How to Upgrade the Graphics Card on a Laptop With an Integrated Card

Updated drivers can improve the performance of a laptop graphics card.

Most newer model laptops have an integrated graphics card. This means the graphics card is built in to the motherboard and cannot be replaced unless you replace the entire motherboard. However, it is still possible to upgrade the video capability on your laptop without resorting to this extreme measure. Graphics card manufacturers publish updated drivers for their products from time to time. A driver is software code that allows the computer to control the graphics card, and an updated driver will often result in better performance of the graphics card. Drivers are free and can be easily downloaded from the Internet.

Instructions

1. Open a browser and navigate to the website of your graphics card manufacturer. For example, if you have an Nvidia graphics card, go to the Nvidia website using the link in the Resources section. If you don't know who made your video card but you know the brand and model or your computer, navigate to the website of the computer maker. For example, if you have an HP, go to the HP website.

2. Go to the support section of the manufacturer's website and locate the download page listing the drivers for your particular graphics card.

3. Download and install any driver updates available for your graphics card. These drivers typically will be labeled "video" or "graphics" driver updates.

4. Reboot your computer after you have finished installing the updated drivers. The new drivers should enhance the performance of the integrated graphics card on your laptop.

References

• HP Support: Drivers
• Dell Support: Drivers
• Gateway Support: Drivers

Resources

• Nvidia: Driver Downloads
• AMD: Driver Downloads