Level 11: Installing the GPU

You've Found A New Artifact!

You come into a large chamber with an ancient GPU hanging high above the pathway. You will need to solve the ancient puzzle and properly seat the GPU if you want to proceed to the next room. But be very careful! The GPU appears to be a very rare and valuable treasure.

*GPU means “Graphics Processing Unit”

A. Locate the Top PCI-E Lane

Use the top most PCI-E lane.

On the bottom left side of the motherboard you will find all the PCI-E lanes. Locate the top PCI-E lane for the GPU installation.

B. Slide out the Metal Panel

Note: Do not lose these screws.

If you haven’t already, on the rear of the PC, loosen the thumb-screws on the panel that is blocking the expansion slot covers. Slide the panel out of place. Keep this panel unscrewed for now.

C. Remove Rear Expansion Slot Covers

Unscrew the expansion slot covers (usually covers 2 and 3 from the top) located at the rear of the PC corresponding the top most PCI-E lane, near the processor. Keep screws for step H.

D. Remove Pin Cover

Remove the plastic plugs in the GPU ports and the plastic cover that is protecting the golden pins of the GPU.

E. Open the PCI-E Slot

Press down on the wing of the top most PCI-E lane.

F. Insert the GPU

Insert the GPU into the top most PCI-E lane so that the golden connectors align with the openings on the lane. The two teeth of the GPU PCI-E cover will slide in between the case and motherboard.

G. Ensure Proper Seating

The PCI-E lane will audibly click when the GPU is properly seated in the lane.

H. Secure the GPU

Fasten the same screws you removed on step C to firmly hold the GPU in place.

I. Bring Down the Metal Panel

Slide the metal panel back into place and secure it by tightening the thumb-screws.

J. Locate the 12-Pin Connector

If your GPU sticker doesn’t say “Founder’s Edition”, skip to step M.

If you have a Founder’s Edition card, underneath the GPU, you will find a box containing a connector cable and GPU manuals. Take the connector out of the box at this stage.

K. Plug the VGA / PCI-E Cables into the 12-Pin Connector

If your GPU sticker doesn’t say “Founder’s Edition”, skip to step M.

If you have a Founder’s Edition card, connect the two VGA / PCI-E cables that you set aside on your PSU shroud (in your computer) into the 12-pin connector cable that came with your GPU.

L. Plug the 12-Pin Connector

If your GPU sticker doesn’t say “Founder’s Edition”, skip to step M.

If you have a Founder’s Edition card, plug the 12-Pin cable into the GPU so that the hook aligns with the top clip. After finishing this step, you can skip step M and proceed to Level 12. 

M. Provide the GPU with Power

Newer GPUs may require differing amounts of power. Check your card for the number of PCI-E / VGA connectors your GPU needs.

Plug in the PCI-E / VGA cables (that you previously set aside on your PSU shroud) into the GPU so that the hook aligns with the clip. You may have to hold a 6 + 2 pin together when plugging in this cable.