Removing a graphics card (noob alert)

[Dayve]

Hi all, sorry if this is in the wrong section, feel free to move it if it is :yes:

Unfortunately my graphics card has recently died just under a year since I bought my PC. I paid the extra for 1-year warranty which runs out on the 5th of this month (3 days from now). First of all for a few days when I was playing a game after 10 minutes the screen would go black or blue and it would say "no signal" and the fans would spin so fast it sounded like my PC was trying to achieve flight. Then after a few days I was playing World of Warcraft it went black and no signal after 10 minutes except this time when I turned it back on the screen has all psychadelic colourful shapes all over it. Pretty sure this means dead graphics card.

I contacted PCS and they said to remove the card and send it to them but I'm a complete hardware noob and I need some help. Three things I need to know:

1. Do I just pull the graphics card out or are there some mechanisms holding it in?
2. Do I just send the actual card or do I need to send any other bits and bobs? I have all bits and bobs in my welcome pack.
3. Will a single padded envelope be safe enough to send the card?

Thanks all!

 

[keynes]

1-there should be some screws holding it to the motherboard/case, make sure you ground yourself
2-just the gpu unless they have requested something else
3- I would use a box and some sort of anti static wrapping

 

[steaky360]

Removing a graphics card is pretty easy so you'll have no problems once you give it a shot

Before doing anything, turn off the PC and unplug it. Ground yourself (using a static wrist strap or similar, or touching a bare metal part of your case while the PSU is still plugged into the wall (power/plug switched off though) and open up your case to get access to the innards.

1. - There will be at least one screw at the back of the case holding the graphics card over the slots on the case. There will also be some kind of lever (or similar) on the motherboard holding the PCIe connector into the slot. Obviously you should remove all of the PSU cables from the graphics card before attempting to remove it.

2. - Shouldn't need to send anything else back

3. - As Keynes suggested I'd use a box if you can, an anti-static bag and some bubble wrap / packing peanuts (or some packaging material) etc.

 

[nathanjrb]

Don't listen to those guys.

1) Cut all connecting wires with scissors.
2) Take a small chisel and chip away at the bottom of the PCB where it connects to the motherboard until it prys loose.

 

[Dayve]

I've taken out all screws, popped that little plastic clip. The graphics cardcomes out of the slot but the metal things at the back are stopping it from being taken out entirely. What do I do? It's the part that pokes out the back of the case where you plug your monitor in.

 

[keynes]

The metal bracket should become loose once you take the screws.

 

[Dayve]

It's loose but it's stuck.

 

[samcol]

I did this very recently...

1: Remember to ground yourself(easiest way by touching a metal part fo the case with PSU plugged in). Turn off power, and remove all cables connected to the GPU. Remove the 1/2 screws holding the GPU to the case.remove the Sata cables form the GPU (some of the connecters with a clip require some force but they're pretty sturdy and you should have spares in your Welcome Pack. There should be a small lever where the graphics card slots in to the PCIE Slot - push this down towards the motherboard. Pull your graphics Card out, ensure you have a good grip around it and don't pull on any of the flimsier parts.

2: Just the card.

3: I went to the extent of bomb-proofing a box to send out, but when I had a replacement Graphics Card sent to me, PC Specialist supplied the courier with a Pink Case with a padded interior. The GPU went in there as it was, with no Anti-Static wrapping. I called up PC Specialist to tell them the courier wanted it like that and they said the pink case is their's. If it goes in there it's fine and you won't be charged if it is damaged (because it looked like it had plenty of room to move!), though I would prepare a box to send just in case.

If you still unsure how to remove a Graphics Card the best thing to do is check out Youtube or Google.
Other that than give PCS a call, and they'll talk you through.

 

[nathanjrb]

Where exactly is it stuck? At the bottom near the motherboard? There shouldn't be a screw there, it should just come out - but don't force it if it's really jammed. Double check the clip which is holding it to the mobo is fully released (just push down on it)

EDIT: You may need to pull the card slightly away from the back of the case to stop the ports obstructing the removal, once it is out of the socket.

 

[samcol]

Get a light on it, probably just needs a wriggle. As long as you ground yourself you shouldn't damage anything.

 

[Dayve]

Nah, this is completely and utterly stuck. Looks like something has been forced in or cross-threaded when it was being built or something because it just will not come out.

 

[nathanjrb]

Hmm OK. Well best leave it then, don't want to damage it. If you can't remove it, it will most likely have to all be sent back to PCS. Alternatively you can give them a call and they could try and talk you through it - that way if you break anything you shouldn't be at fault.

Are you able to take a picture and upload for us to see where exactly it is stuck?

 

[Dayve]

Done it! All the Youtube videos and guides said 1-2 screws but I had to take out 5 different screws!

And the offending screw was nowhere near the graphics card!

Conspiracy to make my life harder is what this was. It's hard enough trying to get a graphics card out when you had major stomach surgery 3 days ago but when there are secret conspiratorial screws hindering you...

 

[nathanjrb]

Glad you managed it! Best of luck with your recovery!!!