Yes, you can test a graphics card without a motherboard. You can test a graphics card using an external GPU enclosure connected to a laptop or desktop computer via Thunderbolt or USB-C ports. Another option is to use a dedicated graphics card testing tool, but this requires a functioning computer system with a compatible motherboard.
Knowing how to test graphics cards without a motherboard may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually pretty simple if you have the correct tools!
Today, we’re going to learn about the basics of testing graphics cards and which tools you can use to test them if you don’t have access to a motherboard that supports your specific graphics card. We’ll also touch upon why knowing how to do this can be useful in certain situations, too!
What do You need to test the graphics card without a motherboard?
A graphics card is tested in a closed-case computer system by plugging it into the system’s motherboard. But what if you don’t have access to one?
Here are the things that you need.
- A graphics card
- 6 pins PCI-ex connector
- A power supply with the same wattage as your graphics card
Attach the graphics card with PSU and turn it on at 100%. If the fan of the graphics card is working well, then it is in good condition.
Related Reading:
- What Is a Co-Op Battle in Lost Ark? (Explained)
- How do I reach Level 3 in the lab in Lost Ark?
- What is Lost Ark Universal Storage, how do I use it, and what’s missing from it?
How to attach 6 pins PCI-ex connector with PSU?
The graphics card is connected to the motherboard with the 6-pin PCI Express power connector.
When it comes to attaching this connector to your power supply, there are 3 ways you can go about it.
- One way would be to plug it in and have the excess cable hang out of the back of your case.
- 2nd option would be to use an adapter that has both ends as 6-pin connectors so that one end plugs into your power supply and the other end plugs into your graphics card.
- 3rd option would be to get an extension cable that has two male ends (one at each end) which allows you to connect one side to your PSU and the other side to your GPU.
Make sure the power cables are attached on both sides before powering up for any reason or else you could risk damaging either device or even starting a fire.
Testing Graphics Card without motherboard with 6-pin PCI-ex connector and PSU
You can test your graphics card without the motherboard with a 6-pin PCI Express connector and PSU. To do so, connect the 6-pin PCI Express connector to the graphics card and the other end to an available power connector on your PSU.
Plug in your PSU’s power cord, turn it on and see if you can see any activity onscreen. If you see anything at all, then congratulations! Your card is functioning. It may not be compatible with this particular motherboard, but it should work just fine when plugged into another one.
If you don’t see anything happening, however, that could mean that either your GPU has died or there is something wrong with the motherboard. , the former rather than the latter.
Related Reading:
- How To Fix Graphic Card Over Heating?
- How do external graphic cards work? And why are they important?
- How To Check GPU Usage in Windows and MacOS?
Final Thoughts
While it is possible to test the graphics card without using the motherboard, it is not recommended. The best way to test the graphics card is to install it on your computer and run tests on the GPU. The only time that you may need to test a graphics card without using the motherboard is when you are troubleshooting problems with your computer.
In this case, if you have an extra system that you can use for testing purposes then it would be worth trying. If not, then you will need to connect your existing computer’s components (the graphics card) to a power supply and plug into an LCD monitor or TV as well as an external mouse and keyboard.