How hard is it to change a graphics card?

AssaultRifle · 20 Jul 2010

Okay, so I am not too great with computers, but I am purchasing this computer soon:

Newegg.com - iBUYPOWER Gamer Extreme 551D3 Phenom II X4 965(3.4GHz) 4GB DDR3 500GB ATI Radeon HD 5770 Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

I was wondering, how hard is it to change a graphics card? I am planning on changing the 5770 in this PC to a 5850 soon. Do I just take the card out of the motherboard and put in a new one? Or is it more difficult than that?

Also, does overclocking a GPU void your warrenty?

Davidxtux · 20 Jul 2010

It is very simple. What you do to take out the 5770 you apply in reverse for the 5850.. don't forget to plug in the power cord for the card! As far as overclocking your GPU voiding your warranty... it is a very debatable issue as most manufacturers give you the program to overclock. Though a stable system always runs at stock clocks.

MK2 · 20 Jul 2010

Hi,

I think you need a second six pin pci-e power supply connector for the 5850.
In the specs of the computer you want to buy I see it has a 700w power supply,
so that's strong enough and I think should have several 6 pin connectors but better to check first.

If you have the (latest) drivers installed for the 5770 you can use them for the 5850 also.

Technically if you overclock you will void the warranty but I think it depends on the manufacturer and type of card, but it will be difficult for the manufacturer to prove you overclocked it.

MK2

Reilly · 20 Jul 2010

All you have to do : Open your Side of your case, unscrew and the old card and screw/place in the new one :) Good Luck

Gilly · 20 Jul 2010

Davidxtux said:

It is very simple. What you do to take out the 5770 you apply in reverse for the 5850.. don't forget to plug in the power cord for the card! As far as overclocking your GPU voiding your warranty... it is a very debatable issue as most manufacturers give you the program to overclock. Though a stable system always runs at stock clocks.

it only voids it if you flash the bios of them doesn't it?
and i strongly disagree with ure last comment

Zepher · 20 Jul 2010

Gilly said:

Davidxtux said:

It is very simple. What you do to take out the 5770 you apply in reverse for the 5850.. don't forget to plug in the power cord for the card! As far as overclocking your GPU voiding your warranty... it is a very debatable issue as most manufacturers give you the program to overclock. Though a stable system always runs at stock clocks.

it only voids it if you flash the bios of them doesn't it?
and i strongly disagree with ure last comment

Why would you strongly disagree with the last statement?
You have more chance of instability when you overclock.

And you have to check with your card manufacturer, as some will void your warranty if you damage the card by overclocking it.

thefabe · 20 Jul 2010

It's very easy. Just remember to touch the side of the metal case to make sure you have grounded yourself to avoid any transfer of static to the card or other parts. Handle the card by the edges only, just take your time and be careful and don't force anything.
You'll also most likely find a little clip/tab at the rear end of the PCI-e slot that needs to be moved using your thumb towards the top of the case in order to release the card. This of course after removing either the screw at the back of the case holding it in place or whatever screw less mechanism the case may have come with. Fabe tab at back of PCI-e slot

How hard is it to change a graphics card?-vieo-card-tab.png

Gilly · 20 Jul 2010

Zepher said:

Gilly said:

Davidxtux said:

It is very simple. What you do to take out the 5770 you apply in reverse for the 5850.. don't forget to plug in the power cord for the card! As far as overclocking your GPU voiding your warranty... it is a very debatable issue as most manufacturers give you the program to overclock. Though a stable system always runs at stock clocks.

it only voids it if you flash the bios of them doesn't it?
and i strongly disagree with ure last comment

Why would you strongly disagree with the last statement?
You have more chance of instability when you overclock.

.

he said a stable system always runs @ stock speed
which clearly isnt true

Davidxtux · 20 Jul 2010

Gilly said:

Zepher said:

Gilly said:

it only voids it if you flash the bios of them doesn't it?
and i strongly disagree with ure last comment

Why would you strongly disagree with the last statement?
You have more chance of instability when you overclock.

.

he said a stable system always runs @ stock speed
which clearly isnt true

It is absolutely true. You may achieve a state where the system will not crash but it is far from stable. If the component were to be stable at higher clocks/voltages the manufacturer would have built it as such. A stable system always runs at stock clocks.

Gilly · 20 Jul 2010

Davidxtux said:

Gilly said:

Zepher said:

Why would you strongly disagree with the last statement?
You have more chance of instability when you overclock.

.

he said a stable system always runs @ stock speed
which clearly isnt true

It is absolutely true. You may achieve a state where the system will not crash but it is far from stable. If the component were to be stable at higher clocks/voltages the manufacturer would have built it as such. A stable system always runs at stock clocks.

just because the builders of the components set the speeds to a certain number doesnt mean they cant run at higher speeds STABLE
my 5770's are running
core clock 942 and memory 1350
stock voltages rock solid stable
cpu @3.8 ghz stock voltages passes all cpu stresses i can also get it too 4.0ghz STABLE but needs a hefty voltage boost
so i have a overclocked STABLE SYSTEM