Graphics cards are an essential component of a gaming PC. They are responsible for rendering images on the screen. If your graphics card is not powerful enough, you will experience problems like low frame rates and lag.
The following article will teach you how to upgrade the graphics card on all in one computer. Many people are looking to upgrade their graphics card but are not sure how. It’s a complicated process that can take some time and patience.
How to Upgrade the Graphics Card on All in One Computer?
You cannot upgrade the graphics card in All-in-one PC like a conventional desktop since the hardware is soldered onto the motherboard. But you can add an external graphics card with a dock known as the eGPU setup. The eGPU dock will enable you to add a graphics card externally thus fulfilling your graphics requirement.
There are a few catches to it and here is a complete guide on setting up an eGPU for your All in One (AIO) computer.
Setting up an eGPU for All-in-One Computer
Connecting an eGPU with an AIO can be done in two ways. If your AIO supports Thunderbolt 3 and your eGPU dock has the same connection, then you can simply connect the dock to the AIO through a thunderbolt cable. Another method uses the mini PCIe slot in your AIO and using that you can connect the dock to the PC. We shall see both procedures in detail.
Using the Thunderbolt Connection
Almost all eGPUs support a thunderbolt connection. You just have to check whether your PC has the support. If yes, then this is the easiest way to connect the GPU.
Using a thunderbolt cable, simply connect one end to the AIO and the other end to the eGPU. You will need a separate power supply unit (PSU) for the eGPU setup.
Therefore, connect the eGPU dock to the PSU. Then insert the GPU you have bought into the PCIe slot in the eGPU dock.
After that, switch on the PC and the external graphics card setup. Your PC will be running with the integrated graphics in the PC and it will not detect the eGPU.
So, you have to first install the appropriate driver for the graphics card you have purchased and install it. Once you have installed it, you have to restart the PC.
Now go to the device manager and click on Display adapters. You will now be able to see the external graphics card.
You can also make this card your default graphics adapter from the GPU’s dedicated control panel which is an application that comes with your graphics card.
Using the mini PCIe slot
It is very rare to find an AIO with a free or extra PCIe slot. But you can find a mini PCIe slot that will be used by the Wi-Fi LAN adapter card. This step requires some expertise and if you don’t have any experience with such tech, then it is not advisable to go further.
Power off the AIO and remove the back panel. Locate the Wi-Fi LAN Adapter card which will be connected to the mini PCIe lane.
Unscrew, release the wires, and remove the card carefully from the lane. Cover the wires with some insulation and set them aside.
Now, there will be a mini PCIe cable or an NGFF cable with your eGPU dock which is compatible with the mini PCIe slot. Connect the cable to the slot and screw it firmly.
Then, connect the other end of the cable which might be an HDMI or other connector to the dock. Now, set up the PSU with the dock, insert the graphics card, and you have connected the eGPU with the AIO.
Installing the eGPU (For the mini PCIe connection method)
Since you have removed the Wi-Fi card from the AIO and inserted a GPU, you have to disable the LAN connection from the BIOS settings.
Turn on the PC and enter into the BIOS settings. In the boot menu, look for the PXE Boot to LAN option and disable it. Save the settings and restart the PC.
Now, you have to install the appropriate drivers for the graphics card for the PC to detect the eGPU. Then you can enable it to be the default card from the control panel of your graphics card application.
How to use Wi-Fi if the adapter is removed?
Since you don’t have a Wi-Fi adapter, you will not be able to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi. Therefore, you can either connect the AIO through an ethernet cable or you can use external Wi-Fi adapters which can be connected to the PC through the USB ports.
Now you will be able to use an eGPU with your AIO computer and enjoy high-performance graphics with games or video editing.
Also, read these posts:
- How to Add a Second Monitor to an All-in-one computer?
- How long is an All-in-one computer expected to last?
- Is a wall-mounted All in One Computer possible?
- Can an All in one PC be used for Gaming?
Pros and Cons of Upgrading Graphics card in AIO PC
Here are a few pros and cons of upgrading the graphics card in an AIO pc. This portion will explain the benefits and drawbacks of utilizing an E graphics card.
Pros
There are many advantages to upgrading the graphics card in your AIO PC. Here are the lists.
Performance
The performance of a computer can be greatly improved by adding an E graphics card to the system. Its GPU handles graphics processing. Because of this, it doesn’t need the CPU to work. If the CPU isn’t working as hard, it can improve the whole system’s performance.
Excellent gaming experience
The primary function of the E graphics card is to allow gamers to play high-quality games. Today’s games won’t run on most PCs, even if they have built-in graphics cards. In order to get the best results, even if it can, you must run it at the lowest feasible settings. So, the best thing to do will be to use an E graphics card. Playing games at a reasonable frame rate without experiencing lag when using a suitable E graphics card is possible.
Memory Uses
The graphics card that comes with a computer uses some of the system memory to do its job. A special E- graphics card has its own memory, freeing up PC memory. In addition to this, the speed of these memories far exceeds that of the system memory.
Video Experience
An E graphics card is useful for gaming; it may also improve your video viewing. Particularly when viewing HD and Blu-ray films. In addition, video editing can be performed with higher precision.
Driver Support
E graphics cards have greater driver support when new games are launched for OS upgrades. Manufacturers of E-graphics cards provide new drivers regularly for download on their websites.
Cons
There are some cons of upgrading graphics cards in AIO PC as well. Here are the lists.
Price
Depending on the model, e-graphics cards can range from very cheap tory expensive. A card’s performance will improve as its price increases. There are even specialist E-graphics cards that are more expensive than built-in GPU.
Overheating
E-graphics cards use more energy. Because of this, immense heat is made, which causes the GPU to overheat. However, most E-graphics cards come with 1-3 fans to manage this.
Use of electricity
Your E-Graphics card uses more energy than any other component. It requires a lot of power to perform all of the computations and processing that it does. As a result, the Power Supply Unit has to work harder to keep up.
Things to look at before Upgrading the Graphics card in AIO PC
As a result of this information, you now understand the functions of an external graphics card, how it connects to your computer, and more. Now it’s up to you to figure out what works best for you. Here are some things to look at before you upgrade the graphics card to an all-in-one PC.
Extra Connections
It’s important to know how many USB connections the E-graphics card box has in the specifications. In addition to Thunderbolt 3, some versions offer up to four USB ports.
Compatibility
It’s important to remember that not all AIO PCs can use every type of external graphics card. Before you buy a new graphics card, take this into consideration. But make sure you carefully check which E graphics card works best with your AIO PC. Because it provides the best outcomes.
Case Size
Because this device is used for AIO PC, it’s important to remember that small is always easier to handle. Some companies have smaller E-graphic cards with the same functions as larger ones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we’d like to say that it’s always good to have a graphics card. It doesn’t matter if you’re a gamer or not. But you can’t upgrade the graphics card on an all-in-one pc. As a result, we’ve recommended an E Graphic Card as an alternative in this post. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a CPU. Consider a low-cost E Graphics card, which is both inexpensive and capable of delivering excellent visuals for any purpose.
