In this article, I will tell the all the steps you need to know to install a new graphics card in your PC. So, when it comes to playing games on a personal computer, upgrading to a graphics card that is both modern and more powerful may make a significant impact.
This is not an overly difficult operation to do since you are not completely reassembling a personal computer. Those who have never opened the side of a computer case before could find the task to be a little bit intimidating despite this fact. You will be able to get back into the game quite quickly if you have someone to assist you, the appropriate tools, and ten minutes to spare.
Be sure to have a look at our recommendations for the top graphics cards that are currently on the market if you are thinking about upgrading your GPU but don’t yet have any new hardware in mind.
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What is a Graphic Card?
It becomes sense to have a grasp of this component before delving into the procedure of installing a graphics card before beginning this endeavor. Even while the graphics card itself is often referred to as a GPU, the term “graphics processing unit” (GPU) refers, technically speaking, to the CPU that is housed inside the graphics card.
A graphics processing unit, or GPU, is responsible for processing graphical input and delivering a display output for monitors. This is implied by the name of the component. But why isn’t this something that a regular CPU in the computer can do?
In practice, a central processing unit (CPU) is capable of providing graphics processing capabilities, despite the fact that this is not the primary purpose for which CPUs were created. Because of this, they are restricted in their capabilities due to the fact that they must also analyze other kinds of data.
On the other hand, a graphics processing unit (GPU) is highly specialized, which enables it to perform very well when it comes to processing the information necessary for it to do its job.
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In addition to the graphics processing unit (GPU), a graphics card often has RAM and even its own cooling system. As a result, some people consider graphics cards to be a little computer that is installed into your main computer. Because of these characteristics, graphics cards are also suited for applications such as bitcoin mining.
How to Choose the Best Graphic Card?
The selection process for a new graphics card might be difficult. On the market, there are a lot of different alternatives to choose from, and it may be difficult to determine which ones would genuinely function as an improvement.
You may evaluate your graphics card’s performance in comparison to that of other graphics processing units (GPUs) on the market with the assistance of websites such as UserBenchmark. This makes it pleasant and straightforward to pick a new card that will deliver a true performance improvement while still remaining inside your budgetary constraints. This boost will be provided by the new card.
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When looking to purchase a new graphics card, there are, of course, a few additional factors that should be taken into account. It is essential that you make sure that you keep all of these aspects in mind in order to ensure that the installation of your graphics card goes without a hitch.
- Space Within the Case: Personal computer cases have a limited amount of space on the inside, and some of them do not have capacity for extended graphics cards. In very unusual occasions, you can even come across containers that do not have any spare space for an additional item. It is a good idea to research the length of your new graphics card to ensure that it can be accommodated in the available space in your computer. Although most cards only need one expansion space, there are a few that require as much as four total slots.
- Requirements: Placed on the Power Supply The requirements placed on the power supply by individual graphics cards vary. In most cases, the power connections will be located on the side of the card that is opposite from the PCIe connector. These power connectors may contain one six-pin connector, one eight-pin connector, or a mix of the two. They will also have a power rating, and you will need to check that your power supply unit is capable of meeting that level.
- Expansion Slots: The vast majority of contemporary motherboards have PCIe slots; nevertheless, in order to install a graphics card, you will first need to verify that your computer has at least one of these slots. This extension slot is often longer than the other expansion slots, and it has a clip attached to one of its ends.
- Cooling of the Case: Our aspect isn’t nearly as crucial as the others on this list; nonetheless, it will still be worthwhile to make sure that your case has sufficient cooling capabilities for the graphics card that you decide to go with.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s look at how to put a new graphics card into your personal computer..
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Steps to Install a New Graphics Card:
The majority of people who use computers will be able to successfully install a new graphics card on their own due to the simplicity of the procedure.
When you take on a job like this, safety is of the utmost importance, and as a result, it is worthwhile to investigate the safety requirements that should be adhered to while you are working inside of a computer. Let’s get right down to the actions that you need to do, shall we?
Step 1: Preparing Your PC
It is necessary to prepare your personal computer in advance of installing a new graphics card. To get access to the internal components of your computer, first disconnect the power supply from the wall outlet, then remove any side panels, and last, invert the case so that the components can be seen.
If you already have a graphics card installed, you will need to uninstall it, which may be done by doing the procedures outlined below in reverse order. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
When you are working on a project of this kind, you will need to either ground yourself or put on an anti-static wristband in order to prevent the buildup of static energy.
Step 2: Remove Expansion Slot Plates
In the majority of cases for personal computers, there are tiny metal plates included. These plates cover the holes that expansion cards, such as GPUs, utilize to allow you access to their input and output ports. In most cases, you can remove them by just twisting the thumbscrews on them; but, if you want to get this portion of the work done properly, you will need to locate a screwdriver.
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Step 3: Open Your PCIe Slot
PCIe slots are the standard method through which current mainstream graphics cards communicate with your motherboard.
