How to remove your Graphics Card

All pictures provided may differ from 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. (See 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.