Your computer’s graphics card isn’t just for gaming. Here’s how to upgrade it.

Want to improve the visual effect of the computer? Upgrading the graphics card is the key! Although the main benefit of upgrading the graphics card is that it can run more powerful games with higher image quality, it can also improve the efficiency of image processing, video editing, and playback of high-definition videos (such as 4K Netflix).

There are a wide range of graphics card upgrade solutions on the market, which is prohibitive. don’t worry! This article will simplify the upgrade process for you and help you make the best choice. Whether you are a veteran player, an ordinary user, a laptop user, a desktop user, a first-time hands-on upgrade or an experienced PC player, you can all Get the information you need.

Review of basic knowledge of graphics cards

The screen displayed on the computer screen is driven by a central processor (CPU) and a graphics processor (GPU). While both perform similar mathematical operations to ensure the computer is running properly, the GPU is slightly different in structure, which specializes in handling the calculations required for high-intensity visual effects. (These computing is also very useful in the fields of cryptocurrency mining and artificial intelligence, which is why graphics card giant Nvidia has entered the field of autonomous vehicles.)

All computers are equipped with CPUs, which in the early days of computing were responsible for handling all graphics (the graphics were very simple at the time) and worked in conjunction with the motherboard. Even today, if you purchased a computer without a graphics card (hardware that includes GPU, dedicated graphics storage space, and on-board heatsink), you can still see the screen on the screen. This is because every computer has the basic function of displaying Windows or macOS operating systems. However, powerful graphics cards can help the CPU calculate the movement of all pixels, providing higher resolution and finer video quality.

In the past, computers could be divided into two categories: one is equipped with independent graphics cards (separated from CPU), and the other is not. Machines without discrete graphics cards use so-called "integrated graphics cards", which means graphics processing power is built into the CPU or motherboard. This situation still exists today, but with the significant improvement in processor performance, the performance of integrated graphics has also improved. Therefore, the importance of independent graphics cards has been reduced, because modern computers equipped with integrated graphics cards are now competent for tasks such as gaming and video editing.

However, discrete graphics cards (also known as "discrete" graphics cards) still provide the best graphics performance. If you want to add a discrete graphics card yourself, the difficulty will vary – this may mean plugging the graphics card into the desktop motherboard or connecting an external graphics card solution via USB. The latter method is slightly slower, but it is easier to install and more convenient. Which method to choose depends on your hands-on ability and the computer itself.

Check computer restrictions

You need to know the options for that particular machine before deciding how to upgrade your computer. For example, if you wish to upgrade your laptop, you will need to plug in an external graphics processor, so make sure the system supports this feature, just like the recent MacBook Pro models. For desktops, you can choose an external processor or install a graphics card – for the latter, you need an extra PCI-Express (also known as PCI-E) slot on a motherboard.

To find out what your computer can handle, check the included documentation or quickly search for the name of the model. If this doesn't work, try contacting the manufacturer or the retailer you purchased it. The merchants selling it may also recommend some upgrade options that you have not considered before.

For more help, please check out the suggestions on the forum. If you ask clear and specific questions, members of communities like Tom’s Hardware and Neowin will not reject your request—especially when you ask clear and specific questions. When you have trouble figuring out what your computer is doing, most users will be happy to help you explain its various upgrade options.

Some additional tips: In addition to drawing power from the motherboard, some high-end graphics cards also need additional connections to the computer's power unit (or PSU). This is not a problem for most modern systems unless you install a very powerful graphics card in a mid-range or compact desktop. To ensure foolproof, you can use this online PSU calculator for a secondary check. Also, be careful not to install high-end graphics cards in old mid-range systems – it will still work, but performance may be degraded if other components in the computer, such as RAM, cannot keep up. If you plan to use a very good graphics card or external GPU with a mid-range computer, keep these bottlenecks in mind. The aforementioned forums can provide useful suggestions.

Lastly, if your computer is getting older and older—for example, you've been using it for at least five years—think about upgrading the entire system, and not limiting changes to graphics. This is a way to avoid bottlenecks, but of course, the cost will be much higher.

Select your hardware

The two giants in the field of computer graphics are Nvidia and AMD. However, many different manufacturers produce graphics chips and graphics cards based on their technology. Ultimately, the ideal graphics card or external GPU that suits you will depend on your computer specifications, operating system, and the type of installation you want to perform.

For example, these high-end graphics cards are ideal for Windows operating systems, while these external processors are best for Mac. Buying guides (such as those in these links) can help you find the right device – just make sure the guide is recent as new graphics cards will be launched regularly.

Once the purchase guide narrows your options, you can further compare graphics cards by looking at the performance benchmarks available online. If you're in a hurry, try using shortcuts to calculate the pros and cons of the various graphics cards or processors you're considering. Because more powerful devices are often more expensive, you can use the price as a rough reference. Another convenient shortcut: decide what you want to do with your computer and start from there. Suppose you're tempted to play a certain game or want to buy VR headsets – check out the recommended graphics specifications and select an upgrade that meets these requirements.

When it comes to specifications, don't be intimidated by the terms related to graphics cards. Here are the key items to consider: onboard memory, memory speed, and clock speed (basically the speed at which the device processes calculations). You can also check the model of the device: Generally speaking, the higher the number, the better.

No exaggeration is that you can spend weeks delving into the graphics configuration carefully, but don't feel like it's a must-have-choose a much less time to choose an upgrade. Check out the latest purchase guides and check out the suggestions on the forum mentioned above and you should be able to find a graphics device that will meet your needs in no time.

Installation Equipment

If you choose an external device, it will be very easy to connect: plug it into a port (depending on the device, maybe USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt), install any software or drivers that come with the hardware bundle, and it's done Now.

Installing a graphics card in a desktop computer requires more work. Before you begin, common rules for working inside your PC apply: Turn off and unplug the machine, remove peripherals such as your mouse and monitor, and carefully remove the side of the chassis to access the motherboard. To avoid static shock, wear an anti-static wristband just in case you touch the metal parts of the chassis or power unit.

Check for existing graphics cards, if found, remove them: Unscrew the screws on the graphics card holder, and then loosen the plastic bracket on the side of the slot. Some graphics cards require separate power to the computer, so if you find one, disconnect it. Remove the graphics card slowly and place it in an anti-static bag or back into the original packaging (you might want to sell it on eBay if it's intact).

Now pick up the new graphics card, secure it to the idle PCI-E slot, and hold the sides of the graphics card with your hands to prevent fingers from touching all circuits. Secure the bracket where needed. You need to screw the new bracket to the chassis and attach it the same way as the old bracket. Then, if the graphics card needs to be connected to the PSU's power supply, continue to connect. Please refer to the provided instructions for additional power connections and check out some additional tips for installation.

Close your PC again, reconnect the monitor to the new graphics card, and reconnect your peripherals. Connect the PSU to a power outlet as before, restart the computer, and then start the operating system. Finally, be sure to download the latest graphics driver for the new component. These drivers are available on Nvidia and AMD websites – just select your graphics card and operating system from the list to find the right driver. These drivers will ensure that your graphics card reaches its full potential.

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