Is a display device needed for Win 7?

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  1. Posts : 291
    Windows 7 x64 Pro
       #1

    Is a display device needed for Win 7?


    I have a computer that I intend to make into a server. I would like to remove the graphics card, if for no other reason than to reduce power consumption. The motherboard does not have built-in graphics. Will I be able to install Window 7 (Home Premium x64) onto this machine?

    Note that:

    1. I understand that a monitor will be needed for the initial installation
    2. I have the Remote Desktop hack and intend to install it
    3. Once the system is running, I never intend to access it other than with Remote Desktop

    So, after the initial installation, if I remove the graphics card, will the computer boot and run properly?


    Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,436
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
       #2

    No you will need a moniter for this. I do understand what you are trying to do though. I have tried it, but it hasn't worked for me.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,913
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #3

    I seriously doubt that will work. Usually this is allowed only on motherboards that support a headless option. Does your motherboard have that option in the BIOS?

    I'd just leave the video card in there - there will be minimal power consumption, especially since you won't have a monitor connected to it.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,436
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
       #4

    kegobeer said:
    I seriously doubt that will work. Usually this is allowed only on motherboards that support a headless option. Does your motherboard have that option in the BIOS?

    I'd just leave the video card in there - there will be minimal power consumption, especially since you won't have a monitor connected to it.
    But you will need the monitor to be able to install the OS on there at first.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 291
    Windows 7 x64 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #5

    HonorGamer: I understand that the graphics card/monitor will be needed for the install. I question was related to post-install.

    kegobeer: Your reply is not the answer I wanted. Guess I can always try and see what happens. I will also measure the power with and without to see what the difference is. Will take a couple of weeks, but I will update the thread.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,436
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
       #6

    Well if you are able to set up Remote Desktop, Then post install, you won't need a monitor and you can take out the graphics card.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       #7

    Until you can no longer connect with RD...
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  8. Posts : 2,913
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #8

    HonorGamer said:
    Well if you are able to set up Remote Desktop, Then post install, you won't need a monitor and you can take out the graphics card.
    Unless the motherboard allows headless operation, the motherboard will fail to POST without a video card.

    To the OP - just leave the card in.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,436
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
       #9

    kegobeer said:
    HonorGamer said:
    Well if you are able to set up Remote Desktop, Then post install, you won't need a monitor and you can take out the graphics card.
    Unless the motherboard allows headless operation, the motherboard will fail to POST without a video card.

    To the OP - just leave the card in.
    True, I have actually never heard of headless option before. So yeah, if you aren't gonna use the graphics card, or monitor for anything else, then might aswell just leave it in.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,660
    Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)
       #10

    Maybe you can find a cheap low-voltage graphics card?
      My Computer


 
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