Video Card Power Consumption

[JohnSearle]

I was looking to build a machine that, for the most part, would be rarely needing graphical power (as in computing power). I would, however, like it to be in a position to make use of power if necessary. The idea being that it would use low wattage normally, but if I want to play the occasional game, it can handle it.

So, I was wondering if anyone can suggest a way to accomplish this.

I could buy a half decent card, and then when I need it pop it in, and when I don't need it, take it out. But that seems like a lot of work, and it would probably wear down the gold pins.

The other thought I had was to underclock it, but I've heard that going to low can damage the card. How low can you normally go?

Does anyone know of any possible solutions?

- John

 

[AMDisSWEET]

I'm curious what the reason for the low power consumption is. Are you planning on running it 24/7 and want to save on the electric bill?

Perhaps if you got a board with integrated graphics and could disable the card in the pci-e slot from BIOS. Just a thought, not sure if that would actually cut power to the card.

 

[BigCactus]

Pulling out and putting in a vid card wouldn't work well. My suggestion to you....have a powerful desktop, and a laptop on the side.

 

[JohnSearle]

I'm curious what the reason for the low power consumption is. Are you planning on running it 24/7 and want to save on the electric bill?

Perhaps if you got a board with integrated graphics and could disable the card in the pci-e slot from BIOS. Just a thought, not sure if that would actually cut power to the card.

The reasons are mainly that my wife works for Greenpeace, so I've been 'asked' to get something low powered. I wanted to run the computer as a server, but also use it occasionally as a gaming system.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll have to look into that one.

Pulling out and putting in a vid card wouldn't work well. My suggestion to you....have a powerful desktop, and a laptop on the side.

Yeah, just getting two system is another possibility. I'm not really interested in getting another laptop, though.

I could, however, build a low power consuming desktop, and a gaming system, and then get one of those switches that allows for both computers to use the same peripherals (mouse, monitor, keyboard, etc.)

Thanks for the replies guys.