Remove an ACER Integrated Video Card
The Acer brand of computers come with either a 32MB or 64MB integrated graphics card, depending on the specific model. Integrated video cards cannot be removed on their own as they are hard wired directly into the motherboard. To upgrade to a new video card, you will either have to install an extra expansion card or replace the entire motherboard with one that has a higher-end integrated graphics adapter.
Instructions
1. Check the manual that came with your Acer computer. Determine what type of integrated graphics adapter it has. Then, decide if you want to replace the motherboard completely, or, depending on the type of expansion card slot it has, if you want to install a new graphics card. Purchase either a new motherboard with a better graphics adapter or a graphics card that corresponds to the correct type of expansion card slot, such as PCI or AGP.
2. Turn off the Acer computer completely. Pull the power cable from the back end of the case. Remove all other cords for the keyboard, mouse, monitor and any other connected peripherals.
3. Set the case down on its right side so that the left side panel faces upward. Remove the case screw on the bottom of the panel and the case screw on the top of the panel. Slide the panel completely off the case and set it aside.
4. Remove the screws holding the metal tab over the expansion card slot if you will be adding a new graphics card. Set the card down onto the slot and re-attach the screws.
5. Disconnect the SATA cables running from the power supply and all of the drive bays to the motherboard if you will be replacing the entire motherboard. Unplug the cable running from the processor fan to the motherboard. Pull out the RAM modules and all the expansion cards and set them aside.
6. Pull back the plastic clamps holding the processor fan into place. Pull the fan off the processor. Grab both sides of the processor and carefully pull it directly upward and out of the motherboard.
7. Pull out the screws along the edges of the motherboard that hold it to the case. Pull the motherboard out and off the mounting screws on the right side panel.
8. Set the replacement motherboard down onto the mounting screws. Re-connect the screws that hold the motherboard to the case. Place the processor back onto the motherboard slot and then re-attach the processor fan. Slide the RAM modules and expansion cards back into place.
9. Re-connect all the SATA cables to the power supply and drive bays. Place the side panel back on and connect the case screws. Plug the cables back into the computer and power it on. Wait for the computer to finish loading to make sure the graphics adapter is displaying the screen properly.
Tags: expansion card, graphics adapter, graphics card, card slot, expansion card slot, integrated graphics