How to install a graphics card in your PC: A beginner's guide (2024)

Installing a new graphics card (GPU) is the single most impactful upgrade you can make to improve the overall gaming performance of a PC. Unfortunately, getting a good graphics card for your PC is also one of the most expensive upgrades you can make.

Still, upgrading your GPU is sometimes necessary, and luckily the installation process is pretty simple. We'll walk you through it step by step.

What you need to know

While installing your graphics card can be an easy process, you will still need to first research whether your new GPU will fit in your PC case, if your PSU has enough power, and if the hardware is compatible with the rest of your PC. Of course, every GPU and PC setup is unique, so you'll have to find the requirements for your particular card and use the information below as a guideline.

• Graphics card dimensions: It's important to check the dimensions of the GPU of your choice to determine if it will fit into your PC case. All PC cases specify the maximum length a GPU can be inside the chassis. Height is also an important consideration and is usually measured in PCIe slots. For example, a three-slot GPU can only fit in a case with at least three PCIe slots at the back, so it's really easy to see at a glance whether a GPU will fit. We still recommend referring to the spec sheet of both the graphics card and the chassis just to be safe.
• Power requirement: Check if your power supply unit (PSU) can handle the GPU's power draw. It's usually the GPU that demands the most power inside a system, so you may need to upgrade the PSU too. We have some recommendations in our collection of the best power supply units if you need options.
• Status of the PC: The computer will need to be turned off by shutting it down, unplugging it, and also flipping the power switch on the power supply off. If your PC already has a graphics card installed, unplug all cables from it and follow the steps in reverse before installing a new card.
• Necessary tools: You'll need a screwdriver to install the graphics card on your PC.

How to install a graphics card

1. Remove the PCIe expansion slot brackets from the back of the PC. These removable strips of metal occupy the space the graphics card will require. Most PCs secure these using screws, but some cheaper cases use temporary, disposable brackets.
2. Locate the PCIe x16 slot on your motherboard. For graphics cards, use the top slot if multiple are present. Make sure the latch is pushed down.

   

   

3. Align the GPU's PCIe connector with the PCIe slot, and push down until the graphics card is firmly in place and the latch on the right-hand side is upright.
4. Once the graphics card is securely installed, you'll notice that the GPU bracket also aligns perfectly with the expansion slot on the chassis. This is when you'll need a screwdriver to screw the rear bracket of the GPU onto the case to fully secure it in place.

   

   

5. Connect the required PSU cables to the graphics card to deliver power. These cables are bundled with the PSU, although some GPUs also come with a required adapter.

   

Now you are ready to game

If you follow these steps, your graphics card should work without any issues. Once everything is in place, all you'll need to do is download the latest drivers for your GPU. These drivers will make sure your GPU operates at full performance and can add useful features with specific drivers and updates.

If you're looking for a new graphics card for your PC, then you can check out our dedicated collection of the best AMD graphics cards and best Nvidia graphics cards if you want to learn more about the available options from each brand.