How to remove your video card and test on board graphics

All pictures provided may differ to your own system configurations and components.

Removing Your Video Card

Some systems but not all may have onboard graphics available, and this may help to determine if the problem is isolated to the video card and not other parts of the system.

1. First, ensure that your PC is not powered on and power is disconnected from the wall.
2. Disconnect the monitor from the graphics card.
3. Remove the computer's side panel to get access to the internal components of the PC.
4. Identify the video card. Figure 1.
   Figure 1
   
   
   • Discreet add-on video cards (graphics card / GPU) are generally large and most of the time have one or more fans attached to it.
5. Unplug any power cables connected to the video card. Figure 2.
   
   Figure 2
6. If you have a dual graphics card setup, remember to remove the SLI bridge. Figure 3.
   
   Figure 3
7. Unscrew the video card from the case (this can be anywhere from 1 to 3 screws depending on how big your video card is). Figure 4.
   
   Figure 4
8. While holding the video card by gripping the middle, carefully press down on the security lock latch on the PCI slot to release the video card from the lock. Figure 5.
   
   Figure 5
   
   
   • It's important not to apply too much force as this may break the latch.
   • Some latches flip out while others need to be pushed down and differ by manufacturer and model. It should unlock easily and the right side of the video card should pop out slightly once released.
   • While still holding the video card, carefully pull it away from the motherboard and keep in mind that the card may be heavier than expected.
9. Carefully place the video card in an anti-static bag, or on top of a cardboard box away from anything electrical.

Testing Onboard Graphics

1. Connect your monitor to any of the available display outputs on the motherboard, located at the back of the computer. Figure 6.
   
   Figure 6
   
   
   Note: Even though your computer's motherboard may have display output such as those shown in Figure 6, they may not be functional if the CPU you are using does not support onboard graphics.
2. Reconnect the power from your computer to the wall outlet.
3. Turn on your computer to see if you are receiving any activity from your computer.
4. If the problem still persists, it may be unrelated to your video card and may perhaps be some other issue.
5. Follow the instruction below in the Reinstalling Your Video Card section below, to reinstall the graphics card you removed earlier.

Reinstalling Your Video Card

Follow these instructions to reinstall a previously removed video card.

1. First, ensure that your PC is not powered on and power is disconnected from the wall.
2. Remove the computer's side panel to get access to the internal components of the PC.
3. While holding the video card by gripping the middle, carefully align the video card with the bracket slot and the PCI slot and push it into place. Figure 7.
   
   Figure 7
   
   
   • You should hear, see and feel the PCI lock snap into place and the bracket should be lined up with the case's screw holes.
4. Place your thumbs on the edge of the graphics card and align them with the ends of the PCI slot on the motherboard and firmly push it towards the motherboard to make sure it is seated properly. Figure 8.
   
   Figure 8
5. Screw the video card bracket to the case. Figure 4.
   
   Figure 4
6. Plug in any power cables connected to the video card. Figure 2.
   
   Figure 2
7. If you have a dual graphics card setup, remember to reattached the SLI bridge to both video cards. Figure 3.
   
   Figure 3
8. Reinstall the computer case's side panel
9. Connect your monitor to any of the available display outputs on the video card, located at the back of the computer.
10. Reconnect the power from your computer to the wall outlet.
11. Turn on your computer to see if you are receiving any activity from your computer.
12. If you are still experiencing problems, please contact a technical support agent.