How to Replace/Upgrade a Graphics Card?

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Matt1403

Matt1403

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Nov 27, 2015
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Hi,

I know this must be a pretty generic/simple question, so forgive me for asking. :)

I am going to be upgrading my current GTX 950 2GB for either a GTX 1060 6GB or an RX 480 8GB at some point soon and i was wondering how exactly I would do it, software wise (obviously) ie, uninstalling drivers, uninstalling GeForce experience or anything else. Also does the procedure change depending on whether or not you're switching manufactures?

Also whats your preference between RX 480 and GTX 1060? im leaning towards 1060 solely because its less expensive (where i live) and ive always used Nividea. Games im looking to play are mainly Rising storm 2, battlefield 1. These cards should handle them well?

Thanks for reading, any help is appreciated. Thanks! :)

PS: I should add im using Windows 10 - I imagine that's important.
 
Solution
Shektron
Yes, you should uninstall the drivers - this is because your current drivers are meant for your current card, and the 1060 may or may not have better/newer drivers. It's always good to update to the best drivers for your card before installing it.
You need to install the drivers first because in case Windows does not detect your new card, and does not install your drivers automatically, you may not get a display, even though usually a basic Display adapter kicks in in such a case and gives at least some kind of display. But it's better to do it in the order mentioned. So, yes, it's kind of for convenience, but its also to avoid certain errors.
Well, I don't know about the fast boot thing. You can disable it, though, in the BIOS. It...
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dontlistentome

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Sep 5, 2016
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I'd download the drivers for the new card, then uninstall all the Nvidia videocard software, including Geforce experience. Then shut down and install the new card. When you boot into Windows, install the videocard drivers that you already have downloaded. If you get the 1060, use the 'custom install' option and select 'clean installation'. Don't install things you don't need like 3d support.

I'd stick with what works. If Nvidia works for you, get the 1060. Either of those cards can handle new games at 1080p.
 
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Matt1403

Matt1403

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Nov 27, 2015
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Thanks for the reply! so if i do go with the 1060; do still uninstall all Nividea software? and is there any particular reason to download the drivers pre installing the card, or just convenience?

Also i heard a while ago that there's an option in windows 10 to do with booting called "fast boot" or something like that...but anyway i heard it can interfere with hardware upgrades and its best to disable that during the upgrade...heard anything about this?

 
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Shektron

Shektron

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May 31, 2017
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Yes, you should uninstall the drivers - this is because your current drivers are meant for your current card, and the 1060 may or may not have better/newer drivers. It's always good to update to the best drivers for your card before installing it.
You need to install the drivers first because in case Windows does not detect your new card, and does not install your drivers automatically, you may not get a display, even though usually a basic Display adapter kicks in in such a case and gives at least some kind of display. But it's better to do it in the order mentioned. So, yes, it's kind of for convenience, but its also to avoid certain errors.
Well, I don't know about the fast boot thing. You can disable it, though, in the BIOS. It won't hurt to do so - except may be slow down your booting. You can later turn it on again. However, usually the fast boot option is disabled by default, or at least it was in my case(or rather motherboard :p). If you did enable it, then disable it just to be sure. To do this, you usually have to press the Delete button before Windows starts loading, i.e., your motherboard manufacturer's name appears on the screen. This should allow you to enter the BIOS. After this, you're somewhat on your own - just find the option for 'Fast Boot', and check if its disabled. If it's not, then disable it. Don't touch any other setting. Then, find the exit screen, and just select 'Save Changes and Exit' or something synonymous. Your computer should boot normally after this, maybe slower if the option had been enabled previously.
Hope this helps. Cheers!
 
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Solution
smorizio

smorizio

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Jan 22, 2010
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you want to remove all the old software first so windows wont overwrite newer drivers with an older file. with no drivers installed windows will install a genric nvidia driver. that driver will be removed when you rerun the install. fast boot is the boot speed now for mb. with fast boot it boot so fast most mb and mice dont have time to turn on so f2/del key wont work. if you use fast boot you have to use mb software tool or windows 10 special reboot to boot back into the efi bios now with fast boot on.
 
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Matt1403

Matt1403

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Nov 27, 2015
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Sorry for the late response :p Thanks for all the help guys, I've taken you're advise and done a little additional research and i'm pretty confident and doing it now! Again; thanks for the help. :)

PS: Turns out there is a "fast boot" type option within WIN10 that is checked by default which is best un-checked when upgrading hardware - just for future reference.
 
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