Completely turn off your computer by clicking the Start button, then "Power," and "Shut Down."Ģ. Thankfully, you'll only need one tool for this job: a small Phillips head screwdriver.ġ.
#HOW TO INSTALL GRAPHIC CARD HOW TO#
You can use the Settings app in Windows to remove your Nvidia GeForce or AMD Catalyst software - check out our article on how to properly uninstall programs on Windows 10 for more information.
#HOW TO INSTALL GRAPHIC CARD DRIVERS#
If you're replacing a graphics card with a more modern version in the same family - for example, you're upgrading an older Nvidia card to a newer one - then you can skip this step.īut if you're switching from AMD to Nvidia, or vice versa, then you should uninstall your old graphics drivers before starting the new installation. Dave Johnson/Business Insider How to uninstall the old graphics drivers And length might be an issue: Not all card slots are "full length," so you'll need to make sure there's room on the motherboard.Ī full-length graphics card like this one might not fit in a smaller computer chassis. Will the card physically fit in the computer? The new graphics card may require more than one PCI Express expansion slot. If your CPU is too old, even the most advanced graphics card in the world won't be able to run well. Is your CPU fast enough? Your computer's CPU is the piece that handles the computer's most basic functions. Check the specs that came with your computer or look at the ID sticker on the power supply itself.Īre there enough power connectors for your new graphics card? Most modern graphics cards require one or two power connectors, usually 6- or 8-pin. Is your power supply large enough? Many graphics cards require that your computer's power supply deliver 500 watts or more. There are usually four main considerations: Make sure your new card will fit with the rest of your setup before you buy, or you might end up needing to get a refund. Graphics cards aren't one-size-fits-all, and the more powerful the card, the more resources it'll draw from the rest of your computer. Make sure your new graphics card is compatible Here's a step-by-step guide to replacing your graphics card. Installing a graphics card isn't difficult, but it requires opening your computer case and replacing components, so it might seem daunting if you've never tinkered inside your computer before.