How to Replace the Video Card in a Dell Inspiron E1705
A computer's video card plays a major role in the quality of the visuals it can output. Applications such as video and photo editing, gaming and movie viewing can all be enhanced by upgrading an out-of-date video card. Consequently, replacing this component can extend the life of most computers. While many laptop repairs, including changing the video card, require the computer to be almost completely disassembled, with careful attention to detail and planning, you can accomplish this task yourself.
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Instructions
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Power off the computer, then disconnect any cables that may be attached to it, including the power cable. Close the display, and turn the computer face down. Remove the battery by sliding its release switch and lifting it out of the battery bay. Turn the computer back over, and open the display so the screen is at a 180-degree angle to the keyboard.
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Remove the hinge cover, which runs along the top of the keyboard by inserting a flathead screwdriver into the right edge of the cover and prying it free. Gently pull the cover off from right to left, revealing two screws. Remove these, then lift the upper corners of the keyboard and pull it toward the display. Detach the keyboard completely using the pull-tab, which is found underneath the keyboard, and set it aside.
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Turn the computer over, and remove the Mini PCI card cover by loosening its two screws. If there is a Mini PCI card installed, disconnect its antenna cables. Turn the computer back over so the display is facing upward. Unplug the display cable using the pull-tab at the top of the computer’s base, near the center. Remove the four screws that attach the display to the base and lift the display off. If antenna cables are attached to the Mini PCI card, you must pull them through the computer’s base.
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Flip the base of the computer over once more, and remove the single screw near the optical drive, which is to the left of a padlock icon. Use a small screwdriver to depress the metal latch from which you just removed the screw, allowing you to slide the optical drive out of the drive bay. Remove the 11 screws around the outer edge of the computer’s base. Turn the computer right-side up and remove the seven screws from the plate that was previously covered by the keyboard. Disconnect both the touch-pad connector and the LED board connector—which are attached to long gray wires—from the motherboard. Lift the plate off the base of the computer to reveal the motherboard.
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Locate the video card in the upper left corner of the motherboard (you can identify it by the curved length of copper tubing that serves as its heat sink). Remove the four screws that attach the card to the motherboard and lift the card away from the board. Attach the replacement card by lining it up with the conductor and gently pushing down to snap it into place. Tighten the screws on the new video card, and its installation is complete.
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Replace the components in reverse order of how you removed them. Pay special attention to reconnecting the touch-pad and LED board connectors, the display cable and the antenna cables (if there were any) for the Mini PCI card. Do not reconnect the battery and power cables until you are sure you have reassembled the computer correctly.
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Tips & Warnings
To ensure the safety of any component removed from the computer, place it in an anti-static bag.
Performing your own maintenance on a computer that is under warranty may void the computer's warranty.
