This makes sense because "buying" software is different than "buying" hardware. When you buy (a license to use) software, (at least nowadays), you're paying fo

This makes sense because "buying" software is different than "buying" hardware. When you buy (a license to use) software, (at least nowadays), you're paying for the right to use the software, not the actual bits on the disc/file. When you buy hardware, you're paying for the materials and manufacturing effort that produced a physical thing. Given that mass reproducing hardware is non-trivial compared to software, there is often little/no/paper-thin DRM on hardware. Thus the OP could modify his graphics card. On the other hand, look at cell phones. Given their legal connection to a service contract that is enforced with SIM cards, providers have a convenient form of DRM to enforce limitations on modifications.