How to install a graphics card (step-by-step)
Installing a desktop GPU is straightforward if you work carefully: power down, discharge static, seat the card fully, connect PSU cables, and only then power on. If you are new to PC building, budget extra time for cable management and BIOS checks.
Before you open the case
Unplug the PSU, press the power button to drain residual power, and work on a non-static surface. Confirm your PSU supports the new card’s power connectors and wattage—see PSU and GPU power.
Seat the card
Remove the appropriate case slot covers, align the GPU with the top PCIe x16 slot per your motherboard manual, and push until the latch clicks. A card that “looks” in can still be partially seated—double check before screwing it down.
Power and display
Connect all required PCIe power leads from the PSU—do not use SATA-to-PCIe adapters for high-power cards. Plug your monitor into the GPU, not the motherboard, when using a discrete card. Boot into Windows and install the latest GPU driver from NVIDIA/AMD/Intel.
After install: shop by brand
On RankedGPU, Brand means the GPU silicon vendor (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel)—the same company whose drivers you install—not the card maker on the box. Use the offers hub Brand filter, or jump in from here:
If something goes wrong
No display, black screen, or power cycling can mean unseated power, over-PSU limits, or a faulty slot. Reseat the GPU, verify cables, and test with one monitor cable first. Persistent errors may need vendor support or a different slot test on a known-good board.
Back to what is a GPU.