How to Set Up the Graphics Card

The major components of this job are the case and the PCIe slot in the motherboard. Today, most GPUs are connected to PC through this slot. A motherboard may have multiple slots; however, we'll prefer to use only the initial (x16) slot, as it typically has the highest bandwidth. A slot with an x4 is smaller and can be used to accommodate additional expansion card slots (Wi-Fi cards as an instance), and the x16 slots that secondary are typically reserved for GPUs with additional expansion cards.

Make Your PC Ready

Before you install an upgraded graphics card, your computer must be set up. Begin by disconnecting your electricity supply. After that, you can begin taking off the side panels and then placing your case to the side to allow you to see the components inside. If you already have an integrated graphics card, you'll need to take it out, which can be accomplished by following the steps in reverse. To avoid static electricity, you'll need to be grounded or wear an anti-static wristband while you're doing work similar to this.

Take Expansion Slot Plates off

Most PCs have tiny metal plates that cover the holes expansion cards, such as GPUs, which can access their internal communications. It is usually possible to remove them by twisting the thumbscrews. However, you might need to locate the right screwdriver for this aspect of the process.

Open Your PCIe Slot

Modern graphics cards have PCIe slots to connect to your motherboard. Much like a slot for RAM/DIMM, they have an end-cap that you can press to release to install a graphics card.

Plugin New Card

With plenty of room to accommodate your brand new graphics card, it's now time to put it in place. The procedure is fairly straightforward; however, it can be difficult depending on the dimensions of your PC's case and the other components that block you in any way. No matter what, you'll have to slot your card in the slot PCIe. You might have to put it in with a slight angle to ensure there's a good fit. I/O plate on the rear of your card is slotted into the backplate of PCIe correctly. Make sure that the PCIe slot is opened before placing the card.

The most important thing to note is that it shouldn't require any force to put it in place. Be firm but gentle. We suggest using your palm hand, right above the area where the card will slot inside the PCIe slot. Your palm should be placed on the outside of the card; lightly move your hands around it, keeping all of your pressure onto the palm. If you notice that it's not slotting properly, remove it and determine if there's a problem blocking your PCIe slot. The sound ends the PCIe slot after it's been installed; however, this may vary with all motherboards.

If you're happy with the installation, be sure to screw in the screws on the backplate to secure it in the right position if you need to shift the card slightly inside its slot to allow for a better angle of the screws. Be careful not to put tension on the card in this area. The wiggle space is enough to leave only a couple of millimeters on each side of the screw holes.

Connect Power Cables

Find the correct cables that are needed for the job. It could be one of two six-pin and eight-pin PCIe connectors. Make sure you have the correct ones in case you use the wrong cable for power can harm your components. The majority of power supplies have an 8+2 connector. Make use of the small tab for the 2-pin connector and align it with the six-pin before connecting it to your graphics card requires eight-pin power. In most situations, you'll need to place the connector's clip on the opposite right side of the graphics card with the cooler.

The majority of graphics cards have an eight-pin, six-pin connection, or a combination of both. A few models from Nvidia's newest series RTX 3000-series have the 12-pin connector. To do this, you'll require an adapter that converts two eight-pin connections into one 12-pin connector. Once you're sure that you have it, connect them to the appropriate slots on the bottom of your new GPU. It should be possible to hear them click in place; however, you can verify that they're completely plugged into the system through a gentle push. If you plug them correctly, the plugs shouldn't be moving.