GPU

06 GPU

What you will need

GPU Motherboard

Case Screwdriver

38 // How to Build a Computer The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is also known as the graphics card or video card. We are going to learn some important things about the GPU and why it is so vital to have in a computer. At the end of this section, we will learn how to install the GPU. For now, let’s talk about the two types of GPUs which are integrated and discrete.

Integrated GPU

An integrated GPU is located on the CPU and shares memory based on the CPU’s processor. This makes them smaller and more energy-efficient. They also cost much less than having a discrete GPU. You will see this type of GPU in smaller-sized electronics like smartphones, tablets, and some low-end laptops. This type of GPU will not allow for high-end gaming or other high graphic demanding programs.

Discrete GPU

A discrete GPU is also known as a dedicated graphics card or video card. These GPUs will provide significantly better graphics than their integrated counterpart. These GPUs even have RAM and an active cooling system since they tend to generate much more heat. These GPUs are also much more expensive and sometimes powerful enough to take on any task. Desktops and some high-end laptops have this type of GPU, but this is where the price of your computer building budget gets the most expensive.

In this computer build, we are going to show the installation process of a discrete GPU since they offer the best performance and have their own memory. These GPUs are also easy to take out if you wanted to upgrade to a better one down the road. One thing to understand about this part of the build is that it is the most expensive, and in some cases, this could be half the cost of your building budget. Next, we will talk about the RAM inside of the GPU and identify some of its parts in more detail. Oh, and did you know that discrete GPUs are also used for crypto mining?

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GPU RAM

The RAM inside a GPU is called Graphics Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (GDDR SRAM) Which you will mainly see advertised as GDDR. This is like DDR RAM in the sense that the number that comes after it is just a new update version of the previous model, for example, GDDR5 and GDDR6. GDDR memory is only in GPUs and is designed to help aid in the use of high-end gaming, intense video editing, etc.

PCIe

Peripheral Component Interface express (PCIe) slots exist on the motherboard allowing you to use expansion cards that are inserted into these slots. The types of parts that can go into PCIe slots are sound cards, co-processors, graphics cards, and several other computer parts. The PCIe slots make the communication between the motherboard and these parts much faster.

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IMPORTANT!

• Be sure to wear an anti-static wrist strap when handling.

• Make sure to not put your fingers on the gold pins.

• Make sure your case is big enough with plenty of ventilation, so the GPU will fit properly.

Fan

The fan on the GPU is designed to cool it down since it tends to generate heat very rapidly.

Pins

This part of the GPU is what is connected to the motherboard through a PCIe slot which provides power and other information to the GPU.

Display ports

The ports normally consist of HDMI, DVI-D, and mini display port sockets so that they can be connected to a monitor.

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Let’s install the GPU!

First, you will want to check motherboard and find the PCIe slot. This slot should be the longest out of the other PCIe slots, or, in some cases, it may be a different color. This is to make sure that your GPU gets plenty of ventilation inside the case. Next, you will need to remove some small metal tabs which are located on the back of the case behind the PCIe slot the GPU will go into. These need to be removed so that you can access the display ports on the back of the GPU. Now, you will remove the GPU from its anti-static packaging. The GPU will go in similarly to how the RAM was installed since there is only one way for it to go in. You will follow the notch just like with the RAM and gently push down until you hear the retention clip click. Remember this does not require force and is easy to re-seat if need be.

Once this is done and the GPU is sitting nicely in the PCIe slot, you will have to screw it into the back of the case to secure it in place. This will more than likely require two screws, which can usually be found in the GPU box. You also might have to connect it to your PSU, but your PSU should already have this power connector ready for you.

Congratulations! Your GPU is now installed! Your computer is starting to look finished, but there is still one more important part to the build … the storage. The the next section is about storage. We will explore the different types of storage options and learn how to install them in your computer.

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