How easy would it be to install a new GPU myself

[himmatsj]

Just bought the GTX 750 by EVGA on Amazon. Should be here in around 10 days.

Just wondering though...how easy is it to swap out the old one and put in the new one myself?

I have not done this before.

Also, aside from the physical aspect, should it go smoothly software wise?

Just pop in the new GPU, turn on the PC and voila? Or do I need to go into Bios settings and what-not?

 

[JDahl]

I'm a total noob with computers, limited building experience. I swapped out a gtx 560 for a 680, it was super easy. Just pay attention to what your unplugging and put it back int he same way.

May want to watch a few videos, but yeah, its a pretty easy upgrade, and the computer auto detects everything after you reboot. May have to update a driver or something.

My advice assumes that the GTX750 will fit into your case, and is compatible with your motherboard, however.

 

[boyagin]

1) Uninstall your current driver.

2) Shut down your computer, unplug power connectors and HDMI (or dvi) cable which connects to your monitor, take out the GPU from the PCI-E slot.

3) Swap your new EVGA GTX 750 into the PCI-E slot.

4) Plug in your HDMI or DVI-D cable (vga or etc.)

5) Connect the power connectors on the GPU.

6) Boot up your computer, check if your monitor detects the signal.

7) Download latest GTX 750 driver from http://www.geforce.com/drivers

8) Good luck.

Update: Typo

 

[himmatsj]

Yeah I'm not too sure if it fits the case. Regret not finding this out earlier. Also, the EVGA card seems a bit longer than the reference card.

Still, I have quite a big case so I really do hope it's not an issue.

PC = Dell Inspiron 660 Mini Tower

 

[himmatsj]

I'm a total noob with computers, limited building experience. I swapped out a gtx 560 for a 680, it was super easy. Just pay attention to what your unplugging and put it back int he same way.

May want to watch a few videos, but yeah, its a pretty easy upgrade, and the computer auto detects everything after you reboot. May have to update a driver or something.

My advice assumes that the GTX750 will fit into your case, and is compatible with your motherboard, however.

Did you uninstall drivers like the other user says should be done?

 

[AshyCFC]

hi, the GTX 750 you don't need to plug in a power cable for them.

how to install a gtx 750:

choose the one you want.

buy it.

open box.

open pc case(or remove drivers from old card if you've not already)

remove old card if there is one

put GTX 750 in the PCI-E 2.0 or 3.0 slot

plug your hdmi/dvi-d cable from monitor into the 750

close PC case

boot up

install drivers(disc comes with GPU)

check for newer ones(optional)

enjoy your card.


The 750 is a small card, any Micro ATX/ATX case should easily fit it, even a mini-ITX you'll be fine.

 

[JDahl]

Himmatsj,

Yes, the order the other user stated is correct. Don't let all the technical details of the various connectors scare you off. It's really easy. I literally had no build experience and was able to do it back when I did.

Just watch a couple videos 1st, get comfortable with what you need to do, and just be careful. Once again, my advice assumes you are pulling out a card with similar connections. If that is the case, it should be pretty easy.

I am not comfortable giving out technical advice, or step by step instructions, however. But I can say this, if you have no build experience, like I did at that time, it is not hard. Its about as close to "plug and play" as it comes. I would watch a few videos before doing it, at least, just so you know. Be careful about static electricity, and trying to force connections, all connections should require some, but not a lot, of force. If it doesn't appear to fit, take a step back and look at what you are doing.

In layman's terms, what the other poster is saying (basically), after turning off your computer, unplug all devices from your existing card on the back of your computer - essentially your monitor, unplug the power connections from your existing card, pull it out of your machine, put the new one in the same slot, and plug everything back in.

Before you do this, you need to make sure your new card is compatible with your motherboard, that you have enough power, and that it will fit in your case. I just googled your case, and it looks like you have a basic Dell computer. You may not be able to get this card to fit, or have enough power.

I'd verify that before you start pulling stuff apart. PC's are actually pretty easy to build, until something goes wrong.... then you need to have some technical know how to troubleshoot. Something I wouldn't feel comfortable giving out advice on.

 

[AshyCFC]

Here's a good tutorial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9wr_UrEsfc

Also the GTX 750/ti only need to be put in the slot, they don't need power cables putting into them on most models.

 

[himmatsj]

@JDahl, power shouldn't be an issue as the GPU is rated at 55 watts TDP, and works on 300 watts PSUs. In fact, the GTX 750/Ti line was designed specially for this.

But regarding the size, I must do some research, but how do I know if the card can fit or not?

 

[EasyLover]

Dear,

First of all relax. This is what you need to do really.

Installing GPU is rather very easy. When you get your box. Take your time to read the manual enclosed and check all the accessories including the packing.

Follow the steps:

1. Open your side panel or the cover of the case.
2. Unplug the existing graphics card if you have by removing the power connector and unscrewing it.
3. Let the slot take some fresh air
4. Plug in the graphics card in PCIe 3.0 or 2.0 slot with x16 speed. On almost all motherboards this is the first slot right below the CPU.
5. Screw the Graphics card. Don't tight it too much.
6. Connect the six/eight pin power connector from your power suplpy on the top side of the graphics card.
7. Close the cover.
8. Connect your HDMI/VGA cable to the graphics card backside.
8. Start your PC.
9. Install the driver enclosed in the CD or download the latest version from www.geforce.com
10. That's it you are done.

Do watch relevant vids on youtube for better understanding.

Ohhh! by the way, by selecting EVGA you've made a very good choice.

Happy Hunting!