Install graphics card: explained quickly and easily

 To keep current games like “Doom Eternal”, “F1 2020” or “Anno 1800” running smoothly, you have to keep your graphics card up to date. However, if the old picture maker has become obsolete, a new one has to be created. Once the choice has been made and the new one on the desk, you are ready for assembly. With this computer image guide, the graphics card installation is easy.


Modern graphics cards transmit the graphics signal either via HDMI, DisplayPort or DVI. Before buying a graphics card, check whether your Monitor has one of the connectors. In the large monitor purchase advice you will find tested screens of different sizes and resolutions. If you have not yet decided on one, take a look at the video card comparison test: here you will find the right graphics card for small and large wallets. The current top model is the MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Super GAMING X TRIO 8GB GDDR6, which was able to convince with a good game speed as well as a quiet operating volume in the Test.

Installing the graphics card: the preparation

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Before starting, ensure a work surface with sufficient room for manoeuvre and good lighting. The following steps are easier to perform on a desk top than narrowed and dark under the desk. First remove all cables on the computer, then open the lid on the prepared work surface. Who wants to install a graphics card, must clarify whether the space is enough. Especially as the owner of a finished PC, take a close look, because it is rather tight. An Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti is not only extremely expensive, with 31x12x6 centimeters it also does not fit into every Computer. The GeForce GTX 1660 Ti from Zotac is only about half the size (17,35×11,13×3,53 centimeters) and fits into almost every case.

The right power supply

It is also important to take a look at the power supply: in many inexpensive desktop PCs there is not enough power and the necessary connections for separate power supply of the graphics card are missing. The power supply must provide sufficient power to a strong graphics card need up to 530 Watts, as the large comparison test revealed. As a rule, there is a recommendation from the manufacturer on the board of the graphics card. For power supplies, it is not only the raw Power that counts, but also the range of power cables. A 6-Pin and an 8-Pin plug are required for many gaming graphics cards. Once the two questions of space and power supply have been clarified, we can get started. At least almost: if there is a graphics card in the computer, loosen the side mounting screw if necessary, then press down the holding clamp and carefully pull out the circuit board.

Install graphics card: insert new model

If you have no separate graphics card in your computer, you will usually find the corresponding oblong slot immediately below the processor. Pay attention to the lettering” PCI Express x16 ” (Peripheral Component Interconnect) or look in the manual for the Mainboard (Motherboard). After gentle pressure, the new graphics card sits firmly in the Slot. Fix them to the side with a screw. Powerful models like the one in the comparison test require quite a lot of power from the power supply. So do not forget to supply the graphics card with energy via 6-and 8-Pin plug; otherwise, the motherboard beeps.

Install graphics card: install driver

A note for anyone switching from an old AMD graphics card to a new Nvidia model or vice versa: for a clean Installation, completely uninstall the previous driver from the PC. This works reliably with a free tool called “Display Driver Uninstaller” (DDU) – this guide describes step by step how to remove your graphics card driver. The reinstallation of the driver is similar for AMD and Nvidia.

Both manufacturers offer Express and custom Installation. The former is convenient if you want to do it quickly: additional programs such as “Nvidia GeForce Experience” or the AMD assistant for Problem Reports automatically land on the hard disk. The user-defined procedure is aimed at advanced users who know what Software they need.

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