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Videocard Testing-Power connector only

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Hi all!
I have one HD 4850 and one HD 3870, both are dead.
The question is: Can I test a videocard's power circuitry while card is not plugged in motherboard, only with power connector connected? So far it seems that cards don't turn on their power circuits while only connected to power connector. Can anyone confirm this?
 
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I wouldn't even try it lol
Put it in a mobo if you can, it's the only real way to test a video card :rolleyes:
 
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It would be much more easier for me to measure voltages by putting card on table, not in darkness of my case. Also I have only one PC and don't want to risk frying it.
 
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It would be much more easier for me to measure voltages by putting card on table, not in darkness of my case. Also I have only one PC and don't want to risk frying it.

Have you already tested them in another mobo?
 

C4rnage

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the card draw power from motherboard too, so if u dont connect it on mobo, i dont think it will work
 
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Have you already tested them in another mobo?

Yes, 4850 some time ago, but today i soldered part which I missed and want to test it.
3870 also soldered parts today and want to test. Want to know if cards power circuits are finally working.
 
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There's no reliable way to test the cards unless they're on a mobo. You need a disposable PCIe mobo mate.
 
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the card draw power from motherboard too, so if u dont connect it on mobo, i dont think it will work

I am not sure about that, because 4850 fan is spinning, but card seems to be in "off" state - It is cold and GPU and Memory voltages are both 0. I think maybe motherboard gives some kind of "On" signal to card thru the data lines on PCIE slot.
 
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C4rnage

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I am not sure about that, because 4850 fan is spinning, but card seems to be in "off" state - It is cold and GPU and Memory voltages are both 0. I think maybe motherboard gives some kind of "On" signal to card thru the data lines on PCIE slot.

how u think the GPUs that dont need any PSU connector on them, work?
 
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how u think the GPUs that dont need any connect on them, work?

But this is not that kind of card. Maybe you are right and it still needs power from the PCIE:toast: I guess I will have to test it in my PC anyway.
 

robn

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...I think maybe motherboard gives some kind of "On" signal to card thru the data lines on PCIE slot.

Yes, definitely does. 5v line is some how involved. Up to 75W of power comes from socket as C4rnage mentioned also.
 
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robn

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Nothing too specific, all I know is that there is 5V stand-by power to the motherboard and connected peripherals when system is off, and it keeps gear ready to start (also allows network cards to retain link, wake on LAN, etc.). I assume powering on fully is done during POST, though OS ACPI takes over during booting.

You might like this connector guide. "Link Reactivation" and "hotplug detect" might be what you need.

Anecdotal:
Years back a friend of mine had a PSU pop its 5v rail and it damaged his Radeon 9800 - pad burnt off the PCB connector. It worked OK after that, except it didn't start for a few seconds after the PC was turned on.

Hope that helps a bit.
 
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I tested both cards in my PC today. It is a pitty that I couldn't measure anything, because cards were Plugged below my HD 4870 as second cards. They both did the same as when only power connector was connected - they didn't power up. Device manager didn't find them too. I will go to plan B and will use HD 3870 as donor for parts needed for my old HD4850. If I success then I will make new thread about it. Thanks for your replies everyone!
 
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