can I run video card without the 6-pin extra power?

[lozina]

so I got myself in a bit of a bind here...

the video card on an older machine I use as a home server blew out and the only spare video card I got is one more modern one which has the extra 6-pin power connector. Now, I dont need this server for any fancy gfx, all it does is host files, so is it at all possible to still plug in this video card without connecting the extra power to the card, and just use it for 2d windows? or would that be begging for trouble?

the power supply does not have the 6-pin plug and I dont have any of the adapters which convert 2 12v plugs to the 6-pin plug.

 

[Rifter]

only one way to find out i would think it will be fine as long as you never use it for 3D, as far as i can remember from reviews there is not much power being used for 2d on the desktop and the slot should be enough power. What type of card is it exactly?

 

[fffblackmage]

I think it depends on the card. One time I forgot to connect the 6-pin power on my X1950XT, and I just didn't get any video. Some cards won't work without it (safety feature), or some might just work anyways.

 

[Blain]

Buy an adapter or new PS and use your video card.

 

[corkyg]

What Blain said. Get a new power supply or an old video card. On the newer cards, if the 6-pin connector is not hooked up - you get zero video.

 

[krnmastersgt]

Originally posted by: corkyg
What Blain said. Get a new power supply or an old video card. On the newer cards, if the 6-pin connector is not hooked up - you get zero video.

This, either no video or you get a nice high pitched screaming sound reminding you that you forgot something