A PC’s graphics card is one of its most crucial components. It generates a feed of images for display on a computer monitor, laptop, or mobile device. The size, shape, and graphics memory of graphics cards might change. If you use graphics regularly, you must keep a close eye on your graphics processing unit. Your GPU will age over time as you use demanding programs and games. You may need to change the older graphics card when it’s damaged, outdated, or operating incorrectly.
Suppose you have purchased a graphics card and want to know how to fit it into the computer. In such a case, this post on how to remove GPU from motherboard can help. Although you can take your computer to an expert technician, it takes time, energy, and money. Therefore, I suggest all the users do this at home. This post will introduce you to an easy-peasy method, tips, and more to currently remove your graphics card on your own. Let’s learn the whole without taking much time!
Quick tips before starting to remove GPU
It’s essential to consider a few factors, tools, and precautions before removing the graphics card. A few quick tips are included as follows:
Uninstall the updated drivers: Removing the current video card drivers is the most crucial step in getting ready to remove the hardware. If you don’t do this, your display can be affected when you replace the GPU.
Gather all the necessary tools: Having a set of screwdrivers on hand will simplify installing and removing any internal PC components. Make sure the drivers, whether on a disc, flash drive, or online, are readily available if you plan to replace your present GPU. Although not many builders use one, it wouldn’t hurt to wear one while interacting with the metal parts of your PC.
Turn off your PC and disconnect all the attached devices: It is essential to power off your computer and disconnect all connections and attached devices. Wait until the computer is completely turned off.
Wear an anti-static wrist strap: Protecting your computer from static electricity is crucial as it can harm the internal components. You can use an antistatic wrist strap when handling any system parts to prevent this. Simply connect the wrist strap to a grounded object to discharge any static electricity.
Now we will move toward how to remove GPU from the motherboard. Let’s begin!
How to remove GPU from motherboard?
Once you’ve collected the appropriate tools and made the adjustments, now, you’re prepared to remove your current graphics card. The next step is following the step-by-step method and correctly removing the graphics card. The method is given as follows:
Step 1: Open the PC case first
The first step when removing the graphics card from a computer is to open the PC case. This way, you can access the graphics card and remove it. The method to do so is given as follows:
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To begin the procedure, you must open the PC case first. For this, remove the side panel to open the case.
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A few clamps or thumbscrews hold the side panel in place, typically unremovable without using tools. Use a special screwdriver if your case uses standard screws to remove them.
Step 2: Prepare the GPU to remove.
Once you have opened the PC case, the next step is to access and remove the graphics card from the PC case. The steps are as follows:
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The graphics card is often located in the lower section, connected with a PCI slot to the motherboard, and screwed to the PC case.
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If your GPU isn’t too old, there would be a screw holding the metal panel on the outside of the graphics card to the casing. All you have to do here is to release that screw to plug out the graphics card.
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Ensure to remove the internal power cable connected to the graphics card. For this, gently grab the connectors from the base and pull them gently to disconnect the connection.
Step 3: Remove the graphics card.
Once you have unscrewed the graphics card from the PC case’s mounting bracket and removed the power connectors, the next step is to free the graphics card and remove it from the case correctly. For this
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The graphics card is connected to the PCIe slot and locked to this post via an expansion slot lever or retention clip. We need to unlock the graphics card by removing it.
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For this, gently pull the expansion slot lever or retention clip to free the card. Don’t use too much force since it may damage the lever.
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Once the card is disconnected completely, slide the card out of the slot. Also, remove it from the computer.
Step 4: Keep the card safe.
Once the graphics card is out of the computer, the next step is to store it safely. You won’t like your graphics card damaged by dust, vapors, or anything else. For this,
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You would need an anti-static plastic bag with either same or a bigger size to accommodate the graphics card properly.
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Store your graphics card in an anti-static bag.
How to install a graphics card?
Suppose you have removed the graphics card since you want to put a new one into your computer. The process of installing graphics is totally the reverse of removing what we just learnt. All you have to do is to follow all the steps in a reverse manner. For your ease, we have added the summary of the whole process. The step to install a new graphics card are given as follows:
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Your PC should be opened and unplugged before the installation. If not, open it.
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Take your graphics card out of its packaging.
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Place the graphics card above the open slot and push it in firmly until you feel it snap into place above the PCIe slot. Ensure to push the expansion slot lever gently to place the card correctly.
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Connect the power cables from the PSU and tighten the bracket screws if necessary.
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Ensure your display is connected to one of the ports on your new graphics card and not the motherboard or onboard graphics port when you reassemble your computer.
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Once the computer is reassembled, connect it to the power and turn it on.
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After that, don’t forget to update the graphics drivers to get the most out of the graphics performance.
Conclusion
This post teaches us the proper way to disconnect a graphics card from the motherboard and remove it from the computer. Moreover, there are a few quick tips when removing the graphics card that you must follow to do everything right. Start by turning off your computer, removing the input power connector, removing the PC case, disconnecting the graphics card from the motherboard, and safely removing it from the motherboard and computer. Once done, follow all the steps in the reverse manner to install a new graphics card.
