GPU Stuck in Motherboard? How to Remove GPU from Motherboard?

You are looking to replace or upgrade your motherboard, or simply check out the options on how to clean the graphic card. What if your GPU is stuck in the motherboard, and you cannot remove it? It is very essential and vital to remove the graphics card from the motherboard either for replacing it or cleaning it. If you are confused about how to remove a GPU stuck in the motherboard, the step-by-step guide here can prove to be quite helpful. 

GPU Stuck in the Motherboard – What to Do?

The GPU getting stuck in the motherboard is not a rare scenario as such. This has been observed to affect a good number of PCs. The GPU can get stuck in a PC slot and can make it really tough to get it out of the slot. 

This can happen because of a lock in your PC slot, or it may also be due to an unsuitable position on your graphics card itself. So, to fix it and remove the GPU stuck in motherboard, the step by step guide can be quite easy to follow. 

How to Remove a GPU Stuck in the Motherboard?

Let us explore the simple steps involved in how to remove a GPU stuck in motherboard. One of the most common reasons for a locked or stuck GPU can be a jammed lock on the PCIe slot. That should be the first route we need to take in removing the GPU  stuck in motherboard. 

Step 1: Unplug all the cables 

Before you can move on to get into the task of removing the stuck GPU from motherboard, the first thing that you need to do is to remove every connection. Remove all the cables from your computer. This is more so about any cable connected to your GPU. 

Remove all the cables that can hinder removing the GPU. This will include all the cables connected to your peripherals. In case your GPU has any additional cables, pull them out firmly. 

Step 2: Check out the hardware details of your GPU

The next step would be to analyze the hardware details on your GPU. Most of the motherboards come with a slot that locks in the card. If you want to remove the card, you are expected to push it while attempting to remove the card. In some cases, the card may need to be pulled instead of being pushed. 

You would find the locks or slots in the new generation graphic cards. In the case of old GPUs, you will not find these locks. These small clips can get jammed at times on your motherboard. Make sure that you understand the hardware characteristics of your GPU, and then unscrew all the screws that secure your graphics card to your motherboard. 

Step 3: Remove the GPU

You can now pull the GPU out. As we stated in the previous step, you may need to push it to remove it. You may need to apply a little more force to remove it. The GPU is likely to come off with a little force. 

Use a screwdriver to push down the lock. You may need to pull it up based on your system configuration. Wiggle the GPU slowly, and it should come off. If the GPU does not come off, ultimately, you can push it back into the slot to rearrange the position. You should be able to find any jammed tabs popping out, and if it does, you can try pulling out the GPU out. 

The only way you can remove a GPU stuck in motherboard is to try a little wiggle, a pushback in, a pull, and similar actions. Applying the same force to pull out the GPU may not be that easy. You always have the risk of damaging the GPU or any slots on it. However, if you are careful in doing it in the right way, you will definitely be able to pull it out. 

Do You Need To Uninstall Your Old Graphics Drivers Before Installing A New GPU?

There is no need to uninstall the graphics card before you uninstall the new GPU. Installing the new GPU will simply overwrite the old driver details with the new ones. If you want to delete the old drivers, it may be a good idea to keep them. 

Under ideal conditions, it is a wiser option to delete the older drivers and let the system configure and install the new drivers. The crux of the matter is that if you suspect an issue with the graphics drivers, you can check out the options for uninstalling the drivers. 

Can a Graphics Card Be Removed?

Yes, you can remove a graphics card from the motherboard. In fact, you need to remove a graphics card if it needs a replacement. One cannot change an entire motherboard if the GPU is damaged, right? You may also need to remove the graphics card if you want to upgrade the graphics card for any purpose. 

The graphics card is not an integral part of the motherboard or the computer. It is a separate component that can be easily removed. You can easily remove a graphics card and upgrade or replace it as per your own preferences. 

Can All the Graphics Cards be Removed?

Yes, each and every graphics card can be removed from your motherboard. Most graphics cards can be easily removed from your motherboard. In fact, any graphics card that has been connected to your motherboard through a PCIe slot can be removed. 

You may have different designs and appearances on your graphics card. But, no matter what design your graphics card comes with, it can be easily removed. Do not let your appearance and looks affect you in any way. You can easily remove all the motherboards. 

What Happens If I Remove My Graphics Card?

Nothing specific will happen if you remove the graphics card from the motherboard. You can only expect a few software-specific things to happen to you. A few things that you can notice would include the GPU not being listed in the Device Manager. It will also vanish from the task manager and settings. 

You will find the drivers intact. If you are under the impression that the display will stop working if the graphics card is removed, you are absolutely, and your display will keep working usually. Most of the devices come with two GPUs, viz the integrated GPU and a soldered GPU. Under normal circumstances, the integrated GPU will keep working when there are no graphics-heavy tasks being run on your computer. 

Your processes may go a little laggy when the computer works on the integrated GPUs. The Integrated GPUs usually do not have the VRAM and thus make it quite apparent that they need to use the RAM on the device. 

Is It Complicated to Open A PC Case?

To remove a graphics card from the motherboard, you are expected to open the case. If you are not someone who is well versed with the proper handling of the computer and motherboard, it will go without saying that you will find it a little frightening to open a case. But, wait – opening a computer case is not an arduous task as such. 

Before opening a computer case, make sure that you have you have turned off the computer completely. Once that is done, remove all the extensions and cables from the computer. This will make it relatively easy and simple to work with your tasks. Most of the cables can be removed by simply pulling out the cables. This would be the same across several other devices that include  HDMI cables, speakers, and USB devices. 

Next, remove the screws from the side panel and remove the side panel. In some cases, you should be able to simply lift off the side panel once with no need for screws. 

Opening a case is never that much complicated and can be handled quite easily. 

The Closing Thoughts

Finding your GPU stuck in motherboard is never a rare or uncommon scenario. It can happen to anyone and any device. It is largely due to the issues where the slots on your motherboard and PCIe slot may get jammed up. Cleaning and pushing the graphics card can easily open up and let you remove the graphics card. Follow the steps carefully as outlined in the above discussion and find which steps help you fix the error.