How to Upgrade a Graphics Card: Everything You Need to Know

PDF download Download Article
Learn how to remove a GPU and replace it with a new one
PDF download Download Article

Graphics cards—also called video cards or GPUs—are one of the biggest workhorses in your computer, especially if you do a lot of gaming. Gaming enthusiasts should expect to upgrade their graphics cards every two to three years, though you can certainly stretch a card out longer than that. Swapping graphics cards has become much simpler over the years, and driver installation is a hands-off process. Once you've chosen your card and have your computer open, you can usually install your card and be ready to go in just a few minutes. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to remove and replace your graphics card, with expert tips from computer repair specialists Matt Ham and Yaffet Meshesha.

Quick Steps

  1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall.
  2. Remove your case's side panel.
  3. Unscrew the screws holding the card into the case.
  4. Unlatch the PCIe slot and unplug any cables from the case.
  5. Insert the new card into the motherboard, pressing firmly but without forcing.
  6. Plug in the power cable, latch the PCIe slot, and screw it into the case.
  7. Replace the case's side panel, plug in the computer, and turn it on.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Card

PDF download Download Article
  1. Graphics cards can easily become the most expensive component in your computer, but they don't have to be. According to Ham, many budget and mid-range cards can still provide great performance, depending on your needs. [1] If you are a gaming enthusiast who has to play the newest games at the highest possible settings, you'll want to look for the more powerful and expensive cards. If you only game occasionally, aren't worried about the newest releases, or don't mind sacrificing a few graphics settings, you can get much more bang for your buck by looking at mid-range cards. If you just want to watch HD video or play a few 2D games, most budget cards should do the trick.
    • Do your research before putting your money down. Check out sites like https://www.tomshardware.com , https://www.pcworld.com , and https://gpu.userbenchmark.com for GPU comparisons and reviews. These test results can help you quickly see how all of the available options stack up against each other.
    • Take VRAM into consideration. In most modern graphics cards, this is called GDDR or GDDR SDRAM. As of February 2025, the newest generation of GDDR SDRAM is GDDR7. While the newest generation of GDDR will always be faster and more efficient than the last, they will also be more expensive.
      • The amount of VRAM on a GPU is also important if you're a gamer who likes to play with the highest graphics settings. Most modern games need at least 8GB of VRAM, but check out some of your favorite games to see what their recommended specs are to see what works best for you.
    • If you have a mid-range CPU, you're likely not going to get the most out of a high-end graphics card. The graphics card is an important factor for performance, but games rely on all of the components in your computer in differing capacities, including the CPU, the system RAM, and even the hard drive read and write speed.
  2. Before buying your new graphics card, you'll want to check a few things inside your case or in your computer's documentation. Remove the side panel from your computer by loosening the thumbscrews or regular Phillips screws along the back. Typically, you'll remove the panel opposite to the motherboard's Input/Output panel on the back of the computer.
    • Except in rare circumstances, it is not possible to upgrade the graphics card on a laptop. Refer to your laptop's documentation to determine how to upgrade its graphics card if possible.
    • When opening your case and working inside your computer, make sure that you are properly grounded. This will help prevent electrostatic discharge that can damage your computer components. Ground yourself using an anti-static wrist strap, wear clothes that don't generate a lot of static electricity, and don't work in an area with carpets or rugs.
    Advertisement
  3. Graphics cards are one of the biggest draws on your power supply, so you'll want to ensure that your power supply can handle the power requirements of the new card. Different cards draw different amounts of power, so check the specs on the card you want to buy and the specs on your computer's power supply.
    • There are a variety of power supply calculators online that you can use to enter in all of your components and see the minimum recommended wattage. You'll want a little more than the minimum to future-proof your computer. Another general rule you can follow is that you typically will want a power supply that supplies double the wattage that your graphics card requires.
    • There is no way to determine a power supply's wattage without physically looking at it. There is no software that can report the wattage. Nearly all power supplies have a sticker that is clearly visible on the side, which will tell you the power supply's specifications. You can usually just remove the side panel from your computer and visually inspect the sticker.
    • Many of the more powerful graphics cards require one or two 6-pin connectors (PCIe) from the power supply. Most newer power supplies should have these cables, but older power supplies will not. You can get adapters to connect to one of the other cables, but you may be better off replacing the power supply anyway if it's that old.
  4. Meshesha recommends ensuring your motherboard has a PCI Express slot with enough room for the card you want. [2] Graphics cards have gotten quite large, and if you have a small case with tight spaces, it may be difficult or even impossible to insert the card you want. Use a tape measure to measure the space where your graphics card will be inserted. Check this space against the specifications of the graphics cards you are looking at. Pay attention to the width as well, as many of the more powerful cards can be quite wide.
    • A graphics card may take up the width of two PCIe bays, but it will only need to plug into one slot.
    • Alternatively, you can look up your motherboard and case to see their specifications on their manufacturer's websites. These specs should include information about the maximum GPU size.
  5. All modern graphics cards run on the PCIe interface, which replaced the outdated AGP method. If your computer was purchased or built in the last fifteen years, chances are it uses PCIe. If you're trying to upgrade the graphics card on a really old computer, you may be stuck with AGP unless you upgrade the motherboard as well.
    • PCIe and AGP slots are colored differently on the motherboard. AGP is typically a darker color, such as brown, while PCIe is usually white, yellow, or blue. There is no standard, however, so refer to your motherboard's documentation or look for labels next to the slots.
    • PCIe slots are typically located closest to the CPU on the motherboard.
  6. Modern GPUs will likely have a combination of HDMI and DisplayPort ports to plug in your monitor(s). Compare this to the ports on your monitor(s).
    • If you have just one monitor with at least an HDMI or DisplayPort port, it's unlikely that you'll have any issues connecting the monitor to your GPU.
    • If you have multiple monitors with only HDMI ports, you may not have enough HDMI ports on the GPU. If this is the case, you will need to purchase an HDMI to DisplayPort cable or an adapter.
    • If your monitor has a VGA or DVI port, you'll need to use an adapter. VGA/DVI to HDMI/DisplayPort cables do exist, but the adapters may be easier to find.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Installation

