How to change a graphics card?

The graphics card is an essential part of a laptop, especially when you are a fan of network games. With the development of games in recent years, it is better to change it every three years for game enthusiasts, if not, this element can last much longer. In the past, changing the graphics card was quite complicated and the operation was only done by professionals. Currently, it has become super simple and you can do it yourself in no time. We explain in this article all the steps to follow to change the graphics card of your PC yourself.

How to uninstall the old card?

First of all, you will have to uninstall the old card in order to be able to integrate a new one. Here are the steps to follow:

• Go to the Control Panel, then press System, Hardware, Device Manager, Graphics Cards respectively;
• Pull down the sub-menu and click on the current graphics card;
• Click uninstall.

This procedure should uninstall all the drivers, but also erase the card from the list of hardware on your PC.

You should know that it is essential to uninstall the driver before installing the new card. However, this step is not done if you are not changing the GPU brand. It is therefore not mandatory to uninstall the driver well before. This will happen automatically when booting via the Update with the most recent version. However, if you want to change brands, this step is really necessary in order not to take the risk of crashes.

As for the warning about uninstalling the driver, it is strictly not recommended to use an uninstall utility apart from that of Windows, or even a cleaner. It is very likely to corrupt the registry in this case so that the only solution to the problem is to reinstall Windows.

After these steps, you will need to disconnect the power supply from all the cables connected to the rear panel in order to turn off the computer.

Place the central unit on a table

Second, you should follow these procedures:

• Unhook the side panel allowing you to reach the expansion cards;
• Then see if the new acquisition is equipped with a single, or different power cables, 6/8-pin PCI-E connectors;
• If you find everything you need, check if the power supply has suitable connectors;
• If this is not the case, check in the accessories received with the box if there are no adapters. If the latter is not there, you should get one, or change the power supply altogether.

Then, before touching the card inside the case, don’t forget to discharge yourself of static electricity . To begin, you must disconnect the connector(s) if the old graphics card has them. The screw that holds the graphics card to the PC case will then need to be removed. In addition, it is necessary to unlock the locking system at the rear of the connector . Finally, you will have to remove the card gently.

Installing the new card

Here are the steps to follow for a successful installation:

• Gently insert the card into the AGP or PCI Express slot by pressing with both hands without forcing;
• Remove the power supply connector(s) if the board has them. You should know, however, that this element is essential since the graphics card cannot work without a power supply;
• Replace the casing/card fixing screw;
• Close the central unit;
• Reconnect the computer and all peripherals.

Restart the laptop

Finally arrived at the last step, now all you have to do is restart your computer. Here are the steps to follow here:

• Windows will recognize the new card and recommend the drivers;
• Press Cancel until the dialog disappears and a message appears informing you that a problem occurred during installation, and the device may not work normally. So do not be alarmed, this is completely normal;
• Insert the driver CD received with the card;
• Install what you find by following the directions;
• After installation, you will have to restart the PC even if no message is displayed.

If the screen resolution has been changed, just right-click on the desktop, click on Properties, then Settings, and finally select the resolution that suits you.