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To install a graphics card, you check that the card fits your case and power supply, turn off and unplug the PC, insert the card into the top PCIe x16 slot until the latch clicks, screw the bracket to the case, connect the PCIe power cables, plug the monitor into the graphics card and install the latest drivers. The whole upgrade takes about 20–30 minutes.
What should you check before installing a graphics card?
You should check 4 things before installing a graphics card:
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| PCIe slot | A free PCIe x16 slot (any PCIe generation works) |
| Case clearance | Card length, height and slot width vs case specs |
| Power supply | Wattage meets the GPU maker’s recommendation (e.g. 650W for RTX 5070) |
| Power connectors | Correct 8-pin or 12V-2×6 cables or adapter |
Read do GPUs come with power cables to confirm the connectors your card needs. Compact PCs may need a low profile graphics card.
How do you install a graphics card step by step?
You install a graphics card in 10 steps:
- Download the new driver in advance and, when switching brands, remove the old driver with DDU.
- Shut down, switch off the PSU and unplug the PC.
- Remove the old GPU if you have one; see how to remove a GPU.
- Remove the expansion slot covers on the case that line up with the top PCIe x16 slot (2–3 covers for most cards).
- Open the PCIe latch at the end of the slot.
- Align the card with the slot and press down evenly until the latch clicks.
- Screw the bracket to the case.
- Connect the PCIe power cables until they click. Use separate cables from the PSU for each 8-pin connector when possible, and push 12V-2×6 connectors in fully.
- Install a GPU support bracket if the card is heavy.
- Plug the monitor into the graphics card, boot the PC and install the driver; see how to update GPU drivers.
Which PCIe slot should the graphics card go in?
The graphics card should go in the top PCIe x16 slot, closest to the CPU. This slot is wired to the CPU with the most lanes (x16). Lower slots often run at x4 and reduce performance.
How do you upgrade a graphics card?
You upgrade a graphics card by removing the old card, installing the new card and doing a clean driver install. Before upgrading, check that your CPU will not bottleneck the new GPU (see CPU vs GPU) and compare cards in the GPU performance chart.
How do you check the graphics card is installed correctly?
You check the graphics card is installed correctly in 3 ways:
- Device Manager shows the card under Display adapters with no warning icon.
- GPU-Z shows the correct Bus Interface (PCIe x16, or x8 for some cards).
- Task Manager > Performance shows the GPU, its temperature and VRAM.
Why is there no display after installing a new GPU?
There is no display after installing a new GPU when the monitor is plugged into the motherboard, a PCIe power cable is missing, the card is not fully seated or the BIOS needs an update. Reseat the card using how to reseat a GPU.
FAQ
Do I need to reinstall Windows after changing a graphics card?
No. Install the new driver; reinstalling Windows is not needed.
Can any graphics card fit any motherboard?
Almost. Any modern graphics card fits any PCIe x16 slot, but case size and power supply limit your choice.
Do I need to change the BIOS for a new GPU?
Usually not, but updating the motherboard BIOS helps with very new cards.
Related guides
Wondering whether your motherboard slot will hold the card back? See PCIe 4.0 vs 5.0 for GPUs.
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