How to replace your PC GPU — 16 easy steps to upgrade your desktop quickly and easily

1. Check your power supply

Before you uninstall your existing GPU, make sure that your power supply (PSU) can support your new graphics card. If you’ve already researched compatibility while shopping for your GPU, you’re probably good to go — but it never hurts to double-check.

Your PSU needs to meet the wattage requirements of your graphics card. The easiest way to check whether it does is to look up your exact GPU model online, as manufacturers list recommended PSU wattage based on the card's power draw. Keep in mind that the rest of your PC needs to draw power from the same PSU, too, so GPU power requirements don't equal PSU wattage — you'll need headroom to account for your CPU, motherboard, fans, storage, and more.

Next, confirm that your PSU supports the correct power connectors for your new GPU. These are determined by the number of pins on the connector:

2. Other important checks

You've most likely checked this before shopping, but again, before you get rid of your existing GPU, check that the new one will fit with the rest of your system.

This includes:

3. Things to prepare beforehand

Before you open up your PC case and start meddling with its contents, it's important to set the stage and prepare a few things:

1. Uninstall your drivers

Start by uninstalling the drivers for your current graphics card. This gives your new GPU a fresh start and avoids driver conflicts.

You can do this by going into the Device Manager (right-click on the Windows icon on the taskbar and select it). Locate Display adapters, find your GPU in the list, and right-click on it. Next, select Uninstall device. If prompted, delete the driver.

Alternatively, I recommend using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to ensure a completely clean uninstall. For a more thorough cleanup, use it in Safe Mode.

2. Power down your computer and unplug everything

Turn off your PC. Next, flip the power switch on your PSU at the back of your PC to power it down completely.

Unplug all the cables, as well as things like USB hubs or Bluetooth adapters. Be gentle and remember that some of them can't just be yanked out; for example, the Ethernet cable needs to be pressed down on.

3. Open up the side panel

Place your PC on its side on a flat, dust-free, non-static surface. As mentioned previously, the rug won't do the trick — make sure there's something in between your PC and the carpet if you're using one.

Ground yourself, either with an anti-static wrist strap or by touching the metal part of your case with both your hands.

Time to remove the side panel. Depending on your case, this involves unscrewing regular screws or thumbscrews, or in newer cases, simply pressing down on a latch and pulling the side panel off.

4. Check your power connectors

This is just a callback to the previous section.

If you need to verify whether your power connectors align with what your GPU needs, take a look at your power supply, seated somewhere at the bottom of your case. In the above image, the PSU is hidden away in an enclosure at the bottom of the chassis.

Verify whether you've got all the connectors you need for your new GPU. You might need to use an extra PCIe power connector if not, or an adapter if your PSU is older and your GPU is a new Nvidia model from the RTX 40-series or 50-series.

6. Disconnect and unscrew the GPU

Ground yourself again (never hurts to be extra sure) and disconnect everything from your GPU. This mainly means the power connector that leads to the power supply. Press down on the clip (don't force it) and pull the cable straight out.

There might be some more cabling, such as ARGB headers for lighting. Disconnect all of those.

Next, grab your screwdriver and unscrew the GPU from the bracket that it sits in. You'll find all the screws near the back of the case (or in some cases, outside it), close to your display ports.

If you have a magnetic screwdriver, this won't be a problem. If not, a good idea is to start with your screwdriver and finish with your thumb in order to avoid dropping the screws inside the case, which is supremely annoying.

If you're using a large, high‑end GPU like an RTX 5080 or RTX 5090, it may include an anti‑sag bracket or GPU brace. Unscrew this, too — but usually, it can stay in your case. Your next GPU will likely fit into the same bracket.

7. Remove the graphics card

All you need to do now is go right back to that PCIe latch that you found before, somewhere beneath the GPU. It's a small, black piece of plastic.

You'll either need to press it or slide it, depending on the motherboard.

Remember: Don't force it. If the latch isn’t fully released, the GPU won’t budge — and that’s by design to prevent damage.

Be ready to hold up your GPU with your other hand as you'll release it from the PCIe slot.

8. Store your GPU safely

Now is your chance to gently clean off any dust from your old GPU (if you want to). If using compressed air, make sure to hold the fan blades to stop them from spinning, which can damage the bearings.

Put your GPU in an anti-static bag and store it somewhere safe.

1. Plug your new GPU into the PCIe x16 slot

You know what I'm going to say: Ground yourself, yet again, by touching the metal part of your case.

Next, grab your new GPU and line it up with the topmost PCIe x16 slot, and then gently slide it in. You should hear or feel a click once the PCIe latch locks the card firmly in place.

Make sure that you have plenty of room around the graphics card for things like M.2 ports or the power connector. Remember: You shouldn't bend it, as that can end in disaster on some GPUs; the RTX 4090 had a lot of reported cases of the power connector melting due to excessive bending.

2. Screw the GPU in at the rear bracket

With one hand supporting the GPU, begin securing it to the case with the screws at the rear bracket, near the display outputs.

This is the same process as before, but in reverse, where you'll attach the GPU to the motherboard. You'll often have to use one, two, or even more screws, so keep supporting the GPU until it sits safely in the bracket.

If your model came with a dedicated anti-sag brace, now is the time to install it according to the manufacturer's instructions. You'll always do this after installing the graphics card into the PCIe slot first to make sure that the bracket aligns with its position and height.

There are a few different types of support brackets, but they're all fairly similar to install. Slide the bracket in from beneath the back end, opposite the PCIe slot.

The contact point should be under the backplate, not under the fans or PCB components. Some might have adjustable height, so adjust if needed, and secure it properly.

3. Plug the power connectors in

Depending on the graphics card, you might need one to four PCIe power connectors. In the case of newer Nvidia cards, you might also need an adapter to connect your PSU to the 12VHPWR or 12V-2x6 connector on the GPU.

Carefully plug all the required connectors into your graphics card. Be firm but gentle — you should hear or feel a click when each one is fully seated. If using an adapter, plug it into the GPU first, then connect all required PCIe power cables from the PSU into the adapter.

Warning: Avoid bending the adapter cable as much as possible.

4. Close your side panel and plug everything back in

With your GPU firmly in place, it's time to reattach the side panel. Depending on your case, you can just slot it in and leave it like that once it clicks into place, or you may need to deal with screws or thumbscrews.

Next, plug everything back in. Remember to plug your monitor(s) into the GPU and not the motherboard, and don't forget the small bits and bobs, such as USB hubs.

Flip the switch at the back of your PC, and then power your computer back on.

5. Install your new drivers

We're at the finish line. It's time to install your drivers.

The easiest way to do this is to use the proprietary software provided by each GPU manufacturer: