Q&A for How to Install a Graphics Card

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Are graphics cards plug and play?

Yaffet Meshesha
Computer Specialist
Yaffet Meshesha is a Computer Specialist and the Founder of Techy, a full-service computer pickup, repair, and delivery service. With over eight years of experience, Yaffet specializes in computer repairs and technical support. Techy has been featured on TechCrunch and Time.

Yaffet Meshesha

Computer Specialist

Expert Answer

You will usually need to install additional drivers on your computer for the graphics card to run properly.

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But how do I do these steps when my computer is just a monitor?

Community Answer

Actually, the monitor is only half of the computer. The monitor is where you see the results of what you are doing, but there is always a processor somewhere that powers it. If you own an all-in one PC (which I assume, by your question, that you do), such as an iMac, the computer parts will be in a compartment behind the monitor. Look for the USB ports, they are directly connected to the inside. To replace the graphics card in an all in one PC, please see the corresponding tutorial. The latest iMacs do come with quite good graphics cards, so you might not need an upgrade. Some research about your computer model would be beneficial.

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Question

How long will a graphics card work?

Community Answer

If taken care of, a graphics card can last for years. It is, however, recommended to replace your graphics card once it becomes outdated to ensure that you can keep up with any new computer needs.

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Question

My motherboard has two slots for a graphics card. Which one do I use?

Community Answer

You may use either of the two slots. It will work in both ports. If neither work, call the manufacturer for further help.

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Question

Can I just upgrade the graphics card in a laptop?

Community Answer

If it is an integrated graphics card, you can't do it. If it is dedicated, you can change it anytime.

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Question

Can this be installed externally?

Community Answer

Well, all graphic cards (or video cards) can only be installed on the motherboard, but if your computer case is open-style or frame-only, you can install it without removing the case.

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Question

What could be wrong if I followed the instructions for installing my video card correctly, but I had no picture on my monitor after rebooting the computer?

Community Answer

The first thing to check would be if the monitor is connected to the card instead of the motherboard. If this isn't the problem, look at the post codes, and match those up with the motherboard's manufacturer.

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Question

How do I know which graphics card to buy? I have an office computer that I game on.

Community Answer

Look at the minimum specs for the game. Then look at a list showing graphics cards in order by performance. Choose one that is a couple of steps above the game's minimum requirements.

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Question

Can a laptop handle a game that recommends an NVIDIA GeForce Gtx 960?

Community Answer

It depends on what graphics card the laptop has. I would suggest that you find out the specifications of the laptop by Googling its name and seeing whether or not its graphics card is a Gtx 960 or newer.

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Question

I followed all of the directions for installing my video card correctly, but when I booted the computer I had no picture on the monitor. What did I do wrong?

Community Answer

Make sure that you have connected your monitor to the correct video slot. If your computer supports two graphics cards, you may have plugged into the slot with no graphics card inserted. If that doesn't help, try calling the customer support of the card you bought.

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Question

Why does my monitor go to sleep mode after connecting to the CPU?

Community Answer

Probably because it is, for some reason, not recieving any signal from the computer. (Try connecting it to the GPU instead?)

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Question

Can I run more than one GPU in a PC?

Alex Mercer

Community Answer

You can use multiple GPUs by using scalable link interface (SLI). Just make sure that your GPU supports SLI.

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Question

Do I need to uninstall the sound driver as well, when I uninstall the graphics driver?

Community Answer

No, because sound and graphics have nothing to do with each other. The sound controls the sound, and the graphics control the graphics.

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Question

Should I use a video card VGA cable, or a standard cable?

Community Answer

Use the one that the company recommends.

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Question

How can I install a video card?

Community Answer

Get a video card, fit it in the port (usually a PCIE 3.0 X16), screw it in place and fit the power cable. When you boot up, install the driver for the video card, it should come with the GPU or you can get them off the video card's official website.

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Question

What do I do if I installed a graphics card and my PC froze?

Community Answer

Your computer most likely froze because: 1. Your computer doesn't have the new graphics card's drivers. 2. Your computer isn't compatible with your new graphics card. 3. You probably inserted your graphics card incorrectly.

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