running a gpu without auxillary power

[3t3P]

Ive just realised ive run out of pci-e power cables for my second GPU. I just want to test it to see if it works before I get a new PSU.
Because im on water I cant simply remove the top card ( well i can temporarily hold the card out of its slot myself)
Would it be safe to take the top cards power connectors, plug them into the second card in the slot below and then turn the PC on such that the top card is still in the PCI-E slot with the DVI cable connected to the new, second card?

will the led turn amber on the top card or will it smoke it?!

just not sure what happens when you boot up with a high-end GPU and aux power isnt connected,

thanks all

 

[varkanoid]

normally it beeps to say you have forgot to plug the power in and then various things happen depending on your mobo. Its ill advised though as PC prob won't boot properly.

Why dont you just get a molex to PCIE connector ? They are only a couple of pounds if you have spare molex's.

 

[pat_c]

Did you mention second GPU - as in 470 SLI and a 2500K OC?

You wont hurt the cards, but your system will crash a lot as power draw exceeds what the PSU can give. Unfortunately your PSU will heat up fast and start crying.

Most cards have safety cutouts and not boot if insufficient power is supplied.

Easiest way is as you mentioned, pull the WC graphics card out, put a piece of card in between, so the slot is physically separated from the edge connectors - then you can test the second graphics card.

 

[3t3P]

ok ill just pull out the top card for now.

yeh ive wanted to do sli for five years and its only now its feesible for me, though i will be upgrading my legendary hx620 to an ax850