How long does it take to install a new GPU?

Without a doubt, one of the best things about PCs is the ability to upgrade parts piecemeal. Whenever you’re ready, you can install more RAM, swap in a better CPU, or upgrade your graphics card – you usually want to start with your GPU for gaming. For the inexperienced, this may seem complicated. The reality is that it doesn’t take long to install parts like a new GPU; it really depends on your experience level. In total, this can take between 10 minutes and half an hour at most.

That doesn’t mean it’s a task for everyone. While everyone can do it, the technical aspects can scare some. However, there are a few things you should know. Always turn off and unplug the PC before starting to work inside it. Although not required, you will also need a static mitigation tool, such as a static wrist strap or comparable gloves. The physical GPU installation process goes as follows:

Initially, you remove your old GPU by unplugging the power cable, unscrewing the case frame, unlocking the PCIe slot tab or retention clip securing it to the motherboard, and gently pulling out the card. Then do the reverse with your new card, plugging it into the open PCIe slot, attaching it to the back panel of the case, and plugging the power cable back in. The difficult and time-consuming part comes later, when you deal with GPU drivers. It is recommended to uninstall old drivers before powering off.

Physically installing the GPU takes 10-20 minutes, maybe more if you take your time, but that’s not the only part of adding new PC components. Whenever you install something new, especially if your primary operating system is Windows, you also need to install software drivers. Simply put, a driver is a software package that allows the operating system to communicate with the computer’s hardware. This includes everything from USB devices like mice and keyboards to physical components, such as SSDs, RAM, and graphics cards. Yes, this includes drivers for a new GPU.

But before installing new drivers, you need to uninstall the old ones, left over from your old card. You can do this before removing the old GPU, or after, but it must be done before installing new drivers. The two major GPU manufacturers, AMD and NVIDIA, are notorious for buggy and frustrating drivers that can be hit or miss. Things will likely go smoothly, but it’s always good to know that problems can arise and you might end up having issues with drivers for longer than expected.

If this turns out to be the case, it will take you a lot longer to officially install your GPU. Don’t let the driver’s warnings scare you. If you’re experiencing any of the signs that it’s time to replace your GPU, doing so can give you a huge performance boost in current-gen games, and it’s not too complicated a task. Additionally, you probably want to avoid waiting for the computer parts you need, given price hikes and shortages.