How To Install A Graphics Card In A Laptop

When looking how to install a new graphics card in a laptop, the first thing to consider is the laptop you wants to upgrade. Many older computers cannot have new graphics cards installed unless they are absolutely dismantled. This can be dangerous, costly and fruitless, as some older processors could not handle higher graphics anyway. So, before trying to install a new graphics card, you need to know if your computer will even be able to handle it. Taking the computer to a professional might be the best way; however this can often cost a fair amount of money. The graphics card should come with a list of requirements a system should have before trying to install it. These requirements should then be checked against the capabilities of one’s laptop to see if they are compatible.

Things you'll need:

• Graphics card
• Laptop
  

1. If the graphics card is able to be installed on your laptop, the next step is to reach the motherboard. To do this for most computers, you first need to power down the computer. Trying to proceed while a power source is still connected can result in injuries to both the owner and the computer.
2. Disconnect the hinge that connects the monitor to the keyboard. After this is done, remove the keyboard from the base of the computer to reveal the internal bits of the computer.
3. Once the monitor and the base are completely separated, the graphics card may be reached. To reach the graphics card, remove the shell of the motherboard to reveal where it is located.
4. Remove the old graphics card and replace it with the new card. It is important to be careful at this point. Damaging the motherboard can be very costly to fix and, in some cases, the motherboard may not be fixed at all. The motherboard is the heart and brain of the computer and dislodging it can be catastrophic.
5. Once the graphics card is implanted, replace the shell. Then reconnect the monitor to the base of the computer.
6. Replace the keyboard and reattach the hinges. Make sure the computer can close adequately before trying to turn it back on.

Once the computer is running again, run a diagnostic to make sure nothing was damaged during the graphics card replacement. After everything has been validated, you may then enjoy the new level of graphics offered by the new card.