Do you know, a low-powered graphics card can impact poorly on your computer system and can lead to a sluggish graphical experience, especially if you have a gaming PC? Now that you have installed a low-profile graphics card and want to upgrade it, you should first learn everything about this component to pick the most suitable one for your computer.

Well, everybody knows the motherboard as the central component of a PC, but the graphics card is also one of the critical parts that play the most significant role in your computer’s performance. This is because a graphics card processes the data from the good CPU and renders it visually on your display.

But when do you need to upgrade your graphics card, and why is there a need?

To answer such queries, I am here to guide you in every aspect so that you do not remain confused about replacing your graphics card.

Graphics Card Definition

A graphics card is a device that is mounted in the computer that comprises a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). This basic unit allows data to be processed and converted into visual images in 2D and 3D graphics. Many people call the graphics unit a GPU, whereas it is an internal and central part of it.

Installing a graphics card considerably boosts a computer’s illustrations and overall execution; that’s why it is advised to upgrade a graphics card every now and then. Since a better graphics card can significantly enhance the gaming computer’s ability and also develops the gaming experience by freeing up the memory and playing the video in a better manner. Every computer comprises a graphics card either it is pre-installed or mounted into the motherboard.

Types of GPU

A graphics card comes in two categories, dedicated and integrated GPU. Each term is defined below:

Dedicated GPU, also known as discrete GPU, is installed on a graphics card that is put on into the PC’s expansion slot on the motherboard. This graphics card is easily upgraded and replaceable with the latest one to keep going with the computer’s demands. 

Integrated GPU, on the other hand, is mounted into the motherboard and cannot be replaced or upgraded. These GPUs are usually installed in laptops and low-end computers to provide average performance. However, these graphics cards are not considered ideal for heavy tasks such as professional graphics production or games.

Why do you need to Replace Graphics Card?

A GPU is responsible for displaying high-quality graphics or visual illustrations on your computer. Before the GPUs were introduced, this process was done by CPUs for processing and rendering images to the display. But now, every PC on the market contains a graphics card of different kinds. 

However, there could be some factors that lead you to upgrade or replace a graphics card on your PC. These elements are discussed underneath:

Bottlenecking

Sometimes, bottlenecking may occur when your CPU moves out more fps than a specifically installed GPU handles. This can cause stumbling on your display. If such a situation arises, it means it is time to upgrade your graphics card.

Old GPU

Another factor could be the age of your graphics card. As your GPU becomes older, it becomes less capable of keeping up with modern games and other programs. This is because they are unable to handle the latest software, such as video editing software or 4K resolution and struggle to display them in the desired way.

Usage

When you’re about to replace your graphics card, identify for what purpose you are acquiring it. For instance, if you typically use your computer for gaming purposes and the latest games usually fail to run at a 60 fps rate, consider changing your graphics card.

Look before Upgrading Graphics Card

Once you’ve understood the time has come to upgrade your graphics card, you need to see several things while installing a new GPU. 

Check out your Power Supply Rating

Since GPU is the most demanding component of any computer, verify that your PC’s power supply rate can afford an upgraded GPU. If it doesn’t support it, you need to upgrade your power supply first and then the graphics card. Upgrading the power supply is cheaper than replacing a GPU, so don’t stress out.

Ensure your GPU offers Adequate Power

Whether you’re going to upgrade your graphics card or purchase a new one, make sure to obtain the one that offers a few years of durability. Pick the best graphics card from top-notch manufacturers in order to get the most reliable one. These producers are trustworthy and deliver first-class and enduring products.

Some of the leading brands include NVidia, Intel, AMD, and Asus etc.

Verify it fits your Case

GPUs, with time, are getting huge; therefore, you should also keep this factor in mind that you adopt a graphics card that fits your current case. Getting smaller or bugger GPU doesn’t make sense because that doesn’t suit your PC, and it will be of no use.

Go on, Upgrade your GPU

Now that you’ve got to know everything about a graphics card and the requirements for upgrading it, I hope it has become easier for you to understand whether your GPU needs to be replaced or not. Yet, if you plan to upgrade your laptop’s graphics card, bear in mind, it’s not possible. Still, some ways can be adopted to boost its performance.