Introduction
Computers have proved to be usefull in our lives since their invention. There have been technological advancements in computers since the late 18th century, leading to computers reducing in size from large ones to small ones. For example, now we have a portable PC. Their speeds have also increased over time, their work quality and output has also increased. Many people have loved the use of computers in the modern world. You can find computers anywhere you go in the world right now. Any computer owner would love to operate their computer on their own when it has a problem rather than take it to a technician, and it is very right unless it is a problem that needs the expertise of a technician. Let us know ‘How To Remove Graphics Card From Motherboard?’.
How To Remove Graphics Card From Motherboard?
A graphics card proves to be useful for computers that are used by content creators to create videos or edit photos and for gamers. Opening up a computer motherboard might be something you will fear, if it is your first time. Do not worry because the setup of the computer motherboard tends to be of the same structure in all computers, so if you follow the steps carefully you will be successful. Graphics cards are removed whenever you want to replace them and upgrade to another high-quality one to improve your computer’s gaming experience. You will experience this process a bunch of times especially if you are a serial gamer, and remember that you are not a seasoned tech-head and that you will be overwhelmed any time you open and have a look at the inside of your computer, but do not be afraid just follow the steps below and be sure to carry out a successful process, that is the purpose of this article, remove graphics card from a computer’s motherboard.
How complicated is the process of opening a PC case?
The process of opening up a PC case is not complicated in any way; it just depends on the way you approach the PC case when you open it up. The components available in your computer and how they were initially set by the manufacturer will determine if you will have easy work when operating the inside of your computer or if you will be in a complete mess when you open the case. In this scenario, we are talking about numerous cables, dust everywhere, and there will be certain components that you will not understand their origin or even their working, you can be pinched in the process of removing and restoring the components. There will be many screws involved in the process (screw opening and closing).
All this should not scare you but rather give you the courage to operate your computer because PC building is something beautiful and will entertain you and become your hobby when you do it again and again. However, it is hard to learn for first-timers, the process of opening a PC case is simple and is not at all complicated when you follow the steps keenly.
The process of removing a graphics card from the motherboard
Graphics cards are also known as GPUs in short form or computer language. They are easy to spot because they look alike for almost all the computers and are always in the same spot on all the computers, you can not miss out on them whenever you open up the PC case. By providing these steps, it is assumed that you are ready to open your computer only with one goal, to remove or remove your graphics card from motherboard. The article you are reading will show why the graphics card is in its initial location, why it is there, and the process of removing it.
The graphics card is always put directly into the computer motherboard through the PCle x16. The connector has 16 data lanes making it secure the highest data throughput out of any port on the motherboard.
Here are the steps that you will follow when removing a graphics card from the motherboard;
- Put off your computer
Before you start any processes on your computer hardware you should always remember to save all your progress on the computer and then power it off, as this will ensure that your data is safe and saved and will not be lost when you are operating on your computer hardware.
Remember that if you are changing a storage device like a hard disk then you will have to back up your data somewhere before you replace the storage device.
- Put off the power supply and unplug the power cable from the computer
This is a very important step in the process of removing any hardware device from your computer. Operating the inside of your computer when it is connected to a power supply might lead to short circuits that might injure you or even blow your computer, to prevent this, just take a second of your time and disconnect the power supply before you embark on the process of operating your computer’s inside.
- In a situation where the graphics card is connected to the monitor, disconnect it too
Some graphics cards are connected to the monitors via any of the ports on the backside of the GPU. If your card is connected to the monitor be sure to cut this connection also before you start the process of removing the GPU from the motherboard.
- Now open up your computer
When everything is set and you have disconnected all the connections, you can embark on opening up your computer. Open all the screws on the backside using a screwdriver. When you have opened all the screws, remove the case and you will be in full sight of your computer’s interior and the motherboard.
- Remove any cables connected to the graphics card
With most GPUs there will always be a power cable connected to the card, this is because most GPUs geared toward gaming and content creation will consume more power than the motherboard can provide. Here an 8-pin or 6-pin PCle power connector is used, providing an additional power supply of 150 watts and 75 watts respectively. To remove this cable, press on a plastic clip/latch on the side of the GPU then proceed to pull out the PCle cable. You might use some force and some wiggling when removing the cable.
- Look on the back end of your graphics card where it is tightly tightened and open the screws with your screwdriver
Here you will have to use your screwdriver to unscrew the GPU I/O shield from the PCle bracket on your motherboard/computer case. You will need to apply some labor here to unscrew these screws because they are always tightened tightly.
- The graphics card has a small retention clip on the backside of the PCle X16 slot, that is just underneath the card. Press on this clip before you remove the card, this will also help you take it out easily
This clip offers a locking mechanism and holds the graphics card in place hence you will need to press it so that it releases the card and you be able to take it out. These clips might vary in appearance but they perform the same function and are removed in the same way.
- When all the cables have been removed and all the screws have been opened, you will remove and take out your graphics card with a lot of ease
If you have followed steps 1 to 7 carefully, then you will be able to remove your GPU very easily from the motherboard.
- If you were replacing your GPU with another one you can proceed and fix back another one
If you were just removing the graphics card you can then proceed to finish the process, but if you were replacing it with another one, you will have to fix the new card onto the PCle slot, then close all the screws, connect the PCle power cable to the graphics card then proceed to the next step of closing the case.
- Close the computer case and remember to close all the screws tightly as you found them.
- Plug your computer back into a power supply and start it to confirm if the new graphics card is working in the case where you replaced it.
If you have replaced your graphics card, you will need to power on your computer and confirm if the new card is working with your PC, then proceed with your work on the computer.
Conclusion
Computers have proved to be useful in our lives in modern-day lives. Many people are using computers from all over the world. Many users will opt to repair/operate their computers on their own rather than take them to a technician, this is where the process of removing/replacing a graphics card is. The process of replacing or removing a graphics card is simple so long as you follow all the steps keenly and slowly follow the details, this is an experience a gamer will face again and again because graphics cards are very useful for gaming computers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are graphics cards found?
Graphics cards are found in all the computer accessories shops/stores near you at affordable prices.
- Can a computer work without a graphics card?
Well, some can while others will not. Unless your computer has an integrated graphics card (GPU) it will not work when you remove the graphics card.
- Why do gaming computers need a graphics card?
Many games come with a high-quality video display, and this is where a graphics card comes in because it helps the computer via the monitor to display these high-quality displays.
