Installation & Compatibility Guide

Installation & Compatibility Guide

Check these points before you order, and follow them when you install your new graphics card.

1. Physical fit

  • Length: compare the card length on the product page with your case’s maximum GPU length. Allow room for front fans or a radiator.
  • Slot width: a 2.5-slot or 3-slot card covers the slots below it. Make sure it does not block an M.2 heatsink or a second card you need.
  • Height: tall cards with power connectors on top need side-panel clearance for the cable bend.
  • Liquid-cooled cards: check that your case has a mounting position for the radiator size listed.

2. Power supply

  • Your power supply should meet or exceed the recommended PSU wattage on the product page. This figure allows for the rest of a typical system.
  • Check the power connectors. Many current NVIDIA cards use a 16-pin 12V-2×6 (12VHPWR) connector; most AMD cards use two or three 8-pin PCIe connectors.
  • Use a native 12V-2×6 cable from an ATX 3.x power supply where possible, or the adapter supplied with the card. Push the connector in fully until it clicks, and avoid bending the cable sharply near the plug.
  • Do not use splitters or daisy-chained cables unless the PSU maker allows it.

3. Motherboard and system

  • Install the card in the top PCIe x16 slot. Current cards run in PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 slots too, at slightly lower bandwidth.
  • Update your motherboard BIOS and make sure UEFI mode is enabled; some current cards need it to show a picture at boot.
  • Use a support bracket for heavy cards to prevent sag. Many cards include one.

4. Installing the card

  1. Shut down, switch off the PSU and unplug the PC. Touch a metal part of the case to discharge static.
  2. Remove the old card if there is one, and the slot covers for the new card’s width.
  3. Seat the card firmly in the PCIe slot until the latch clicks, then screw the bracket to the case.
  4. Connect the PCIe power cables.
  5. Connect your monitor to the graphics card, not to the motherboard.

5. Drivers

  • Download the latest driver from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel. Workstation cards should use the professional (Studio or Pro) driver.
  • When switching brands, remove the old driver first.

6. Care and safety

  • Keep case airflow clear and clean dust from the fans every few months.
  • Do not open the card or remove its cooler; this can damage the card and void the warranty.
  • If you notice a burning smell, smoke or a melted connector, switch off at the wall immediately and contact us.

Need help? Email support@ouredja.com with your motherboard, case and PSU model and we will check compatibility for you.