Often, replacing a video chip on a laptop becomes a necessity. This part is also called a video processor or GPU. The video chip displays the image through the multiplexer on the matrix (display) of the laptop. It is the main component of a PC, regardless of whether the integrated video chip or discrete. If there are problems with the information displayed on the screen, most likely, the video chip needs to be replaced.
What is it
Replacing a video chip on a laptop is a necessary procedure if this part is out of order. The video chip is responsible for displaying images on the display and on the external monitor through special connectors. It all depends on the laptop model. The video chip is located on the motherboard and is considered the most hardworking component. He experiences heavy loads, performing many different actions. The peculiarity is that the video chip emits a lot of heat and quickly overheats. The graphics processor (GPU) performs the necessary calculations, processes digital data and displays the image on a matrix. Over time, active work leads to the destruction of the element (it can heat up to a hundred degrees) and a full replacement of the video card on the laptop is required.
Signs of breakage
Replacing a video chip on a laptop is required if it becomes increasingly difficult to work on a laptop. There are main signs of chip failure, which are recommended to pay attention to the user:
- The stripes appeared on the screen: vertical, horizontal, color, black or white.
- The display flickered, poor sharpness, image distortion, noise, blur.
- The appearance of a blue screen, a laptop freeze, self-restart.
- After turning on the laptop, the picture is missing or periodically disappears.
- If the laptop is on an uneven surface, the image may disappear.
- There are difficulties with installing and configuring the video adapter.
Causes
Replacing a video chip on a laptop is a complex process that is worth entrusting to professionals. There are a number of reasons why a chip requires replacement:
- Factory defect or damage to the item during assembly.
- Ingestion of liquid. This causes oxidation and short circuit.
- Power surges, broken chip power.
- Overheat. The most common reason why graphics chips require replacement. Untimely prevention leads to the fact that there is a warming up of the video chip. In a laptop, the fan and heatsink, which remove heat from the video processor, may become dirty over time and become dusty, and the thermal grease can dry. All this leads to the destruction of the chip due to insufficient cooling. Perform preventive cleaning of the laptop once a year.
How to replace yourself
If the video card in the laptop is a separate device and is installed on a separate board, you can try to replace it yourself, which is not so simple. In this case, it is located in a special standard connector, which is designated MXM (II or III). The video card also has a cooling system. You will need to disassemble the laptop and remove the component with a screwdriver. The graphics card must fit the laptop.
All video cards are divided into two types: video chips integrated into the motherboard, and video cards on the MXM slot. In the first case, it is almost impossible to repair the video chip, it must be replaced with a new one. Entrusting the process is better for a professional, especially if there is no experience. The video card on the slot is installed on the same principle as in conventional computers. In this case, you can replace the failed chip or make a full replacement of the video card, use the NVIDIA or ATI models. If you want to make a quality replacement, contact a service center. Do not forget that when replacing it yourself, it is important to choose the right video card for the laptop model and correctly install it. If the video card is not selected correctly, there will be no image.
- In order to dismantle the video card, you must first remove the cooling system, unscrew the screws and remove the power connector.
- Next, unscrew the eight screws above the video card and processor.
- When removing the cooling system, be careful: it is important not to damage the chip.
- Clean radiator fins from dust.
- Remove old thermal grease.
- Apply a new thin even layer on the chip.
- Reassemble the removed items in reverse order.
In any case, if the computer crashes, it is necessary to fix all the problems on time. The best solution is timely prevention of possible problems.
Price
If the device "slows down", overheats, makes a lot of noise, turns off by itself, you need to replace the video card on the laptop. The price requested by the master, on average, is three thousand rubles. Remember: a new chip cannot cost less than two thousand. If so, most likely the component installed supported. Replacing the "gaming" chip will cost more. In general, get ready for the fact that for all the work you will have to pay about six thousand rubles.