My graphics card came separately. How do I install it?

In some cases, you may find the graphics card shipped separately from the main system. While this may seem inconvenient at first glance, it serves a vital purpose in ensuring the safe delivery and optimal performance of your PC.

Protection during transit

Graphics cards are delicate components that can be sensitive to shocks and vibrations. When shipping a PC, the separate packaging of the graphics card provides an additional layer of protection, safeguarding it from potential damage during transit. By keeping it separate, the risk of accidental damage caused by rough handling or jostling is significantly reduced.

As graphics cards become larger and heavier, the possibility of damage during transit increases. Additionally, the graphics card is typically the most expensive component in a system, so ensuring it arrives safely is important. Luckily, installing the graphics card is relatively easy, and takes only a few minutes.

Installing your graphics card

We’ve put together this quick guide to help you install your graphics card into your system. 

To install your graphics card, you will need a phillips screwdriver.

Prior to installing your graphics card, you will need to gently remove your side panel, and remove all internal packaging.

Identify your PCI-E slot, and unlock the retention tab on the slot. This mechanism will vary between different motherboard models. It may be:

• A wing tab that is pushed down
• A sliding lock that slides to the right
• A spring button that needs to be held down

Your graphics card will be installed into the upper-most PCI-E slot. While the retention tab is unlocked, carefully insert your graphics card into the PCI-E slot. You should feel the graphics card locking into place.

Towards the back of the graphics card, you will see the GPU bracket align with the back of your case. Most video cards will have two to three screws that must be tightened down to secure the video card. Use your phillips screwdriver and the included screws to secure your video card.

Plugging in your cables

Lastly, plug in the included PCI-E power cables. These cables will be cable managed and pre-installed in your PC for easy installation. Ensure all cables are plugged in. Depending on your graphics card, you may have up to 4 total cables to plug in. Pay attention to the cables as they can only be inserted in one direction. Firmly plug in all PCI-E cables.

Powering on your system

You are all set! Double-check your cables to ensure they are inserted all the way. Place your side panel back onto your system, and plug in your peripherals. Power on your PC, and you should see your system light up.

If you need help at any point, please reach out to our support team. We are here to help!

We hope you love your Skyforge PC!