How to Remove Gpu From Motherboard?
If you are a passionate and hard-core gamer, you must be aware of the fact that having a high-end GPU is one of the most important factors for a premium gaming experience. With the rapidly evolving system components and latest technologies, you might have to upgrade your GPU at some point.
Even if you are not going ahead to switch to the latest GPU in the market, you will still have to clean your current one once in a while. Whether you are up to cleaning your GPU or changing it entirely, both require you to access and remove it from the motherboard.
However, removing the GPU is not something so casual. But, following a set of careful steps can help anyone in doing so without any problem. We bring you a detailed guide that will help you in removing the GPU from the motherboard easily. So, let’s get to work.
Mounting of GPU on the motherboard
The mounting types that have been employed in order to place the card on your GPU will dictate your strategy about removing it. Generally, you will see two types of GPUs on your motherboard; they will be either dedicated or integrated.
Integrated Graphics Card
It isn’t possible to withdraw an integrated graphics card since it is fastened to the motherboard or incorporated into the CPU chip. Since laptops feature integrated graphics cards, you cannot detach the graphics card from them.
The majority of contemporary laptops include integrated GPUs and even CPUs in the form of chips bonded to the motherboard; however, there may be a few outliers. Even if you try removing it, your board will not function at all.
The sole option in such circumstances is to delete the driver of your graphic card and go for an external GPU option. However, this has drawbacks.
Dedicated Graphics Card
A dedicated graphics card is one that has its own dedicated memory and a processor that is completely independent of the CPU. Dedicated graphics cards function best but consume more energy, are more expensive, and are more frequently seen on personal computers and not on laptops.
Checking whether your GPU is integrated or dedicated
If you own a desktop computer, determining whether your GPU is a dedicated one or an integrated one is simple. You will be able easily to check out the hardware by opening the casing. It is located next to the CPU in any of the expansion ports present. The CPU and graphics card are put as near to one another as feasible since they must interact quickly.
Scan your computer for any labels that list the specifications of your system to find out whether your graphics card is integrated or dedicated. Your graphics card is dedicated if the tag on it reads Nvidia or AMD, whereas an Intel processor is often integrated.
In addition, you may also investigate your GPU specifications by going into Device Manager and selecting Display adapters. Now, verify the collected information on the card company’s site as well.
Lastly, you may inspect the display connectors and determine their location on the rear of the case. Your card is a dedicated one that you may remove if your monitor is attached to the casing with the terminals at the bottom side, close to the PCI-e ports. If the terminals are close to the audio outlets just above the expansion card, you have an integrated graphics card.
Preparing for the removal
Now that you have made sure about the type of your graphic card, you are able to remove it. To begin the removal procedure of your graphics card, you must arrange the system and acquire the necessary equipment.
Deleting the GPU drivers is the foremost thing you should do because it’s important and may have an impact on how well your graphics card functions. Once you are done with this step, your PC will become able to accept new hardware.
If you ignore this step, your latest GPU can initiate a conflict with your pre-installed, old driver, and the result will be a poor display on your screen.
Additionally, don’t forget to obtain the new drivers for the new graphics card before removing the old one and store them on a CD, hard drive, or USB so that you can activate them after connecting your new GPU.
To make your task easier and prevent searching for hand tools when removing the card, prepare your equipment beforehand. Furthermore, you must use an antistatic wrist band when handling the electronic components to avoid any problems. You risk damaging the parts of your system if you contact them with hands that are static-charged.
Disconnecting all the plugs
Ensure none of the connections is plugged into a power outlet before opening the computer’s casing and touching its delicate circuitry. Switch off the power supply unit on the rear side and the computer as well.
Opening the case
Since the clamps holding the side cover in place are secured by screws or bolts, removing the side panel from the case is rather simple. These are the two typical methods for opening a computer casing.
Locating the GPU
As previously indicated, it would not be difficult to locate the graphics card since it is adjacent to the CPU and connected to the motherboard via a PCI-e slot. Usually, it’s close to the bottom of the case, which is the lowest part.
Taking the GPU out
You might need to take various unlocking measures, depending on the make and version of the graphics card. You might also need to remove the card from the case even though most GPUs are connected to the motherboard through PCI-e slots.
To determine where the graphics card is connected, look at every component and connection. As per the version of your board, you may encounter mounting brackets or water-cooling pipes that require various removal techniques due to the varied types of connections.
The SLI Bridge, which is the main part that connects two graphic cards, should be taken out first. To locate the screws, you might need to dig behind a few certain plastic panels. The GPU detaches from the surface but remains attached to the motherboard when these screws are removed.
To stop it from dropping, give it some support with your hand. Even though it’s improbable, if it falls, it might harm the card and PCI-e slot. The card is often held in place by a tiny lever or tab found on USB ports. In order to remove it from the expansion slot, you must pull the little lever, which is often found on the rear. To keep the card secure after removal, place it in an antistatic bag and, ideally, a box.
The Bottom Line
When dealing with electronic gadgets, sensitivity is crucial. In order to carry out any operation, one must follow certain procedural steps. If you want to upgrade or clean your GPU, the above-mentioned set of steps will help you in doing so.
