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Graphics card is a super prominent hardware specification that sends video data to laptops display. It provides support to graphically intensive applications like deep learning, video editing, and high-end gaming.
Back in the day, all laptops have integrated graphics cards that are integrated into the CPU permanently and aren’t upgradeable. Integrated graphics cards are very lightweight, and good for simple tasks like processing graphical documents, light gaming etc. So, technology moved forward to serve high-end users and then an era of dedicated GPU arises. Nowadays, laptops have both integrated and dedicated graphics. Dedicated graphics card have their processing unit known as GPU and have own source of memory so, performs well for high-end usage.
If you have issues with a dedicated graphics card in your laptop, then for sure you’ll be thinking can I change dedicated graphics card in my laptop? If so, then the answer is yes! If your GPU is upgradeable then you’ll have to be skillful enough to pull off this difficult task. I am going to share a generic and pretty easy way of upgrading a dedicated graphic card. Follow the steps carefully to change dedicated graphics card in a laptop.
WARNING:
The moment you start poking around with your laptop and its insides, you are compromising its warranty. Also, without extreme care, carrying out this process can damage your device.
HOW TO CHANGE DEDICATED GRAPHICS CARD IN A LAPTOP:
Before starting the process, keep screwdrivers of different sizes for help. Also, record performance benchmarks of your current graphics card. After that, you can easily upgrade a dedicated graphics card by following these steps.
STEP # 1:
For the safety of your device, first turn it off and remove the AC adapter. Remove the battery back and disconnect all external devices.
STEP # 2:
Take safety measures to deal with electric shocks.
BONUS TIP: In this process, you’ll be taking off different parts of the laptop. So, it’s better to take an image from the top and bottom to get help while reassembling. Also, don’t forget to take the inside image after opening covers.
STEP # 3:
- For opening cover of the device, unscrew the nails gently.
- Then unclip the hinges to remove keyboard cover.
HINT: Carefully deal with keyboard strip to avoid any damages. Also, don’t forget to keep all screws and covers in a safe place.
STEP # 4:
After removing the keyboard’s cover, you’ll see a ribbon connector that is connecting keyboard to the laptop’s logic board. So, without any hassles just remove the keyboard from the top base and carefully put it aside.
STEP # 5:
It’s time to remove the LCD. There will be a LCD ribbon connector in front of you, with low pressure, remove the connector from its bed. Now, your laptop’s LCD is free from any communication.
STEP # 6:
Some screws will be securing the heat sinking into the motherboard. Unscrew the nails and pick it out gently.
STEP # 7:
Now, it’s time to unscrew the graphics card from the logical board. Remove the old graphics card gently and in an empty slot fix the new one. Make sure that the upgraded card is set properly in the video card slot.
STEP # 8:
As your new graphic card is fixed successfully so, put back all the parts together, and secure them thoughtfully.
HINT: To screw back things entirely, use the images of the laptop to assist you while reassembling.
STEP # 8:
After complete reassembling, turn on the laptop and check that every component is working fine of not. After that, install new graphics card software.
Yayyy! We are completely done with the process to change dedicated graphics card in a laptop. Evaluate your device performance now, hopefully after upgrading the dedicated graphics card your issues will be solved.
PERFORMANCE TEST OF UPGRADE:
To check the performance of the upgraded graphics card, use the device for continuous sessions and record benchmarks. Then compare it with a track record of older graphics card.
PORTABLE GRAPHICS CARD ALTERNATIVE:
If you aren’t interested to compromise the warranty and hardware of your device, there is another way to change dedicated graphics card in a laptop, by connecting an external graphic card through USB. An extra graphics output is gained by using this method. This external connectivity of graphics cards isn’t recommended for gamers because it provides average results but works well for normal usage. The method is beneficial when you want to use the external monitor with a laptop screen.
OPTIMIZING GRAPHICS CARD SETTINGS:
Following methods can work to get optimal results from a GPU:
- To utilize graphics card at its peak turn off the energy saver mode because it affects the performance of the GPU.
- Do not hot-plug the hardware of your device.
SUGGESTION:
In most cases, upgrading a graphics card isn’t possible, so the sensible decision is to buy a new laptop according to your requirements.
LAST WORDS:
Whether a graphic card is integrated or dedicated, upgrading it isn’t a good idea at all if you aren’t skillful. A beginner can try external graphics card alternative.
In case you understand the process well, it is unfair to have a good quality option for your laptop. Use above mentioned details to upgrade a graphics card in your device and save some money.