These connections, which are very similar to RAM/DIMM slots, have a clip on the end that you need to push in order to open so that you may insert your graphics card. The picture that is currently shown at the top of this page shows what a free PCIe slot looks like.
Step 4: Install the Graphics Card
Now is the time to install your graphics card, and you need to make sure that everything is done properly in order for it to work properly. A graphics processing unit (GPU) can only be installed into a PCIe slot if the card is positioned in the appropriate way. In most cases, the fans on the graphics card will be oriented perpendicular to the bottom of the case, whilst the metal plate that contains your display connections will be towards the rear of the enclosure.
Begin by aligning the primary connector of your graphics card with the PCIe slot. Make sure to take extra precautions to verify that the grooves in the connection are a perfect match for those found within the PCIe slot. When doing so, you may have some difficulty since the I/O plate of the graphics card has to be inserted into a tight location next to the motherboard.
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When you get the connections aligned as they should be, the graphics card will go in without any difficulty. At this juncture, you will be required to press down on the card until you hear the clip on your PCIe slot shut, which will often come with a tiny click.
You need to go ahead and re-tighten the screws that were previously securing the expansion slot plates to the motherboard at this point. They are going to be employed once again, but this time to hold the graphics card.
Step 5: Attach Your PSU Connectors
Even while it’s getting less common over time, there are still certain graphics cards that don’t need any extra power. When you install a new GPU, you will often be tasked with attaching one or two connections to the device. Because these connections are unique to your computer and cannot be found anywhere else, it is quite simple to see them as they emerge from the power supply.
After you have plugged in each connection in the appropriate direction, you should check to see whether you can feel or hear a click as they fall into place. Many power supplies contain what are known as 6+2 plugs, which may either function as a six- or eight-pin connection. Connectors of this kind may be difficult to attach, but you can make the process simpler for yourself by inserting the two-pin component of the cable into the graphics card before you plug in the six-pin piece.
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Step 6: Connect Your Monitors and Boot the PC
When everything has been installed, it will be time to start the personal computer and connect the displays to the graphics card so that you can verify that the task has been performed successfully. It is of the utmost importance that you verify that your displays are connected to the graphics card and not the motherboard. If this step is skipped, all that will appear on your screen is a black box.
In the vast majority of instances, your personal computer will start up, and at that point, you will be able to go to the following stage. In the event that this is not the case, you will need to begin the procedure once again and reinstall your new graphics card to ensure that you did not leave anything out at any point along the journey. Your neighborhood computer repair shop should be able to assist you with resolving any GPU issues that persist.
Step 7: Install or Update Drivers
Even while your new GPU will be able to function even if specialized drivers aren’t installed, you should still download drivers as soon as you can if you want to get the most out of your new graphics card.
On their own websites, AMD and Nvidia both provide access to driver downloads. It is often a waste of time to use the drivers that arrive on the disc that comes with your new GPU since these drivers will already be out of current.
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Conclusion:
As can be seen, the procedure to install a new Graphics Card is not too hard to know. The vast majority of individuals are able to carry out a work like this, and it will be well worth it to appreciate the improved performance that may be brought about by a new graphics card.
Whether you play video games or use your computer for work, the new graphics card you purchase will make a significant difference in the quality of both activities. If you want the greatest outcomes, all you have to do is make sure that you follow each of these procedures very carefully.
After you have installed and switched on your graphics card, you can complete the procedure by sliding the side panel back into place on your case and hooking your display connection into your newly installed graphics card. Start up your computer and log in.
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The next step in upgrading your graphics card is to take care of the software component of the process.
FAQs for Install a new Graphics Card
Can I just install a new graphics card?
Over the years, it’s become much easier to switch out graphics cards, and installing drivers doesn’t take much work on your part. Once you’ve chosen your card and turned on your computer, it usually only takes a few minutes to install and set up your new card.
Do I have to uninstall old graphics drivers when installing a new GPU?
In general, the answer to this question is “no.” Modern versions of Windows are “plug and play,” so it’s easy to turn off your computer, swap out cards, and then turn it back on. It will find the new card and install basic display drivers.
How do I set up a new NVIDIA graphics card?
Connect your graphics card to the right port. Most of the time, the PCI-Express slots are closest to the CPU and have their speeds written on them. For example, if your card needs a PCI-Express x16 slot, look for a slot that says “x16.” To put the card in, line up the card’s connector with the slot and push it in.
What to do when installing a new GPU?
Make sure it fits properly in the slot and that both sides sit flat. When it’s in the right way, the tab on the slot should keep it there. Use the screw(s) that were taken out earlier to hold the new GPU in place in the slot. Connect the power cables to the power supply and the graphics card again.
Will my PC handle a new GPU?
Almost all modern computers have PCI Express 3.0 slots, which means a video card can go in any open slot. If your computer uses PCI Express 2.0 or an earlier version, a newer card should still work with it.
