Graphics Card (GPU) Removal/Reseat/Replace Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Symptoms
• Video Guide
• Written Guide
• Tips & Tricks
• Diagnostics

Symptoms

Let's start with the various symptoms that may lead you to needing to do the below process.

This could include:

No video / display when the PC starts up

No POST (Power on self test) when switched on

Any kinds of graphical glitches (i.e. odd occurrences on screen like green lines or red dots etc)

Nvidia or AMD driver crashing or being reset during use

Black / blank screens during use or temporary loss of display

Random reboots / restarts of the system

Video Guide

Here is an example YouTube video showing the process. It is not our video and it's a little old but some people might find it easier to see someone doing it rather than reading a guide: https://youtu.be/DLxNPBQBfT8?t=1m22s 

Written Guide

1. Shutdown the PC and unplug it from the mains power and unplug any connected monitors
2. Remove the side panel to gain access to the main chamber of the case
3. Remove the screws retaining the graphics card
4. Release the PCIe motherboard retention clip
5. Lift the graphics card out of the slot
6. Remove the power cables from the graphics card

Tips & Tricks

Section 2

More often than not the 'main chamber' is accessed from the 'left' hand side panel when looking at the system from the front for most 'tower' chassis. If you have a 'cube' style chassis check the case manual provided in your accessories box or look online on the case manufactures website.

Often side panels have retention screws - these will typically be either 2 screws at the back of the system on that side or with the newer glass style panels it may be 4 screws around the corners of the glass. Again refer to the manual for further instructions.

Section 3

The screws retaining the graphics card can be located sometimes inside the system and in other cases on the exterior and may have additional retention mechanisms. Here are some example pictures:

Section 4

This is often one of the hardest parts to locate 

Examples of where your monitor can be plugged into.

Red = IGP Display Ports (for diagnostics)

Green = GPU Display Ports

Diagnostics

The use of the process above can be for multiple purposes but mostly we're attempting to confirm that there is a fault with the graphics card, or hopefully resolve the issues with the graphics card.

Things to try:

Remove and reseat the graphics card back into its slot

If the problem persists:

Remove the graphics card and try using the motherboard display ports (the IGP - Integrated Graphics Processor) instead - please note not all systems have IGP's

Result Scenario's:

1. Removing and reseating works and the graphics card is fine = happy days, just a glitch
2. Removing and reseating doesn't work but IGP does = usually a confirmed graphics card fault
3. Removing and reseating doesn't work and IGP also doesn't work = problem lies elsewhere - contact support for next steps
4. Removing and reseating doesn't work and No IGP present = contact us to arrange an RMA Return for further diagnostics at our factory