Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was written by Luigi Oppido and by How.com.vn staff writer, Travis Boylls. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 11,144 times.
Whether you want to replace or fix a faulty or outdated graphics card, removing the GPU (graphics processing unit) from a desktop PC is very simple. This How.com.vn article teaches you how to remove the graphics card from your computer.
Things You Should Know
- Make sure your PC is powered off and unplugged before you begin. Disconnect all the cables connected to the graphics card. Wear static wrist straps.
- Open your computer case and remove the cables connected to the GPU. Unscrew the mounting screws, press the release lever, and slide the GPU out.
- On most laptops, the graphics card is integrated into the motherboard and not removable.
Steps
Removing a Graphics Card from a Desktop PC
Download Article
Power off your PC. Before you begin, make sure your PC is completely powered off. You can either press and hold the power button force it to shut down, or click the Windows start menu and then click the power icon. Click Shut Down.
Disconnect the power cable. Once your PC is completely shut down, disconnect the power cable connected to the power supply.Advertisement
Disconnect all the cables connected to the graphics card. Next, you will want to disconnect any video cables that connect the video card to the monitor.
Open your computer case. Most desktop computers have a panel that you can remove. You may need to unscrew the panel, or it may slide off. Each computer case is different.
Touch something metal or wear static wrist straps. Static electricity can cause permanent damage to computer components. Before putting your hands inside your computer, it is recommended that you touch something metal to ground yourself or wear static wrist straps to prevent electrical discharge.
Disconnect the internal cables (if present). Some graphics cards have one or more sets of cables connected to the power source or motherboard. If present, squeeze the clip securing the cables to the graphics card and pull to disconnect the cables.
Unscrew or unclip the graphics card. Locate the screws or clip that secure the graphics card to the mounting frame. Unscrew or unclip the graphics card. It is recommended you use a magnetic screwdriver to keep the screws from falling into your computer.
Press and hold the release lever (if present). Some computers have a release lever on the PCI slot. If there is a lever on the PCI slot, press it down and hold it.
Gently pull the graphics card out. Gently pull while wiggling until the graphics card is loose. Be sure to keep hold of the graphics card to support it so it doesn't fall and/or damage the pins. Once the card is out, put it in an antistatic bag to protect it from static electricity.
Expert Q&A
Tips
About This Article
Is this article up to date?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
