Among all the other PC components, the Graphics unit (GPU) is the most expensive component that empowers a rig to perform higher-resolution tasks. Dealing with such an expensive section creates anxiety about damage.

Some simple steps can eradicate your hesitation about removing a Graphics card from the motherboard, which I’ll explain in this article.

So let’s dive into it without skipping any steps.

Is it Safe to Remove Graphics Card from the Motherboard?

Since Graphics Card is expensive among all components, safety is crucial if you deal with them physically. Holding, pulling, twisting, and unlocking the Graphics unit from a motherboard is tricky enough that even tiny mistakes can damage your other components.

Thus certain aspects must be considered before you follow the guide. Make sure of some noticeable mistakes or misconceptions you might need clarification on within the precaution section.

You must satisfy these conditions to keep you and your GPU from damage.

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How to Remove Graphics Card Step by Step

Fortunately, the mechanism for removing the GPU is universal for any motherboard if you haven’t installed any additional mount system. The PCI-E x16 slot is the sole mounting point on which you can install a Graphics Card directly.

Then again, if you use a riser for the Vertical Mount of the GPU, then you should have an extension cable connecting the GPU to the mainboard.

Follow these steps wisely to remove your Graphics Card from the motherboard:

• Unplug HDMI, DP, DVI, and VGA ports from the PC.
• Detach All rare IO ports if needed.
• Unscrew the side panel of the Chassis and slide it open.
• Unplug whether the 6-pin / 6+2-pin / 8-pin / or 12-pin power input your GPU has. Some GPUs don’t need additive power, except power from a PCIe slot.
• Unscrew the GPU rare OI shaft attached to the back of your chassis. (Riser users will find their GPU screwed on a vertical position)
• Locate the GPU Retention Clip at the end of the PCI-E x16 slot.
  
• Give a little push on the protruding part of the PCI-E x16 slot to unlock the latch from the motherboard.
• Use assistance to clean the space around the GPU if you have tangled wires above it.
• Hold the Graphics Card at the mid-point carefully.
• Pull it out gently from the cabinet of the PC.
• Keep The Graphics Unit in a clean Anti-static poly bag.

This is how you can extract your graphics Unit from your PC without sticking it or leaving no damage.

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Can I Remove Every GPU From My Rig?

There are two types of GPU implementation often seen in Desktop computers. A processor, called APU, comes with integrated graphics within the chip die. GPU is not another component for such PCs that use APUs or iGPUs.

Despite that, other Desktop computers with GPU have a separate component installed in a PCI-E x16 slot.

So, you can not remove GPU from your Desktop computer if you use APU.

Laptop users can’t remove their GPU either because the manufacturers integrate GPU on the motherboard that comes with laptops.

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When Should you Remove your GPU?

You need to remove the Graphics adapter from your PC in several situations. In case you are wondering when you really need your graphics unit out of your PC, I discussed some of them.

Here are the circumstances when you’d consider removing the GPU unit from the PC:

Upgrade

This is one of the obvious reasons you need to take off the GPU from your PC. Demand for high graphics games is rising horribly; GPU manufacturers often release new generation Graphics processors. Game Engines are also raising their requirement, that you have no choice but to buy a new GPU.

Those reasons might urge you to dismantle your old GPU to install a new one.

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Transportation

As I mentioned earlier, that you could only remove graphic units from desktop computer laptops isn’t the concern here.

Though Desktop transportation is rare, if you ought to transport your Desktop, it’s better to isolate the GPU before moving your PC. GPU can easily be breakable from above connecting pins when flocking vertically.

This possibility of the flock is pretty obvious; you must carry your graphics card separately to avoid the loss of such an expensive component.

Cleaning

Computer Rigs are often cooled by fans that stink of dust, even though you have a dust filter. So, Cleaning the Graphics Card with the entire PC gives a thrust on performance, persuading users to squeeze out more performance.

This could be a reason for disconnecting GPU from the motherboard.

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FAQs

Is removing a graphics card easy?

Detaching a Graphics card is a bit tricky, but it’s safe if you follow a proper guide and don’t miss any cautious advice.

Do I need to uninstall GPU Driver while removing Graphics Card?

If upgrading your graphics card to a newer one or any different one, you need to uninstall your old GPU driver. Or else, if you are just up to cleaning and want to put GPU back on the system, you don’t need to uninstall Driver.

Can I use my PC without Graphis Card?

You can run your PC without a dedicated graphics card if your CPU comes with iGPU like Intels’ UHD graphics and AMDs’ Radeon graphics.

What screwdriver for GPU?

Phillips/Crosshead screwdriver is a commonly found screwdriver on most electronic devices. GPU comes with the same screws too.

Final Thought

Having a GPU on your system demands you to maintain and clean it as the GPU heatsink catches dust over time, so you better learn to do it yourself. With the proper instruction and prudent advice, you can do it skillfully like a professional.

Remember to comment whether you find this helpful article or if more information needs to be added.