Powering GPU using a second PC

Z

Zurec

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I am building a low-budget Office-PC. Since the graphics card hasnt arrived yet, i cant install the operating system. I have a different GPU on hand, but it requires an 8pin conncetor, whereas the psu only has 1 6pin. Can i use one of the free 8pin-connectors of my main rig to power the GPU in the other pc? (Since i have no vga cable lying around, i also cant use the integrated graphics)
 
It SHOULD work, but you never know.

I would just power the entire office PC from the other PSU, just to make sure you don't make any wiring errors, and cause your new parts to turn into fine blue smoke :D.

Also, most new *budget* cpus come with onboard video (unless you got Ryzen 1st-gen on clearance), so you can always use that. This includes every mainstream Intel CPU, and Ryzen 2200G and 2400g.
 
Yeah, you can do this. I did it one time to test a GTX 970 in a Dell office PC with a weak PSU.

I think the Dell had a 300W (or something crappy) so I used a power cable from my machine to connect just the 970 and it worked.

The trick is you want to power up both machines at the same time I believe.
 
cybereality said:
Yeah, you can do this. I did it one time to test a GTX 970 in a Dell office PC with a weak PSU.

I think the Dell had a 300W (or something crappy) so I used a power cable from my machine to connect just the 970 and it worked.

The trick is you want to power up both machines at the same time I believe.
Click to expand...

Power the GPU first, then the CPU
 
I thought this would cause ground loop issues since the card is being powered by 2 power supplies (one via pcie slot, one via power connector)
 
yeah it works as long as the gpu is powered up first like stoly said and ive done what cyber said too.
 
mnewxcv said:
I thought this would cause ground loop issues since the card is being powered by 2 power supplies (one via pcie slot, one via power connector)
Click to expand...


Ground loops are generally only a concern in low voltage scenarios, such as 4-20mA and 0-10vdc analog.
Think signal transmission vs. power delivery.
 
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On your second psu just jump the ground/power on pin (pin 13/14 I think) on the 24 pin and use the hard on and off switch to turn it on/off.

As said before make sure gpu is powered on first before computer is turned on.

But am I reading your post right? Are you planning to power the gpu in the low power office pc from a psu that is actively being used by your main computer? If so I would he an better psu.
 
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Did simply plugging in the 6-pin into the 8-pin connector not function correctly? Its not like you are gaming and need the extra power, just installing the OS would be fine. It should boot with a 6-pin installed.
 
I would either use the integrated gpu for install or use the complete power supply from the other system. Marrying two different power sources like that shouldn't have any issues, but could depending on various different designs. Why risk it when you can just power the whole thing or use the igp.
 
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