How to Change a Laptop Video Card
Laptop computers offer mobility and easy transport, but unfortunately they are much harder to upgrade than desktops because of their small size and specialized, proprietary parts. Most laptops are not meant to be gaming machines, so if you want a higher-end video card to run a graphics intensive program you may have to upgrade it on your own.
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Instructions
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Unplug the power cable from the side of the laptop. Flip the laptop over and pull back the battery release latch. Pull the battery out of the laptop and set it aside.
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2
Open the laptop so that the screen is up. Check the top plastic plate that meets with the screen and see if it has any screws. Remove the screws if it has any or instead place a flathead screwdriver into the seam between the top plate and the larger plastic piece surrounding the keyboard. Wiggle the screwdriver slowly and carefully to pop the top plate loose.
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3
Pull out the small cable that is attached from the top plate to the motherboard and set the plate aside.
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4
Remove the screws holding the keyboard in place and then pull the keyboard off gently. Unplug the cable connecting the keyboard to the motherboard.
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5
Take off the screws that are holding the video card in place and then pull it off the motherboard. Set the replacement card in its place and then reconnect the screws.
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Reconnect the keyboard to the motherboard and then set it back into place. Put the keyboard screws back on and then replace the top plate. Pop the battery back into the laptop and then power it on to ensure the graphics card was installed correctly.
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Tips & Warnings
Some laptops have their components soldered directly on the motherboard instead of using screws. If this is the case with your laptop you cannot change the video card without buying a new laptop.
Resources
- Photo Credit GeForce, Dell
