How Do I Upgrade a GPU from Integrated?

I'm installing a new GPU to use instead of integrated graphics. Is the process the same? From what I've read, you uninstall the current drivers, restart the PC, completely shut down the PC, unplug PC, install new GPU, turn on PC, and then just install the newest drivers?

Please correct me if I'm missing anything.

I read that some older PC's (and this is an older PC. Intel Pentium D Dual COre 3.0 GHz) need to have the graphics source changed in the BIOS. Is this necessary?

Also, I hope this is the appropriate place for this post. I didn't see a PC Hardware topic like in the old Gamespot website.

For me I just installed the new card then used Windows display settings to set that as primary.

What brand/model is your mobo? Most I've used either auto detect output on startup or output the image to all (so it doesn't matter which one you have plugged in)

It's just a generic mobo I think. Got the PC from a friend. It's not meant for gaming, but it's better than my laptop, and I wanted something that would work well enough until I could build.

@Maverick6585: This PC may not be able to handle or have proper connectors for alot of GPUs because PCs usually with integrated GPUs dont have high wattage PSU or PCIe connectors. I would highlky recommend you tell me the GPU you bought

Anyways when you install the new GPU from my experience all you need to do is plug video cable into GPU and it will work then go to website and install latest drivers. If you do not get a signal, yes you will need to go into the BIOS and change the setting (you will obviously need to plug the video cable back into MOBO to see anything in BIOS)

@redskins26rocs: The GPU was free. The mobo has a PCIe x16, so the GPU fits. I don't know the exact GPU though. I've been doing some research. I'm pretty sure it has 512 MB VRAM

@redskins26rocs: I agree though, and I'm going to upgrade the PSU ASAP. SHould be fine temporarily though. It's an older card, and I disconnected the optical drive (didn't work anyways)

@Maverick6585: Older cards use more power usually, what is the card?

You are holding the card in your hands...

Just look and read what it says on the card.

You have it right. Install card, make sure any internal power connectors are hooked, connect the DVI/HDMI what have you to your monitor and turn on. If you don't see anything, then you'll have to go into the BIOS and make sure you set the default video output to the PCIe adapter. Then once in windows, go to the NVidia or AMD cite, depending on your card, and donwload and install the latest drivers. Nvidia and AMD will auto update drivers from that point on.

You may want to go into the BIOS anyway after you're done installing, BTW. Many integrated GPU's will ahve a memory setting in the BIO which allocates RAM form the system, to the GPU. You definitely dont' want a GPU you aren't using to steal RAM form the overlal system. So go in and turn off the integrated GPU and set the RAM allocaiotn to off, or the lowest setting.

What card is it? What power supply do you have? How big is your case?