How to Replace a Video Card in a Laptop

Video Card Replacement in Laptops

When replacing a video card in a laptop, a task that requires a certain amount of technical expertise, it is necessary to break down the entire system. Attached to the motherboard through a designated slot, a video card is an essential external component to a system. Although there are some differences based on the make and model of the laptop, the process to replace a video card is generally the same. This step-to-step process is for a Dell Inspiron laptop.

Instructions

1. Remove the power cord, battery, hard disk, modem, memory chips and the DVD drive.

   Removal of the peripherals requires you to access them from the bottom of the computer. Turn the laptop onto its base.

   While holding the battery-bay latch release, remove the battery from the bay. The battery-bay release is located on the right-hand side, in the center of the base of the machine.

   Remove the hard disk by sliding the hard-disk bay from the laptop. Removing the hard disk requires you to remove the two screws that are securing the hard disk bay, which is located near the top of the base on the left-hand side.

   Removing the modem and memory chips, you need to loosen the screw on the modem module or memory module cover and then remove the cover. To continue, spread the securing clips that are on both sides of the module, used to secure the modem or memory. Remove the modem or memory module when they pop up.

   Remove the DVD drive after the memory modules. There is a lever located inside the memory module compartment. Press this lever in the direction indicated and toward the DVD drive. Once the drive releases, slide the drive out of the bay.

2. Dissipate any static electricity by grounding yourself. Touching an unpainted metal surface of your laptop will satisfy this task.

3. Turn the computer onto its base and remove all the screws.

4. Using a small plastic scribe, remove the power button strip. A flat-head nylon stick, which is similar to a flat-head screwdriver, is an appropriate choice that provides a gentle way to pry the plastic strip loose and prevent you from cracking the plastic.

5. Pry open the cover from the hinges and bottom case.

6. Remove the four screws that secure the keyboard, then pull up the keyboard connector to remove it from the interface connector of the system board. Remove the keyboard from the laptop.

7. Remove the screen, by unplugging the screen cable from the video card inside the laptop. Then, remove the screws from hinges on both sides of the laptop that are securing the screen in place.

8. Remove the top cover by turning it over to remove the five screws holding down the steel plate that covers the video card. Detach the ribbon and remove the steel cover. The video card is now accessible.

9. Remove the video card by unscrewing the three screws that are securing it to the motherboard.

10. Place the new video card in the laptop. Ensure that it is properly seated, then secure it to the motherboard with the three screws.

11. Rebuild your laptop.

References

• "Absolute Beginner's Guide to A+ Certification"; Mark Edward Soper; 2004
• Repair4Laptop: Do-it-Yourself Notebook and Laptop Graphics Card Replacements or Repairings