PDF download Download Article
  1. Make sure that your computer is completely powered down before you work on the inside. Unplug it from the wall once it has been completely powered down.
  2. Your monitor is most likely connected to your old graphics card, so disconnect it from the back of your computer before removing the old card. If you have multiple monitors, disconnect all of them.
  3. Whenever you work inside of your computer, you should make sure that you're properly grounded. An anti-static wrist strap attached to the bare metal of the case is the most convenient way to ground yourself when working in a computer. Also, ensure that you're wearing non-staticky clothes and that you're not working in a carpeted area.
  4. If you are upgrading, you'll need to remove your old graphics card before installing your new one. If you were using your motherboard's onboard graphics card, you may not have a card to remove.
    • Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screw(s) that is securing the old card to the case.
    • Unplug any cables connected to the old graphics card.
    • Undo the latch underneath the back end of the old graphics card (PCIe). This latch helps secure the graphics card, so make sure to unlatch it before pulling the old card out. Note: not every motherboard has a latch to secure this PCIe slot, so you may be able to skip this step.
    • Gently pull the old card directly out of the slot. Pull the old card straight out of the slot. You may have to be firm, but don't force it out. If you can't pull the card out, make sure that the latch has been released and the Phillips screw has been removed from the card's bracket.
  5. Many newer graphics cards require two bays on the back of your computer. You may need to remove the protective panel for the next bay if you haven't used it before. These panels usually pop off, though it varies depending on your computer case.
  6. Make sure that there aren't any cables obstructing the slot and that none will get stretched underneath the back of the card. Push the card firmly down straight into the PCIe slot until you hear it latch, and it is evenly inserted. Secure the card to the case using Phillips head screws (most cards will come with a couple). Make sure to secure each bracket if the card takes up multiple bays.
  7. Most new graphics cards require at least one 6- or 8-pin connector from your power supply, usually along the top of the graphics card. Make absolutely sure that you connect all of these, as your computer will likely not boot if your graphics card is not properly powered.
    • Due to the way that the pins are configured, the plug will only fit one way. Don't force the connection, but make sure that the connection is secure.
  8. With the graphics card firmly seated and connected to the power supply, you can close up your case and move on to the software side of the installation.
  9. When plugging your computer cables back into your computer, make sure that the monitor is now connected to one of the ports on your new card. If your monitor is very old and your graphics card is new, you may need an adapter to connect the monitor. Most graphics cards come with these adapters. [3]
    10. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Installing Drivers

