Is a display device needed for Win 7?

[GRoston]

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.

 

[HonorGamer]

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.

 

[kegobeer]

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.

 

[HonorGamer]

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.

 

[GRoston]

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.

 

[HonorGamer]

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.

 

[logicearth]

Until you can no longer connect with RD...

 

[kegobeer]

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.

 

[HonorGamer]

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.

 

[FuturDreamz]

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

 

[GRoston]

All,

The follow-up I promised: With the graphics card in, current draw was 0.78 amps. With the graphics card out, current draw was 0.56 amps. I set the BIOS to ignore all errors, and I did hear a 'nasty' beep during POST. The machine seems to be running fine.