how do i know if i have to disable my on-board graphics or if i just plug it in and play?

jimmywatsup

Reputable
Jun 10, 2014
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HI guys I am complete Newbie to this website,

So i wanted to ask some questions specifically about graphics cards.

1. Why has my motherboard set the primary graphics to PCIE express when there is no graphics card in there(as its using onboard)??

2. I have a 350w power supply, and a Asus E 1GBDDR5 GTX650, will this video card be OK on this PSU? as I've heard it does not need to be connected to a PSU, and runs by itself.

3. How do i install the graphics card, meaning will i need to disable the on-board graphics? or will my motherboard automatically detect the video card?

4. also when installing the graphics, do i need to do anything physically to myself to prevent static shocks to the graphics cards? or anything like that? and do i just insert it in and then boot it up and install the drivers??
My specs are

motherboard: Asrock H81M-HDS
Ram:Crucial 1600 4GB
Cpu:intel G3220
PSU: Corsair VS350W
Graphics: As of now, Onboard graphics.


Thanks heaps for taking the time to read all this. :)

 
Solution
1) I think because your on-board graphics still uses the PCI-E bus to transfer data.
2) The graphics card still needs to draw power from the power supply, but it does that solely through the PCI-Ex16 slot which allows for a maximum of 75watts. Since that card requires less than 75 watts, it does not require an extra power connection from the power supply. Whether your current power supply can suffice will depend on what other power draws are in your system (CPU, other expansion cards, case fans, CPU cooler, optical drives, hard drive, etc...) and the quality of your current power supply.
3) You shouldn't need to disable the on-board graphics. In many cases, the system automatically disables the on-board, but even if it doesn't, it's...

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
You shouldn't have to disable the onboard graphics , it should recognize the card and use that as the video source.

You don't need additional power for that card you are correct , runs off the power from the PCIE slot.

Touch the Chassis before you install the card to ground.
 

Wolfshadw

Titan
Moderator
1) I think because your on-board graphics still uses the PCI-E bus to transfer data.
2) The graphics card still needs to draw power from the power supply, but it does that solely through the PCI-Ex16 slot which allows for a maximum of 75watts. Since that card requires less than 75 watts, it does not require an extra power connection from the power supply. Whether your current power supply can suffice will depend on what other power draws are in your system (CPU, other expansion cards, case fans, CPU cooler, optical drives, hard drive, etc...) and the quality of your current power supply.
3) You shouldn't need to disable the on-board graphics. In many cases, the system automatically disables the on-board, but even if it doesn't, it's unlikely to cause any issues.
4) When working on computer internals, you should always ground yourself before reaching into a computer case. By grounding, I mean you should touch any metal part of the case to discharge any built up static. If you get into the habit of always touching the case before reaching in, you should be 99.99% safe. Other things you can do to reduce any risk of static electricity discharge include:
a) Do not work on carpeting
b) Do not wear wool socks/clothing
c) Wear a static electric wristband
Nothing else is really that hard. Just install the graphics card, close the case, re-connect the power cable, power up the system, install the graphic card drivers, I always like to reboot at this time, and away you go!

-Wolf sends
 
Solution