Computer components have differences, and in order to replace or repair them, you need to know the basics. Where the video card is located is one of the common questions. Before answering it, you need to understand the device.
The graphics module is used in all types of PCs and laptops. With it, the incoming signal is converted into an image. Previously, when the first production computers appeared, they used an integrated graphics card. This meant that the module was soldered to the device’s motherboard. The same thing happened with laptops. At the moment, the situation has changed, and now these are removable components that can be replaced independently if necessary. The article will address the issue of where the video card is located, as well as information on replacing the module. It should be noted immediately that the replacement in most laptop models is not carried out due to the location of the chips.
Location in the system unit
Answering the question where the video card is located, you should first deal with the general device of the PC. This will allow you to quickly navigate the components. The system unit has the form of a box, inside of which various electronic and digital elements are located.
In order to find video cards, you must first remove the side cover of the device. After that, all microcircuits will become available. The modules are mounted on the main card - the motherboard. Finding a graphics card here is quite simple. It is located at the bottom of the board, closer to the back of the case.
Such a module is installed perpendicular to the main wall of the PC in a horizontal position. Depending on the modification of the device, two boards can be installed at once. Now you know where the video card is in the computer.
Laptop location
With a laptop, the situation is more difficult. By design, this device is more complicated. When considering where the video card is located in a laptop, it is important to understand that such a module can be fully integrated. It should be noted right away that basically the models until 2010 do not have the ability to replace the video card. Therefore, it was fully integrated. If the model is younger than 2010, it is possible to replace it.
As in the case of a PC, you need to disassemble the laptop in order to access internal components. To do this, unscrew the bottom cover of the device. After that, users will see a common board on which the central processor is located in the middle. The video card will be in the form of a rectangular circuit with a length of not more than 10 cm. It will be inserted into the cable to the right of the processor or immediately below it.
What is the difference between a GPU graphics module
In the question of where the video card is located, it is important to distinguish between board types. Today they are presented in several versions. Technically speaking, a GPU, or GPU, is a physical silicon enclosure (silicon chip or “chip” on a substrate) that is installed on a video card at the factory. Many builders and manufacturers will use the GPU and graphics card interchangeably. There is a technical difference between them, but they can complement or partially replace each other's functions.
For example, a graphics card may be a GTX 960, but its GPU will be GM206 (Maxwell GPU, Model 206). Another example would be the R9 Fury X, whose GPU is a Fiji chip. Schemes and names of GPUs, as a rule, refer to their subsequent "architectures", or to a specific generation of development installed by AMD or nVidia.
Features of the built-in adapter
If we consider the integrated video cards, then at the moment there are architectures that go together with the central processors. Intelligent CPU systems allow you to process streaming signals and convert them to the necessary data streams, including video formats.
How to install
Almost all boards are installed the same way. Having dealt with the definition of the module, you now need to decide how to install the new video card on the computer. Here are just a few actions.
Installing a video card is one of the easiest aspects of the assembly. Unlike installing a CPU, the module does not have the same type of brittle (and easily bent) pins in its socket. Before starting, for clarity, a technical distinction is necessary.
If your motherboard has multiple PCI Express (PCI-e) slots and you are considering a device configuration with multiple GPUs or multiple PCIe, refer to the motherboard manual to determine which slots are ideal for your specific device range. Some boards “multiplex” PCI-e lines using special microcircuits (called PEX / PLX slots) to improve device performance. In this case, you will want to make sure that you fully use this option.
Determine how many expansion slots the graphics card occupies. You can do this by inserting the card into the PCI Express (PCI-e) slot on the motherboard. The most common size is two slots, but some cards take "2.5" (or even three, although this is extremely rare). Younger devices can only occupy one expansion slot.
Remove the screws holding the expansion slot in place. Remove the expansion compartment covers. They are functionally useless unless for some reason you need to repack.
Align the PCI-e pins of the video card and insert it into the slot into which it enters. As in the case of installing RAM, it will slightly “click” when it snaps into place until it stops. If too much force is required, stop and look to determine what causes the resistance. This may be the wrong location or cable, which prevents getting into the slot to the end.
If your device uses multiple expansion slots, reinstall all of these screws. So that you can position the module. Using both (in the case of a board with two slots) screws will significantly reduce the clearance on the outside of the case. Connect the PCI-e pins of the video card and insert it into the slot into which it enters.
After installation, swing the graphics card slightly to make sure that it is firmly held. Make sure that the PCI-e slot block is inserted in place and is now locked (in the up position). Some motherboards, like some high-quality modules like X99, do not use this locking mechanism. If so, look at the pins to make sure they are fully inserted into the PCI-e slot.
Output
The question of where the video card is located in the system unit and how to install it is relevant. However, when considering it, there are no difficult points. The main thing is to do everything carefully and collect everything in the exact sequence. On average, work on replacing a card will take no more than 30 minutes.