- Installing a graphics card in Fix PCs follows the standard workbench loop: diagnose, unscrew, swap, reconnect, benchmark.
- Dead GPUs are among the most common tickets; flagship RTX-class cards unlock at Level 25.
- Screws and power cables must be fully removed before a GPU will detach from the slot.
- Benchmark failures after a swap usually mean a loose cable, a seated-but-unscrewed part, or insufficient PSU wattage.
- Wrong part installed means redoing the job — always compare against the ticket requirements.
How GPU Installation Works in Fix PCs
In Fix PCs, the graphics card is one of the most frequently replaced components across the game's 192-part roster. Customer tickets range from simple reseats to full flagship GPU upgrades, and the payout scales with the part tier you install. The repair loop is always performed at the workbench — a PC sitting on a random counter can't be opened.
GPU-related orders generally fall into three categories, each with different difficulty and reward profiles:
| Order Type | Typical Fault | Difficulty | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reseat / cable fix | Loose power connector | Easy | Low |
| GPU swap | Dead or failing card | Medium | Medium |
| High-end upgrade | Install flagship RTX-class GPU | Hard | High |
Before touching the case, open the repair ticket and confirm exactly which part the customer expects. Some jobs require a specific GPU tier — installing the wrong card means redoing the entire assembly.
Step-by-Step: Installing a Graphics Card
Follow this sequence for every GPU job. The same flow works for CPUs, RAM, and PSUs, but GPUs add the extra step of reconnecting PCIe power cables.
Accept the order and diagnose
Interact with the waiting customer to take the ticket, then use the diagnostic tool on their PC. The scan identifies the failing component — if the GPU is flagged, carry the PC to your workbench and place it down.
Open the side panel
Hold left-click on each screw of the side panel and follow the on-screen motion to twist them out. The panel won't come off until every screw is fully removed.
Disconnect the GPU power cable
Click the power connector attached to the GPU and pull in the indicated direction. Attempting to unscrew the card while the cable is still attached will block the removal.
Unscrew and remove the old GPU
Unscrew the mounting screws holding the card in its slot, then pull the graphics card out. Keep track of screws — some jobs require reusing them for the replacement.
Install the replacement GPU
Take the correct replacement from your inventory (press Tab), slot it firmly into place, screw in the mounting screws, and reconnect the power cable until it's fully seated.
Close up and run the benchmark
Reattach the side panel, plug the PC in, and power it on. Run the benchmark test — a passing score confirms the repair. A failure means something is still loose or incorrectly matched.
Deliver and collect payment
Return the repaired PC to the customer to collect your Cash and XP. Premium GPU jobs are among the best-paying orders once you can stock the parts.
The number one reason a GPU won't come out is a remaining screw or an attached power cable. If the part refuses to detach, double-check both before assuming it's a bug.
Choosing the Right GPU for the Job
With 192 components available, GPU selection matters for both profit and benchmark scores. Entry cards handle cheap early orders, while flagship RTX-class GPUs unlock at Level 25 and command the biggest payouts. The benchmark penalizes unbalanced builds, so pair the GPU tier with a comparable CPU.
| GPU Tier | Unlock | Price Range | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (GT Series) | Level 2 | ~$120 | Early low-budget tickets |
| Mid-range (GTX-class) | Mid game | Moderate | Workhorse for most orders |
| Upper mid-range | Mid-late | Higher | Best benchmark gain per dollar |
| Flagship (RTX-class) | Level 25 | ~$1,500 | Maximum payouts and scores |
Entry GPU
- Cheap and available early
- Fine for starter tickets
- Low margins — replace stock ASAP
Mid-Range GPU
- Best value tier
- Handles most repair orders
- Solid benchmark return per dollar
Flagship GPU
- Highest benchmark scores
- Biggest repair payouts
- Needs a high-wattage PSU
Low-wattage power supplies fail benchmarks when paired with high-end graphics cards. Before installing a flagship GPU, verify the build's PSU has enough headroom.
Troubleshooting GPU Installation Problems
When a GPU job goes wrong, the cause is almost always one of a short list of issues. Work through this table before restarting the order:
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| GPU won't detach | Remaining screw or power cable | Re-check all screws, unplug the connector |
| PC won't power on | PSU cable to motherboard loose | Confirm PSU connection and rear power switch |
| Benchmark fails | Part not fully screwed in | Reseat and screw the GPU completely |
| Benchmark fails with flagship GPU | PSU wattage too low | Install a higher-wattage PSU |
| Customer rejects the job | Wrong part tier installed | Compare build against ticket requirements |
Memorize the GPU removal sequence — screws, cable, card — and reverse it on install. Batch similar GPU orders together so you're not constantly switching tools, which raises your repairs-per-hour rate significantly.
GPU Job Checklist and FAQ
Run through this checklist before handing any GPU repair back to the customer:
Before Delivering the PC:
- Diagnosis confirmed the GPU as the faulty part
- Replacement GPU matches the ticket requirements
- All mounting screws fully tightened
- GPU power cable reconnected and seated
- Side panel reattached and PC powers on
- Benchmark test passed
Q: How do I install a graphics card in Fix PCs?
Carry the customer's PC to your workbench, unscrew the side panel, unplug the GPU power cable, unscrew the old card, and pull it out. Then slot in the replacement, screw it in, reconnect the power cable, close the case, and run the benchmark test to verify the fix.
Q: Why won't the graphics card come out of the slot?
In most cases, either a mounting screw is still in place or the GPU's power cable hasn't been unplugged. Both must be handled before the part will detach — this is the most common sticking point for new players.
Q: Which GPU should I use for repair orders?
Match the part tier to the ticket. Entry GT-series cards cover cheap early orders, mid-range GTX-class cards are the value workhorse for most jobs, and flagship RTX-class GPUs (unlocked at Level 25) deliver the biggest payouts on upgrade tickets.
Q: What if the benchmark fails after installing a new GPU?
Check that the card is fully screwed in and the power cable is seated. If the build uses a flagship GPU with a low-wattage PSU, insufficient power will also fail the benchmark — swap in a higher-wattage power supply.