How To Add A Graphics Card To A Pc

Installing a new, more powerful graphics carte du jour tin can make a world of difference when it comes to gaming on a PC. And considering yous're not entirely rebuilding a PC, this isn't a terribly complicated task. However, it can still appear to be somewhat daunting for anyone who hasn't opened the side of a PC example before. Luckily, with a little assist, the right tools, and a spare x minutes, you can be back in-game in no time. If you lot're interested in upgrading your GPU but don't have new hardware in heed, be certain to accept a look at our best graphics card picks bachelor now.

Products used in this guide

Tackling all those screws: Rosewill 45-piece ($25 at Newegg)

How to install your new GPU

The master parts of this task involve the instance and PCIe slot on the motherboard. Most GPUs sold today are connected to the PC via this PCIe slot. A motherboard can have more than 1 slot, simply nosotros'll want to utilise the first (x16) slot, which usually has the well-nigh bandwidth available. An x4 slot is shorter and tin exist used for other expansion cards (Wi-Fi cards, for example), and secondary x16 slots are commonly reserved for additional GPUs or expansion cards.

If you demand to buy a GPU

NVIDIA RTX 2060 Source: Windows Central

Should you be researching but how like shooting fish in a barrel it is to install a GPU yourself and demand to buy one, we've got you covered with a breakup of what you'll need to play PC games at various resolutions, depending on what you lot have your monitor and games set to. You'll be able to purchase, install, and enjoy a powerful new graphics card.

Best graphics card

Preparing your PC for the new GPU

Before you install the new carte, you demand to make sure older drivers for the card y'all're replacing are uninstalled. If yous're installing a new GPU and do not already own a dedicated carte, yous can skip this section. Both NVIDIA and AMD offer resources to consummate this step. You tin can find them here:

How to remove AMD drivers
How to remove NVIDIA drivers

Every bit well as following the advice in the links to a higher place, there is a handy tool that tin aid in completely removing GPU drivers on Windows, called Display Driver Uninstaller. Using this utility isn't required but can prove useful in getting rid of all instances of drivers from Windows. After the drivers have been removed, it'due south time to open up the PC and get started.

It's as well worth checking your power supply (PSU) to make sure it can handle a dedicated GPU (if you don't already have i installed) or a more powerful upgrade. You lot'll by and large want a 500W certified PSU from a reputable brand, though a 600W+ model would better suit overclocked configurations.

Installing the new graphics menu

Power downward the PC.

Source: Windows Central
Hit the switch on the back of the PC to turn off supply to the PSU.
Extract the side panel (usually held on by ii screws on the rear).
- If you practice not already have a GPU installed, skip to Step vii.
Remove the screws holding the GPU in on the rear subclass.

Source: Windows Primal
Unlock the PCI-e slot clip.
Remove the GPU by lightly pulling on the card.
Hover the new GPU over PCI-e slot.

Source: Windows Central
Push downwardly on the GPU to slide the connector into the slot.
Ensure the secure lock clicks into place.
Spiral the rear subclass down to secure the carte du jour to the chassis.
Connect any required PSU cables.

Source: Windows Central
Reattach the side console.

Now, all you lot demand to do is to plug in the display connectors on the rear of the example, whether they're DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, or VGA. After that, striking the PSU power switch and kick up Windows. If the PC does not plow on or no signals get sent to the monitor, we'll demand to double-check that all cables are connected correctly (both inside and on the rear of the PC), and the GPU is seated properly in the PCIe slot.

Installing required drivers

Before the GPU tin exist used for intensive workloads like gaming, you need to become new drivers installed and so Windows and software tin can effectively communicate with the card. Hit the links beneath to download and install drivers for a new NVIDIA or AMD card.

Download AMD drivers
Download NVIDIA drivers

What yous'll demand to become the job done

To remove and/or install a GPU, you'll demand a Philips screwdriver. Information technology's worth investing in a toolkit that contains numerous tools you'll make use of when tinkering with your PC.

Everything you lot need

Rosewill 45-piece

Budget-friendly merely has everything you need

Sometimes y'all don't need countless screwdriver tips, a brush, cable cutter, amongst other tools. This is what makes the Rosewill toolkit more appealing for someone who won't be tinkering with hardware besides frequently.

The Rosewill toolkit is perfect for those who only require essential screwdriver tips and spudgers. There isn't a flashlight, nor is there a wire cutter, but for accented PC building essentials, you'll exist able to practise pretty much everything with this kit. It's also reasonably affordable, because you will have not merely tips for all manner of PC component and case screws but too more fiddly ones on laptops and smartphones.

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