Is installing a graphics card difficult?

[Soras Memories]

Lately, I've been thinking about saving up some money to get a better graphics card so that my games will perform better; however, I'm concerned that if I install one myself I may screw up a step and ruin my computer.

In your professional opinion, is installing a graphics card difficult?

Somehow, I imagine a "tech guy" would charge me a ridiculous price. I especially wouldn't want to pay someone to do something I can do myself....

I also want to know how long a lifespan graphics cards have? I'd like to hope that if I do buy a new card, I can place it on my new computer(s) in the future.

[Hanomaly]

Installing a graphic card is easy, (in my opinion) second only to changing out ram. You could watch a youtube to see how it's done, if it seems too scary still.. you could possibly ask a friend (or parent, or child, depending on your age)?

i have no idea what the lifespan on them is, i never keep a graphic card for over 4 years, i upgrade more frequently than that (though they are all still working when i do the upgrade).

[trashpanda]

I'm not a professional, but I built my PC. Installing the Graphics Card was one of the easiest steps. The only thing that might be tricky is getting a card that is compatible with your motherboard, so find that out first before you buy anything. Once you've bought you card, just follow the directions that come with it. Like Hanomaly said, you can always go on youtube and look up some videos or ask a friend to so it.

[edesignspl]

It's extremely easy. If you can plug a power cord in to a wall socket you're over halfway there :) This is a bit long but I wanted to be mostly detailed. It's not as complicated as the length makes it look. Summary at the end.

Shut down your computer, turn the power supply off, disconnect the power cable from the power supply. Lay computer on it's side on a table (NOT the carpet, risk of static build-up, I've done it but not recommended especially to a rookie) and open up the side panel giving you access to the top of the motherboard (usually the left side looking at it from the front). Might have to remove some screws in the back or elsewhere but they're not hidden.

Before touching anything take a few simple precautions especially if you live in a warm, dry environment that is great for creating static electricity. I will either put on my shoes or stand on something non-conductive (i've even stood in a laundry basket lol) and then ground myself on the computer case simply by touching it. That will discharge any built up static just like when you touch a doorknob and you'll be fine so long as you stay on the nonconductive surface or don't move your feet. I haven't always done this, even done it in socks on carpet but took care to NOT move my feet.

Video card slot is towards the rear of the computer about halfway down. You'll see your existing card. Heck, you can do this just to take a look and see if you want to attempt it but it's truly very simply. Unplug the power connector(s) on the video card.

There should be a push tab on the GPU slot that locks the card in the slot so disengage it (usually push) while using the other hand to partially remove the card (so that when you let go of the tab it doesn't lock back in). Don't forget to remove the retaining screw on the rear of the case near where you plug your video cable in that keeps the card from "sagging".

Remove the card and set aside on a nonconductive surface. Installation of the new card is just the opposite. Push it in to the slot until you hear a click or the tab locks it in to place. Screw the retaining screw back in to hold the card "up". Plug in the power cables again. Put the computer upright, leave the side off, plug the power cable back in, turn the power supply on, boot up computer. I'll assume you know how to install drivers :) Once you're sure everything is good to go you can put the side back on the computer and enjoy!

One caveat I want to mention since I'm not familiar with the NVIDIA 600 series, 760, 770, or the 900's and no AMD's is that some cards require 6 pin power connectors and some require 8. My 780 Lightning requires two 8 pins. So, it's also worth opening the case to see what power connectors you have available from your power supply. Although, replacing a power supply is pretty cheap and relatively easy as well (routing the cables is the hard part).

SUMMARY
------------------------------------
Turn off 'puter and PSU
Unplug PSU
Remove side of case
Ground yourself and take precautions to not build up static electricity
Unplug GPU power cables
Unscrew retaining screw
Push tab and pull card out of slot
Put new card in slot and repeat steps in reverse order

[edesignspl]

The longest I've kept a card and used it daily was about three years and it was still running just fine. Use compressed air to blow air out of the fan and heatsink from time to time like you do with the CPU/PSU and provided you don't OC it and blow it up it should last you a long time.

GPU's are one of the best upgrades you can make to a computer. Well worth the money. Once you realize how easy it is to install stuff in a computer you'll soon find yourself building your own :)

[Soras Memories]

Thanks for your responses everyone. It definitely makes me feel a lot better about installing one. It seems that the worst that can happen is that I don't place it in there properly.

My motherboard should be able to sense it on its own, then? Or do these come with discs to install software?

I hope I don't sound too naive, but is there a website of some sort that does reviews of graphics cards? I mainly play The Sims 3 and Skyrim on my PC. Those would be the largest games I have at the moment. I definitely want to find a card that will support those and anything similar to those that I may get in the future... At the same time, I hope it won't cost me an arm and a leg.

[Kesac]

The Hardware forum may be a better place to post this but..

The biggest thing you need to worry about actually is your power supply not having enough power to power the new video card.

As for life span, I generally replace then in 3-year increments -- beyond 3 years it will become outdated generally.

[edesignspl]

You're welcome forsakensora. Yes, the board and OS will detect it automatically. It will come with a CD with the driver as well as a GPU control panel that will allow you to adjust fan speed, voltage, etc if you so desire. Probably a few other things as well. You can also check the mfr website for newer drivers.

Your best bet is to figure out roughly which card(s) you want and then look for tech reviews. Techpowerup, guru3d, hardwarecanucks, tweaktown...I use those and others. I generally read as much as I can from various sites and see if anyone has discrepancies; if so I'll try to figure out why.

You'll be just fine with a 700 series card but definitely get the best one that you can afford. It may be a bit extra up front but you will be able to wait longer between upgrades. I don't know much about the 900's but can't go wrong there either. I know little about AMD's but there's plenty of info out there for you to research. Good luck!

Good point Kesac about PSU size and tech lifespan vs operational lifespan. To expand on the PSU size, the mfr will recommend a certain size like say a 500W but that's for the entire system, assuming "normal" components and use, not just the card. The tech reviews will give you a good idea of the power draw to help you size one.

Absolutely do NOT cheap out on one if you wind up needing a larger one. A poor quality power supply can potentially destroy your computer if it dies a horrible enough death. Check tech review sites and see if any measure the output ripple (variation in output voltage) and noise. Lower the better.

EDIT: also, since PSU's are so cheap get the biggest you can afford as well. I would venture that if you're not OC'ing you'll be fine with no larger than about an 800W PSU and even that's probably overkill. But with this component you're much better off going too big and the price difference really is minimal. Look for a PSU with modular cables, helps keep the wiring tidy as you only plug in the cables you need.