This article has been created by members of the Red Team Community and the AMD Community Management Staff.
Installing a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require you to be careful as the GPU is one of the heavier parts of your gaming PC and it has one or more fans that are delicate. The GPU requires separate power cords from the Power Supply Unit (PSU) in addition to the power it receives from the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) socket that it is plugged into on your motherboard. In general, when building a gaming PC, you’ll want to install your GPU last because it can get in the way when you try to install other components or do cable management.
The steps below assume that you are installing a GPU while building a gaming PC. That you are not upgrading/swapping a GPU. And that your system is not plugged into a power outlet.
- Ground yourself! It’s a safety precaution to prevent static electricity from damaging your GPU (and other circuits/components in your gaming PC). Using an anti-static wrist strap will do the trick.
- With your PC case open, and motherboard installed, locate an empty PCI-Express (PCIe) slot on your motherboard where you want to install the GPU. Depending on your motherboard, you may have two or even three empty slots available. If possible, select the slot closest to your CPU.
- Remove the cover plate from the back of the computer case that corresponds to the PCIe slot you have selected. Remove the PCIe contact protector from the bottom of the video card if there is one. In addition, if any, remove the port cover protector cap from the GPU for the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or Display Port (DP) you intend to use.
- Carefully align the GPU with the PCIe slot and firmly press down on the GPU until it is fully seated. The locking latch found at the end of the slot will automatically snap into the notch at the end of the GPU. This is a common feature found in today’s motherboards, allowing for a secure fit. Please note that there is only one locking latch at the end of the PCIe slot. It may have two thumb levers, one on each side, to allow you to reach it with your fingers when trying to release the GPU from the PCIe slot.
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, secure the GPU’s metal retention bracket to your PC case.
- Connect any necessary power cables to the GPU from the PSU. Most GPUs require at least one 6-pin or 8-pin power connector from the power supply. Other, more powerful GPUs require two 8-pin power connections. Note, if you don’t connect the PCIe power cables correctly, your gaming PC will not boot.
The next step is the installation of the Display Driver (AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition), which is covered in this article.
Important notes/tips:
- Before buying and installing the GPU, make sure it will fit! Measure your PC case and the GPU you’re planning to install.
- Make sure your power supply unit (PSU) meets or exceeds the GPU power requirements.
- Install your GPU last. In short, install the CPU along with its cooling system, the memory sticks (RAM), and the SSD M.2 if you have one, on the motherboard. Then install the motherboard in the PC Case. Lastly, install the GPU.
If you have questions or need an opinion or two from the Red Team Community, please be sure to start a new Discussion in the Red Team PC Building sub-forum. Don’t be shy, our community consists of hundreds (if not thousands) of seasoned PC builders! We are here to help you!
A special “Thank you” to @blazek @johnnyenglish @filinux @red5 @jamesc359 @Weber462 @mengelag @BigAl01 @Axxemann @Amber_AMD and world-famous @Wally_AMD for helping me prepare this article!
