Unlike desktop computer systems, laptops are more closed in terms of replacing hardware. However, some laptop manufacturers allow users to replace certain design parts themselves.
Graphics Cards in Laptops
Each laptop has a built-in graphics adapter that is responsible for displaying images on the device's screen. The graphics card integrated into the laptop cannot be replaced as it is it is an integral part of the motherboard. This was done in order to reduce the footprint and weight of the laptop as a whole. Integrated graphics can also be part of the main processor. Today, such graphics cards are found in laptops in the lower and middle price ranges.
Mid-range and high-end notebooks come with optional discrete graphics cards that shift the load when running applications that require higher graphics performance. Unlike an integrated one, a discrete adapter is a full-fledged removable video card that can be replaced with a newer one or similar to the installed one.
Before replacing, determine if your laptop has a discrete graphics card. Usually discrete video adapters are branded Nvidia or Radeon, depending on the manufacturer of the graphics chip.
Video card replacement procedure
Disconnect the laptop from the mains and remove the battery using the special latches on the case. Then use a small Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the main base cover of the laptop. After removing the cover, the contents of the device will become available to you.
Locate the graphics adapter that is closer to the HDMI port on the laptop, usually on the left side of the motherboard. A heat pipe for cooling must go to the video card, and a special cooling cooler must be installed on top.
Dismantle the cooling system, which is also fastened with screws. Remove the cooler, and then carefully remove the heat cushions, which can also be fixed on special latches or screws.
Removing the cooling system should be done as carefully as possible so as not to damage the graphics chip.
Unscrew the screws that secure the board and carefully remove the video card from the slot. Remove the heat-conducting casing and install it on the new video card in accordance with the location of the device's RAM chips, which should be located along the edges of the board itself.
Apply thermal grease to the graphics chip located in the center of the adapter itself. Install the video card into the video adapter slot, and then reinstall the heat pad and cooling pipes, then install the cooler and close the back cover of the laptop. Connect the battery and AC adapter to the laptop. The installation of the graphics card in the laptop is now complete.
