CPU’s heat sink. You want to ensure you install the graphics card on the processor’s PCIe lane. If you’re replacing an existing GPU, detach its power connectors, press down the latch beside its slot, and remove it.
Image credit: AMD
Clear the PCIe x16 area and ensure wires do not obstruct access to the slot. Now, Push down the latch on the end of the PCIe x16. You can use your screwdriver or a similar tool to press it down if your fingers can’t reach it.
- Install the new graphics card on the PC
Check if the new graphics card’s PCIe interface has a cover and remove it. Next, position the interface over the x16 slot. Now, press gently until the GPU locks in and the latch returns to its upright position. You should hear a click when the latch stands erect.
- Screw the graphics card’s expansion bracket
After installing the graphics card on your motherboard, its brackets should align with your PC’s chassis on the rear. Use the screws you detached earlier to fasten the installed graphics card to the case.
Image credit: AMD
- Connect the power cable to the graphics card
Look at your graphics card’s power connector ports to determine how many pins it requires. You may need to plug in an 8-pin, 6-pin, or 6+2-pin connector.
- Close your PC’s case and turn on your computer
Installing Your Driver
Mounting the graphics card is the hardware part of the process. The final lap involves installing its driver. You can go to the card’s manufacturer’s website to download the driver. Take note of its make and model, as you must provide them when searching for the software application.
Run the package after downloading it, then restart your computer.
Also Read: Step-by-Step Guide: How to Update AMD Drivers
You have to install regular driver updates to keep the graphics card ship-shape. If you use AMD or NVIDIA software, you’ll likely receive automatic updates for your device.
However, you also need other device drivers to work correctly. Sometimes, drivers for other components require their updated versions to interact with your GPU’s latest software. You can use Auslogics Driver Updater to keep those software applications up to date.
The tool is designed to detect outdated and malfunctioning drivers and install their latest versions. It can also update your graphics card’s driver.
Also Read: [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?
Can You Add a Graphics Card to a Laptop?
Laptop form factors are trade-offs for upgradeable GPUs. While high-end PCs come with dedicated (or discrete) graphics cards, they are generally soldered onto motherboards. Upgrading an integrated card is out of the question because they come as a package with a laptop CPU.
On top of being soldered to the board, laptop GPUs ship with proprietary cooling systems designed by OEMs.
So, if you’re wondering how to install a graphics card on a laptop, your options are very limited.
Some brands have attempted to build laptops with upgradable GPUs and failed, but others are still giving it a go.
Dell released the Alienware Area-51m in 2019. It was a massive computer that came with the promise of upgradable graphics card boards. That dream didn’t last long, as the OEM returned to the traditional laptop form factor for the Area-51m R2 and managed to dodge a class action suit.
But another consumer brand, Framework, is taking another crack at delivering modular laptops to enthusiasts. You can replace and upgrade almost every component on this system, including its GPU and ports.
Using eGPUs
The next best thing to upgradable graphics cards for laptops is the eGPU (External Graphics Processing Unit). It’s typically a desktop-grade graphics card housed in an external container with its own cooling system. It connects to the computer via a high-speed interface, most commonly Thunderbolt 3 or 4.
But you should note that not all laptops support this technology. Also, you may not enjoy the full desktop performance using the eGPU as it has limitations that are yet to be addressed.
Also Read: Windows PC Guide: How to Set GPU as Primary for Apps and Games?
Conclusion
That’s how to install a graphics card in a PC. If you’re still wondering what to do when you install a new graphics card, fire up a game and gauge the difference in performance with the old unit. Remember to always download and install the device’s drivers to maintain optimal performance.
FAQ
What Does a Graphics Card Do?
A graphics card’s primary responsibility is to render and transmit pictures to your computer’s display. It manages and improves this visual output by converting data into signals the monitor can understand. That said, modern video cards can also handle complex computations in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming, 3D modeling, and video editing.
What Is a Good Graphics Card?
A capable graphics card can handle complex visual-related tasks to reduce the processor’s burden and improve overall PC performance.
How to Update a Graphics Card Driver?
You can update your graphics card driver by visiting its manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest software. It involves searching for the driver using the video card’s make and model details. You can also use third-party software, such as Auslogics Driver Updater, to install official GPU driver updates.
How Long Does a Graphics Card Last?
A typical graphics card can last anywhere from 5 to 8 years. However, several factors can heavily impact its lifespan. These factors include setup, usage, overclocking, heat, and electrical supply and stability.
