It’s as easy as putting together Lego blocks to connect hardware components GPU to a Motherboard. Simple check to see if the pieces fit, and if they do, place the item there most likely. At least that’s what the majority of knowledgeable PC builders claim. It can be challenging for novice builders to figure out where the hardware components fit in your motherboard.
The graphics card is one component in particular that newcomers struggle with. Before installing the graphics card on your board, you must remove a few components from the CPU case. In most situations, you also need to insert the power cord to the graphics card in addition to screwing it into place.
Prerequisites
When attaching the GPU to your motherboard, not many components are required. The retention bracket for the case can be taken off with just a magnetic screwdriver. A second power line will also be needed for a powerful GPU that can handle large tasks. Therefore, you might have to attach it to the power source.
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How Should the GPU Be Connected to the Motherboard?
Keep the motherboard’s and the graphics card’s user manuals close by in case you have any trouble locating any pieces, even though the techniques listed below will assist you in finding and connecting every component.
Let’s get started straight now, without further ado.
Find the PCIe x16 slot
Let’s first examine the location of the graphics card on your motherboard. Find the longest slot on the motherboard that has two partitions and one or two locks. Two sorts of slots that fit this description are present on every motherboard. The RAM slot is on one side, and the PCIe x16 slot is on the other (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express).
A plastic lock will be present on both sides of the memory or RAM slot, but only on one side of the PCIe x16 slot. Depending on the motherboard, there can be more than one PCIe x16 slot. You are free to use any of the slots as you see fit. However, the PCIe x16 slot supports either eight or sixteen memory lane configurations.
The motherboard transmits and receives data from the graphics card using these lanes as a conduit. The speed at which data is exchanged between the two parties is determined by these lanes. The orientation of the PCIe x16 slot is another important clue that you can use to find it.
The GPU’s HDMI port side should face the back of the CPU case when it is inserted into the PCIe x16 slot. To find the faster lane PCIe x16 slot, please consult the motherboard’s user manual. You can use PCIe x16 with eight memory lane slots if your motherboard does not include a PCIe x16 with sixteen memory lane slots.
Remove the expansion slot cover on the case
You can disregard this method if you are attaching the graphics card to test the motherboard outside the CPU casing. The expansion slot cover for the GPU must first be removed from the motherboard if it has already been installed in the computer case.
Take out of the PC case the expansion slot connected to the PCIe x16 slot. The screw holding this metal bracket in place should be removed. Two of these metal extension brackets may need to be removed if your graphics card is larger. Make sure the screws from the metal bracket are not lost. For the purpose of storing these screws, use a metal tray.
Place the Graphics Card in
Make sure that the wires from other hardware parts don’t touch or impede the GPU’s fans before installing the graphics card.
To insert the GPU, follow the directions listed below
Pulling it outward will unlock the plastic lock on the PCIe x16 slot’s one side. Now place your graphics card in the PCIe slot. Ensure that the GPU’s side with the HDMI port faces the CPU case’s rear. Press the card firmly but gently until you hear it click into place.
Note: If you are experiencing trouble attaching the GPU, make sure the compartments on the PCIe x16 slot are lined up with the spaces on the gold-plated side of your GPU.
Protect the graphics card
Insert the screw into the expansion slot you previously removed to secure the graphics card. Depending on the graphics card you pick, you might have to fasten it with two screws.
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Connect the power cord
While some graphics cards are powered through the PCIe bus, others require a separate power source. To determine whether the GPU requires a separate power supply, please see the user manual for the graphics card. Look for the power supply slot to see whether your graphics card needs a different power source from the PSU. A 6-pin, 8-pin, or 12-pin power connection will be available in the slot.
Look for any ports on the graphics card’s sides. This port is often located on the sides that face the side panel of the CPU casing. Pick up the correct cable from the power supply unit and attach it to the graphics card.
Activate the system
Congratulations! The GPU and motherboard are now successfully linked. Once everything is put together, start the computer and check to see whether the graphics card’s fans are spinning. If it doesn’t, disconnect the GPU’s power cord, re-connect it, and restart the computer.
Connecting the monitor to the motherboard’s HDMI port is a crucial step that most novice PC builders do. Your system will run only on the integrated GPU if you do this. If you connect the monitor to the motherboard, the GPU fan might not run. Therefore, make sure the display port or HDMI on your graphics card is connected to the monitor.
