Installing a new, more powerful graphics card makes a difference when it comes to gaming on a computer. And since you are not completely rebuilding your PC, this is not a complicated task.
However, it is still somewhat difficult for anyone who has not opened a PC case before. Fortunately, with a little help, the right tools and a spare 10 minutes, you can get back into the game at any time.
If you’re interested in upgrading your GPU but have no new hardware in mind, be sure to take a look at our best graphics card packs right now.
How to install your new GPU
An important part of this work is the case on the motherboard and the PCI slot. Most GPUs sold today are connected to a PC through this PCIe slot. A motherboard can have more than one slot, but we would like to use the first (x16) slot, which usually has the highest bandwidth available.
One X4 slot is smaller and can be used for other expansion cards (Wi-Fi cards, for example), and secondary X16 slots are usually reserved for additional GPUs or expansion cards.
How to install a new graphics card (GPU) in your PC
If you need to buy a GPU
If you are researching how easy it is to install GPU yourself and need to buy it, we will require you to play PC games in different resolutions, depending on whether you own How to keep a monitor And the game was set. You will be able to buy, install and enjoy powerful new graphics cards.
Preparing your PC for the new GPU
Before installing a new card, you need to make sure that the old drivers for the card you are replacing are uninstalled. If you are installing a new GPU and do not already own a dedicated card, you can skip this section. Both NVIDIA and AMD offer resources to complete the initiative. You can find them here:
How to remove AMD drivers
How to remove NVIDIA drivers
In addition to following the advice in the links above, there is a simple tool that can help you completely remove GPU drivers on Windows, called Display Driver Uninstaller. There is no need to use this utility but it can be useful to get rid of all driver incidents from Windows. Now that the drivers have been removed, it’s time to unlock and restart the PC.
It is also important to check your power supply (PSU) to make sure it can handle a dedicated GPU (if you don’t already have one installed) or upgrade to a more powerful one. You’ll usually want a 500W certified PSU from a well-known brand, although the 600W + model will fit better.
How to install a new graphics card (GPU) in your PC
Installing the new graphics card
- 1. Power down the PC.
- 2. Switch off the back of the PC to turn off the supply to the PSU.
- 3. Remove the side panel (usually held by two screws in the back).
- 4. If you do not already have a GPU installed, proceed to Step 7.
- Remove the patch holding the GPU on the back line.
- 5. Unlock the PCI-E slot clip.
- 6. Remove the GPU by lightly dragging the card.
- 7. Place the new GPU on the PCI-E slot.
- 8. Press down on the GPU to slide the connector into the slot.
- 9. Ensure secure lock clicks.
- 10. Screw the rear bracket down to secure the card to the chassis.
- 11. Connect any required PSU cables.
- 12. Contact the side panel again.
Installing required drivers
Before the GPU was exposed to extreme workloads such as gaming. To be used, you will need to install new drivers to communicate effectively with Windows and the software card. Click on the link below to download and install the drivers for a new NVIDIA or AMD card.
Download the AMD drivers
Download the NVIDIA driver
How to install a new graphics card (GPU) in your PC
