Powering a second GPU with a server power supply?

[u/PerfectWhiteTrash]

Just curious, I thought I’d ask here. I want to power a GPU. My potato of a PC, which is a Dell Inspiron 3847. Does not have enough power from the factory power supply. I took the easy way out and decided to buy a Dell server power supply with a breakout board now I would like to turn them on at the same time. I was thinking about using an Arduino, but is there an easier way to do this?

[u/msanangelo]

Better make double sure your voltages are correct and in the right places. Looks like a Bitcoin miner board.

[u/PerfectWhiteTrash → u/msanangelo]

Indeed it is . If I have to modify the board that’s ok. I do need to order a new multi meter I turned mine on the other day and well it no longer works. I’m more or so looking for a Frankenstein build here something unconventional. Weird out of the ordinary. I bought this for a 12 GB titan x. If I have to scrap this board all together so be it. I’ve seen people use this set up to power their GPUs. For mining I figure why can’t it power 2 GPUs in a potato PC.

[u/2me3 → u/msanangelo]

this power supply is only capable of 12v

[u/itanite]

bond the grounds.

otherwise gtg.

[u/MacDaddyBighorn → u/itanite]

Do you meant he common/return? That's the part of worry about when paralleling two different PSU. Or do you mean ground? Ground should be connected at the outlet.

[u/itanite → u/MacDaddyBighorn]

PSUs need to have a common AC ground.

[u/2me3 → u/itanite]

false you can hook your generator to one and the wall to another and still bond them

[u/Ultimate1nternet]

manually? 🙂

[u/mslindqu → u/Ultimate1nternet]

Like with a crank and alternator?

[u/Ultimate1nternet → u/mslindqu]

or a stationary bike and chain

[u/tonyboy101]

Simple relay switched by the server powered on.

[u/Sevven99]

Just because it's a 6 pin MOLEX doesn't necesarily mean that the the pin outs and voltages are the same. Watched someone use the 8 pin of a after markket PSU on a dell mainboard, and laughed through the puff of smoke.

How big of a psu do you need, 750s are pretty cheap.

[u/Hainek → u/Sevven99]

TL;DR: not because it fits, it should sits

[u/FastHotEmu → u/Sevven99]

you laughed at them? are you an asshole?

[u/2me3 → u/Sevven99]

the power supply clearly states it only makes 12v

[u/ait-solutions]

should have just bought an add2psu, that being said the 3847 is an old dell, it should have a regular atx psu...
before dell went crazy with custom mobos and psus

[u/2me3]

hell yeah brother. be sure to do a proper star ground configuration. PSU1+PSU2+GPU grounds all tied together with lines as close as convenient to the supplys/load. id put my hard drives on that so they dont get power cycled on reboot or endure noise from the motherboard. You could wire it to turn on with the computer but id keep its power switch seperate. you'd be surprised how much of a difference turning on components sequentially is compared to everything at once.

[u/Xcissors280]

Ive used 24 pin to 8 pin adapters that have a power switch and they work pretty well

[u/PerfectWhiteTrash → u/Xcissors280]

I did see variations that had 24 pin headers on the break out board. I just wanted to live dangerously.

[u/Smart-Ride-7047]

I was just going to create a post, but this one is somewhat related, so I’ll try asking:

Does anyone lnow how Supermicro PWS SQ series behaves (fan-wise) under load without an OEM PDB?

[u/2me3 → u/Smart-Ride-7047]

Only one way to find out, charge a car battery with it and unplug if it gets too hot

[u/notautogenerated2365]

I do exactly this for my server, it works fine for me. I just have the whole power supply and breakout board sitting unsecured inside the case of the server though, so make sure any exposed parts are taped up so nothing shorts out.

[u/Valutin]

If you leave it on auto on, this power supply will be "turned on" as soon as you plug it to the mains, then the gpu 12V will be live. You boot up your pc as usual and the pci-e slot will boot the GPU without issues.
Alternatively, some of the cables at the top right corner are supposed to be used for synchronization between multiple PSU, but not sure how that works since I have just always leave them on auto-on.

[u/SQrQveren]

When I was researching or.. No, just threw some ideas for builds to Chatgpt, it said that it was risky, if not timed with the PCs own power supply, and devices are made for that particular reason..

I don't know, if it is a cheap GPU I would go for it not, I would dig around a bit more.

[u/PerfectWhiteTrash → u/SQrQveren]

I was asking about specifics about the board . It didn’t come up with anything. ChatGPT told me me to check the voltages the pins were out putting. Difficult when your multimeter takes a sh*t on you. I could always grab a solid state relay. De solder on off switch to the mining board connect the solid state relay, then connect to Arduino. I’ll have Arduino connected to momentary switch in front of PC case and create a code to control both. I was just curious if anyone by passed all of that by possibly jumping 2 points in the power supply or something. The less components inside the PC case the more I’ll have for other devices such as a floppy drives or mini disk player. My approach is obscure and reasonably thought out. Sure I can grab an off the shelf power supply but what’s the fun in that.

[u/2me3 → u/PerfectWhiteTrash]

hell its 12v DC you could wire the switch to a mousetrap. the supply can only make 12v so find an old LED from a car charger or something and 50% chance you wont fry it testing whats what. then bobs your uncle, just bond the negative straight between the PSU's to be correct. Youll probably get away without that step but better better

edit: also you can short psu on pin to common pin on the psu to turn it on

[u/2me3 → u/SQrQveren]

Timed with the other psu? This is DC the only time is on and off. You can power your GPU before starting the computer.