Boot without GPU?
Boot without GPU?
Hello, I’m running my old main machine as a home server (i5-3570k + 16GB). It’s experiencing random freezes. After checking with memtest and suspecting issues with the motherboard or CPU—every slot shows the same problem—I tried GRUB’s badram option but still faced freezing. I’m considering upgrading to an i3-10100f (around 80€) instead of the non-GPU version, since I don’t need a GPU for transcoding. I want to know if the new motherboard would work without one. I’d like to test it during installation or at least see if it boots fine, but not run the system. My current build is a Ryzen 5 3600 with 16GB RAM and a GTX 1080. Would it be better to keep that setup and upgrade the main board instead? Thanks in advance!
The motherboard includes video outputs, allowing use without a dedicated GPU. Simply select a CPU that supports built-in graphics and an integrated GPU.
Neither the 10100f nor the 3600 feature integrated graphics. For Intel, you'd want any CPU without an 'F' at the end. For AMD, a model ending in 'g' would fit. 5600g and similar are common options. You might also look for a motherboard with IPMI support, though these are usually server-focused. Intel and AM4 models sometimes have this. A budget GPU is usually better if it doesn't cause space problems. Not always.
It's a challenging decision because boards without a GPU aren't typically tracked or shared with buyers. Boards do exist, but you might end up using a very affordable GPU just to get basic functionality. Another approach is choosing a system that includes an integrated graphics card and pairing it with a compatible CPU. If you have the budget, consider a workstation or server motherboard that doesn't require a dedicated GPU. You could also explore used listings on eBay, though you'd likely need to focus on Xeon models rather than Intel i3s. Of course, if performance isn't critical, you could repurpose an older desktop—even a small office PC—into a server as long as it has the necessary expansion options. This seems like your most cost-effective path.
I've already upgraded my old desktop to a server to avoid high costs (the i5-3570k). This is why I'm considering the i3-10100f instead of the model with an integrated GPU, aiming to cut CPU expenses by about 30%. Regarding the AMD choice, the most affordable option with an integrated GPU is more expensive than the Intel variant. I plan to opt for the i3-10100 or 10105 and skip the headless motherboard setup. I've also looked into this topic online—it seems feasible—but I don't want to save 40€ on the CPU only to end up needing a separate GPU, which would consume extra power and occupy a PCI slot.
It's not necessary to purchase a Raspberry Pi outright. It offers video output and consumes less power compared to a full desktop processor.
@Blue4130 shared their experience using 6x8TB drives with ZFS, noting they likely couldn't achieve that setup on a Raspberry Pi. They also mentioned planning to replace the existing hardware due to issues, aiming to maintain the current architecture.
Not widely known publicly, but in recent MSI Bios updates you can disable "VGA Detection" and choose "Ignore." I looked for comparable options on Asus and haven’t found discussions about skipping VGA checks. TL;DR: Turn VGA Detection off in MSI Boards and set it to Ignore. It might be similar on Asus as well.