Powerful gpu in pc with cables unplugged.

[Spookies]

Hi

I'm using a small case, cpu with hd4000 & lightning 7970gpu. I hardly game anymore.

Ok to leave the gpu in the slot with the power cables unplugged? Will just be using the gpu built in graphics. Will damage anything?

I want to reduce heat & energy. The card is a bit of hassle to remove & insert when really needed.

 

[muddle]

Shd be can la

 

[Jian19]

Why not take out put in box ?

 

[12122012]

dont need to unplug...

"A new precedent is being set here though as in desktop idle mode, this high-end graphics card consumes only 2.7 Watt. So when the GPU is utilized less than 95% it can almost shut itself down 99%, even the ventilator will spin down and disable itself (which is a little freaky when you first see it really)."

MSI Radeon HD 7970 Lightning review - PCIe Gen 3 and ZeroCore Power

 

[Spookies]

Wow, Thx!

So when I'm typing letters the ventilators(I assume they mean fans) won't even spin. I'll check if that's true.

 

[Spookies]

using iGpu under all conditions,

Leaving card inside with with power cable plugged - Fan spins moderately
Leaving card inside with with power cable unplugged - Fan spins even faster

Conclusion : remove card & put in box.

 

[devilwahaha]

using iGpu under all conditions,

Leaving card inside with with power cable plugged - Fan spins moderately
Leaving card inside with with power cable unplugged - Fan spins even faster

Conclusion : remove card & put in box.

It doesnt even load the GPU at all if you run it without power cables though, one way to verify is touching the heatpipes when system is running, if its cool to touch its definitely not loaded at all.

 

[Entry Level PC]

using iGpu under all conditions,

Leaving card inside with with power cable plugged - Fan spins moderately
Leaving card inside with with power cable unplugged - Fan spins even faster

Conclusion : remove card & put in box.

Used to have the same frustration as you.
Either remove GPU hardware or LLST with the extra power consumption.

Until we get cheaper, better and more reliable external GPU solution it's either remove GPU can save Wattage or LLST with Wattage Usage.

 

[tungsten2]

There is no harm leaving an unused graphic card inside.
However it will still consume your electricity, and system memory. It will still generate heat even it is just idle in the system.

You have to weigh your pros and con's.