Can You Replace a Graphics Card on a Laptop
Installing a new, more powerful graphics carte tin can make a world of divergence when information technology comes to gaming on a PC. And because you're not entirely rebuilding a PC, this isn't a terribly complicated chore. Withal, information technology can still appear to exist somewhat daunting for anyone who hasn't opened the side of a PC example before. Luckily, with a lilliputian help, the right tools, and a spare ten minutes, you tin can exist dorsum in-game in no time. If you're interested in upgrading your GPU merely don't have new hardware in mind, be sure to take a look at our best graphics card picks available now.
Products used in this guide
- Tackling all those screws: Rosewill 45-piece ($25 at Newegg)
How to install your new GPU
The main parts of this chore involve the case and PCIe slot on the motherboard. Most GPUs sold today are continued to the PC via this PCIe slot. A motherboard can accept more than than ane slot, but we'll want to use the starting time (x16) slot, which normally has the nearly bandwidth bachelor. An x4 slot is shorter and can exist used for other expansion cards (Wi-Fi cards, for example), and secondary x16 slots are unremarkably reserved for additional GPUs or expansion cards.
If y'all demand to buy a GPU
Source: Windows Key
Should you be researching just how easy it is to install a GPU yourself and demand to buy one, we've got you covered with a breakdown of what yous'll need to play PC games at various resolutions, depending on what you have your monitor and games set to. You lot'll be able to buy, install, and relish a powerful new graphics card.
Best graphics carte du jour
Preparing your PC for the new GPU
Before y'all install the new card, y'all need to make sure older drivers for the menu y'all're replacing are uninstalled. If you're installing a new GPU and practice non already own a dedicated bill of fare, you tin can skip this section. Both NVIDIA and AMD offer resource to complete this footstep. You can notice them here:
- How to remove AMD drivers
- How to remove NVIDIA drivers
Likewise as following the advice in the links above, there is a handy tool that can aid in completely removing GPU drivers on Windows, called Brandish Driver Uninstaller. Using this utility isn't required but tin prove useful in getting rid of all instances of drivers from Windows. Afterwards the drivers have been removed, it'due south time to open up the PC and go started.
It's also worth checking your power supply (PSU) to make sure information technology can handle a dedicated GPU (if you don't already have one installed) or a more powerful upgrade. You'll generally want a 500W certified PSU from a reputable brand, though a 600W+ model would better adapt overclocked configurations.
Installing the new graphics menu
-
Power down 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 (commonly held on past ii screws on the rear).
- If yous do not already have a GPU installed, skip to Step seven.
-
Remove the screws belongings the GPU in on the rear subclass.
Source: Windows Key - Unlock the PCI-e slot clip.
- Remove the GPU past lightly pulling on the bill of fare.
-
Hover the new GPU over PCI-east slot.
Source: Windows Fundamental - Push downwardly on the GPU to slide the connector into the slot.
- Ensure the secure lock clicks into place.
- Spiral the rear bracket down to secure the card to the chassis.
-
Connect any required PSU cables.
Source: Windows Central - Reattach the side panel.
Now, all you demand to do is to plug in the display connectors on the rear of the case, whether they're DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, or VGA. After that, hit the PSU power switch and kick upward Windows. If the PC does not turn on or no signals go sent to the monitor, nosotros'll need to double-cheque 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 can exist used for intensive workloads like gaming, you need to become new drivers installed so Windows and software can effectively communicate with the menu. Striking the links below to download and install drivers for a new NVIDIA or AMD menu.
- Download AMD drivers
- Download NVIDIA drivers
What you'll need to get the chore done
To remove and/or install a GPU, you'll need a Philips screwdriver. It's worth investing in a toolkit that contains numerous tools you'll make use of when tinkering with your PC.
Everything you need
Rosewill 45-piece
Budget-friendly merely has everything you need
Sometimes you don't demand endless screwdriver tips, a brush, cable cutter, among other tools. This is what makes the Rosewill toolkit more than appealing for someone who won't be tinkering with hardware also oft.
The Rosewill toolkit is perfect for those who simply require essential screwdriver tips and spudgers. There isn't a flashlight, nor is in that location a wire cutter, but for accented PC building essentials, yous'll be able to do pretty much everything with this kit. It'south as well reasonably affordable, considering you will have non simply tips for all mode of PC component and case screws only also more than fiddly ones on laptops and smartphones.
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Best motherboard
Best motherboards for Intel Core i7-12700K 2022
The Core i7-12700K tin can make expert use of the best motherboards with a Z690 chipset. Connect DDR5 RAM and the latest GPUs, and you've got one amazing gaming machine. Here are some of our favorite boards.
Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-install-gpu-your-pc
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