Are you frustrated by your laptop’s recurrent stuttering or freezing when playing high-resolution videos or a games with high-quality? It could be that the notebook’s Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is not performing as it should and is in need of an upgrade.
How to Replace Your Laptop’s Graphics Card Using an Upgrade
A variety of factors are at play before you are able to make an possibility. Manufacturers have built integrated GPUs into their systems without taking into consideration the necessity to upgrade. This is the reason why putting the latest integrated graphics card on the majority of laptops is a challenge.
Consider a few of these questions prior to trying this method. Are there enough space on your motherboard to hold an upgrade to your graphics card? This is essential because laptops are made to be slim and sleek. As opposed to desktops, laptops are not made to accommodate upgrade or hardware modifications in the laptop, and many laptops are not able to allow for an upgrade of the GPU.
Second ask yourself if the CPU is fast enough to support the GPU upgrade? If you’re running an older model CPU, the new graphics card might not be able to run as smoothly. Another important question to ask yourself is will your laptop be able to handle the power requirements of the latest GPU? Graphics cards need a lot of power in order to boost the graphics.
Make sure that your laptop is equipped with enough power and sufficient power connectors to support the latest graphic card.
If you’ve looked at all these options and your laptop is in line with the specifications, then follow these steps to install an upgraded graphics card.
- Remove the old driver for graphics. This step is not necessary when your new drivers are similar to the model.
- Shut down your laptop.
- Unplug the notebook’s front paneland unplug all essential cablesincluding that monitor cable.
- Find the graphic cardand remove back the rear plateholding it down.
- Unlock the clip that affixes your graphic card to the PCI Express slot.
- Removing your graphic card from the slot.
- Place your brand new card into the slot, and ensure that the clip is secured to the slot.
- Secure in the Back plate into the correct position.
- Make sure you connect your Power connectors to the new graphics card.
- Connect your panels on the sidesand all of the connected cables.
- Turn on your laptop and install the proper graphics driver..
How to Make Use of an External GPU
If you’re in love with your laptop, but you want to make use of it to play top-quality games, it’s best to purchase an additional GPU. While the external GPU box isn’t a particularly mobility-friendly option, you can make use of your laptop for everyday activities when you’re away from the house , and then use the external GPU in your home when you need to.
For connecting the laptop to an external graphics card Follow the steps below.
- Make sure your computer ensures that it is USB C Thunderbolt 3-compatible.
- Install the new GPUin an external box for GPU.
- The the power cable directly to your outside graphics cardand connect the source of power to it.
- Attach the Thunderbolt cable to an outside device directly to your Thunderbolt 3.0port on your laptop.
- Install and download the most current software to your GPU externally on the official site of the manufacturer.
- Get and install the most current drivers for graphics on your computer.
Why you should buy a new laptop
If you’re looking to make a decision one based on performance and not have a the emotional connection to your laptop purchasing an fresh laptop is the best option. It is impossible to upgrade your laptop’s graphics card with a much better one and expect it to function effectively. Even if there’s enough room within your motherboard your CPU may not be able to accommodate an GPU upgrade.
External GPUs are an ideal alternative. If you require an GPU upgrade to play games or for high-resolution video or image editing, you are able to connect an external GPU whenever you need. But, your laptop needs to be Thunderbolt 3 compatible before you can connect an external graphics card.
Furthermore the external GPU won’t provide the same level of performance like an internal graphic card that has the exact specifications. Also, there isn’t any significant improvement in performance even if you connect an external GPU, if you’re not running a laptop with high-end specs.
External GPUs are also costly. If you take into account the cost of an external GPU box, and an upgraded graphic card that you add to the box you may discover that it’s better to spend your money on a new laptop.
If you opt to purchase a new laptop opt for one with enough power to meet all your requirements.
Summary
You must think about various factors before you choose the best method to upgrade the GPU of your laptop. Removing the graphics card in your laptop is virtually impossible because of space and compatibility issues. It’s also not a guarantee of the same performance.
A second external GPU might solve your issue but it has some issues. You should consider the cost and the portability of your laptop, compatibility with laptops and more. If your requirements for GPU exceed the capacity of the laptop you currently have It would be ideal to think about purchasing an entirely new laptop that has a more powerful GPU.
