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August 29th, 2013 18:00
Add on Video Card in PowerEdge R200
Hi,
I'm wondering if it is possible to use an add on video card in a PowerEdge R200 Server.
I just installed Windows Server 2008 on one of them, but the resolution is absolutely terrible.
I'm using the video output from a DRAC 4/P card, since it disables the integrated video.
I honestly can't stand working with the 800x600 video resolution, and the only other option is 1024x768, at 16-bits, which also looks pretty bad.
All I need is 1024x786 with 32-bits, but the DRAC4 is not capable of going that high. The onboard video, ironically, is, but it gets disabled when you insert the DRAC card!
Now, yes, I know I can simply remove the DRAC card, but I find that some of it's features to be useful, such as the system logs.
So, has anyone been able to get an add on video card working with an R200? I know it's not "officially" supported, and the BIOS may not recognize it, but I'm willing to give it a shot. Perhaps someone has got it to work in a similar server?
It most likely need to be a PCIe x1 card, since the only available slot is a PCIe x8, but I haven't seen and PCIe x4 or PCIe x8 video cards. Or perhaps I can modify a PCIE x16 card to fit in the slot.
Like I said, I don't need anything crazy, just something a bit more "technologically modern" that doesn't hurt my eyes.
Thank you in advance for any and all help!
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Synaxis
3 Posts
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August 29th, 2013 18:00
Also, would a USB video card work?
theflash1932
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16.3K Posts
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August 30th, 2013 08:00
You said you have Server 2008 installed on it ... if the System Logs are your primary reason for keeping the DRAC, then know that Dell's management software (OMSA - OpenManage Server Administrator) can give you access to the SEL, as well as a number of other useful information that I don't think can be obtained through the DRAC alone. Then you can use whatever resolution you like (or is supported - 1280x1024@32bits/60Hz is available on my KVM from an R200).
I don't happen to have a DRAC in my cheap R200's, but my only real reason for using a DRAC is for remote power on and/or troubleshooting POST issues when the system won't boot.