Can You Change the Graphics Card in a Laptop

Posted on by Adam Smith
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Graphics card is the component that transmits video data from your laptop display to your screen. YES, it is possible to install the graphics card!

You can change the Graphics card in your laptop. Now the notebooks are upgradable, which is different from before. The laptop hardware used to be very complicated for someone like me who is not a professional. A few years ago, if I wanted to do a small upgrade or repair, I used to take the laptop to the shop.

I am going to tell you a way to change your graphics card that will probably help you.

If you want good video results, you should get a good graphics card. You should not compromise on the quality of the graphics card.

There are two types of graphics cards: PCI and PCI Express. The PCI Express type attaches to your motherboard in a specific compartment made for graphics cards.

The graphics card is one of the easiest hardware installations because it does not require a lot of work.

More information about laptops can be found on the website of “Laptop Outsider.”

You can easily do it by yourself by following the steps.

Step1: Turn off your laptop, unplug it, remove the battery and disconnect any cables or devices.

Step 2: Make sure to take precautions against electric shock.

It can be helpful to take pictures of your laptop before taking it apart. This will help you remember how to put it back together.

Step 3: Unscrew the nails and open the cover. The keyboard cover is opened by unclipping the hinges. (Be careful with the keyboard strip because it is delicate.)

(Editor’s note: Make sure you keep all the screws and the cover in a safe place so you can find them after you finish installing the product.

Step 4: After you remove the keyboard cover, do not hesitate to set the keyboard aside. The keyboard is connected to the laptop with a ribbon connector from the laptop’s logic board. To remove the keyboard, lift it off of the laptop base and set it aside.

Step 5: You will also find the LCD ribbon connector. Gently remove it from its bed. Now your laptop LCD is free from communication.(Editor’s tip: Keep a variety of screwdriver sizes and types, in case you need them.

Step 6: Now unscrew the retaining screw that is securing the heat sink to the logic board. Gently pick it out and put it in a safe place.

Step 7: Unscrew the video card from the logic board. Take out the old video card and keep it aside. Install the new video card by setting it in the video card slot. Now screw back the screw to secure it.

Now put everything back and make sure it is tightly secured.

After you have put the laptop back together, turn it on and make sure that the screen and keyboard work properly. Once you have verified that everything is in good condition, install the new Graphics card software from the CD that came with it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Voila, your new Graphics

Alienware and Asus and MSI laptop Graphic cards:

  • It is easy to change the graphics card on these laptops. You can do it by opening a small cover slot from beneath and following a few easy steps.graphic card
  • Remove the screw that is holding the slot in place. This will depend on the size of your graphics card- you will be able to see the card and the groove that holds it in place.
  • To remove the graphics card from your computer, gently push down or pull on the catch at the end of the PCI-e slot that holds it in place.
  • The old graphics card can be taken out so the new graphics card can be put in.
  • Now that the card is in place, screw the cover back on the slot. Screw it carefully to avoid loose parts.
  • Connect the 6- or 8-pin connectors from the power supply to the power connectors on the new graphics card.

Portable Graphics Card option:

You can also add a graphics card by connecting it through USB. This will give you an average result when playing games.

I do not recommend it for games, but it serves its purpose well.

If you connect this graphics card, you can have an extra graphics output. This means that you can drive an external monitor as well as your laptop’s built-in screen.

If your laptop already has a VGA, Display Port or HDMI output, adding a USB graphics card means you can use an extra screen to help you work. This way, you won’t be limited to just two screens.

Optimizing Graphics card setting:

To get the best use out of your graphics card, follow these instructions.

  • If you want the Graphics card to work well, you should turn off the energy saving option.
  • Do not hotplug the hardware. Turn off the laptop and then connect the Graphics card.

Common model installation configuration:

This is the list of laptops and their specifications.

  • THINKPAD T410/T420/T430:

Some computers have a bios-DISPLAY-graphic device that is INTEGRATED GRAPHICS.

  • Lenovo Y470/G470/Y480/G480:

bios-GRAPHIC DEVICE -UMA, PXE BBOT TO LAN- disabled

  • Acer 4750G/4752G/5750G:

BIOS-GRAPHIC MODE-integrated, NETWORK BOOT- disabled

  • HP8440P/8460P/8470P/envy 14 beats/cq45/ 2730P PTD-7S HP CQ35-219TX:

Insert into the system before Express Card.

  • Lenovo Z470:

Close the WIFI switch.

Can you update the Integrated Graphics card?

You can, but it is a hard job. The integrated graphics card is fixed into the motherboard and cannot be changed. You would have to replace the motherboard if you want to change or improve the graphics card.

In order to replace the card, you need to have a specific configuration of slots on the motherboard in order for the card to be connected properly.

Having a good graphics card makes a big difference in the video quality of your laptop. It is unfair not to have the best option for your computer when it is so easy to have and install in your computer.

The graphics on your computer screen will be much clearer now that you have the right hardware. Make sure to follow these instructions for best results!