Self HelpBoise Computer Care

Gaming PCs

Upgrading a GPU: what to check first

Before you upgrade a graphics card: check fit, power supply wattage and connectors, CPU pairing, and do a clean driver install.

Difficulty
Medium
Time
30-60 min
Steps
6
Updated

Sounds like this?

  • Planning a graphics card upgrade
  • Not sure the new card fits
  • Worried about the power supply

Step by step

  1. Check card length, height and slot width against your case's specs.
  2. Check the PSU: wattage (meet the card maker's recommendation) and connectors (8-pin PCIe or 16-pin). Avoid daisy-chaining a single cable for high-power cards if the PSU maker advises separate cables.
  3. Check your CPU. A much faster GPU paired with an older CPU may be CPU-limited.
  4. Check the slot: a full-size PCIe x16 slot. Older PCIe versions work but may cost a little performance with some cards.
  5. Uninstall the old driver (Settings › Apps), install the card, then install the newest driver from the maker.
  6. Plug monitors into the new card and set the refresh rate in Windows display settings.

Related error codes & messages

Quick answers

When should I stop and get professional help with "Upgrading a GPU: what to check first"?

Stop and get help if: The PSU is too small or lacks the right connectors. The PC won't post or shows no display after the swap. Any melted or discolored connector. Boise Computer Care can diagnose it for a $60 fee; call 208-996-3508.

How long does this fix take and how hard is it?

Plan on 30-60 min. Difficulty: Medium.

Is it safe to try this myself?

Mostly, if you follow these precautions: Shut down, switch off the PSU and unplug before installing. Ground yourself on the case. Plug 16-pin (12VHPWR/12V-2x6) connectors in fully, with no sharp bends near the plug.

Which error messages or codes does this guide cover?

No display after GPU install, Code 43.

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