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before you do anything with drivers, make sure your computer is booting properly. If the computer is not able to start, or runs into errors immediately after starting, the graphics card may not be seated properly or may not be getting enough power from the power supply.
    • Windows will likely boot into a low-resolution mode when starting with your new graphics card. Ignore the prompts to detect the new hardware for now.
  2. If your old card was an AMD/ATI and you're moving to NVIDIA, you should uninstall your old drivers first to avoid conflicts. If you're staying with the same manufacturer, it is still recommended that you remove your old drivers so that you can get a clean start. You can uninstall your drivers from the Control Panel. [4]
    • Right-click the Windows button in the taskbar and click Apps & features (Windows 10) or Installed apps (Windows 11).
    • Find your graphics drivers in the list of installed programs. For NVIDIA, this will usually be "NVIDIA Graphics Driver XXX.XX". If you are removing AMD/ATI drivers, look for "AMD Catalyst Install Manager".
    • Follow the prompts to uninstall the drivers. For NVIDIA, highlight the driver, click Uninstall , and then follow the prompts. For AMD, highlight "AMD Catalyst Install Manager", click Change , select "Express Uninstall ALL AMD Software" and then follow the prompts.
    • Reboot your computer after removing the drivers. This will complete the uninstallation process.
  3. Now that your old drivers are gone, you can install the drivers for your new card. Visit the AMD or NVIDIA website, depending on which card you have, and enter your new graphics card model into the Search tool. Download the latest drivers that work for your card model. For example, Meshesha explains that you'll want to download GeForce Experience if you have a GeForce card. [5]
    • Driver files are fairly large (around 300 MB) and may take a little while to download, depending on your connection.
  4. Follow the prompts to install the drivers on your computer. Most users can select the "Express" option. During the driver installation, your display will likely flash a few times, and may change to a more suitable resolution.
    • You will likely be asked to reboot your computer once the driver installation is complete.
  5. With the new drivers installed, you can start putting your graphics card to work. Load up your favorite game or graphic-intensive program and see what kind of performance you can get!
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is graphics card same as video card?
    Matt Ham
    Computer Repair Specialist
    Matt Ham is a Computer Repair Specialist and the CEO and President of Computer Repair Doctor. With over a decade of experience, Matt specializes in Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, and Smartphone repairs and upgrades. Matt holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University. Matt has expanded Computer Repair Doctor to seven different locations. He is also a Co-Owner of Repair Life, a full-scale marketing agency specializing in driving both online and offline leads to cell phone and computer repair shops and device retailers.
    Matt Ham
    Computer Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    A graphics card is also called a video card, and generates graphics for the computer. You will need a a graphics card if you want to do more advanced gaming, more advanced graphics simulations on your machine.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do I change a graphics card with a Linux based machine?
    Community Answer
    That's easy! Just go open your computer, find the PCI slot and insert the card.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 16
  • Question
    Do you install the new drivers before or after changing the graphics card?
    Ryan 200509
    Community Answer
    After! Installing the drivers before installing the graphics card can cause issues.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 27
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you're interested in gaming in 4K, you'll need a top-of-the-line graphics card. However, the power of your GPU will be wasted if you don't have a monitor that can display in 4K.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Video

      You Might Also Like

      4 Simple Ways to Find Out What Graphics Card You Have
      Detect a Sound Card on Windows 11, 10, & More: Guide + Troubleshooting
      10 Simple Steps to Install Two Video Cards on a Computer
      A Simple Guide to Adding Sound Output Devices to a Computer
      How to
      Build a Circuit Board
      Easy Steps to Install a Sound Card
      How to
      Install a Wireless Card
      How to
      Record Sound Produced by Your Sound Card
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Matt Ham. Computer Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.
      2. ↑ Yaffet Meshesha. Computer Specialist. Expert Interview. 10 February 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/2913370/how-to-install-a-graphics-card.html
      4. ↑ https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/faq/ccc-uninstall
      5. ↑ Yaffet Meshesha. Computer Specialist. Expert Interview. 10 February 2021.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To change a graphics card, first power down your computer, unplug it from the wall, and disconnect your monitor. Next, make sure to ground yourself by touching something like a metal tap while the water is running to avoid static electricity surging through your computer parts. If you have an old graphics card installed, use a Philips-head screwdriver to remove any screws securing it to the case. Then, unplug any cables, undo the latch securing the card, and pull it out gently and straight. Now, insert your new card by pushing it firmly straight into the PCle slot until you hear it click, and screw it in place. Finally, connect your power supply if needed, and close up your case. For more tips, including how to install your new drivers, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 702,054 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Mike H.

        Apr 6, 2017

        "My old graphics card needed replacing, and I was having some difficulty removing the old card. Before reading this ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement