Adding a second PSU to run my GPU on my dell optiplex 7040

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Ohmygottlieb

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May 12, 2017
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I currently have a dell optplex 7040 minitower. As you all know dell has a bunch of proprietary b.s that doesnt allow me to move the mobo into a bigger case and the minitower cases are much smaller than i anticipated. i am going to run a pcie 3.0 extension to the outside of the case and hook up my geforce gtx 1060 6gb. I would like to leave the original dell psu in the cae to run the mobo but id like to get another small psu to hook up to power the graphics card outside of the case. eventually make a nice box to display everything. is this feasable and can i get some recommendations on PSU for the GPU.
 
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Ohmygottlieb

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Yes it is. My issue is space. The case is very small and doesn't fit the gigabyte gtx 1060 dual fan that I bought. I have a evga 1060 but it runs very hot about 85c on medium settings. Please I am open to all suggestions
 
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Ohmygottlieb

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The Dell mobo is mini atx size but the mounting screws holes are proprietary. It's literally my only issue I can figure out the pinouts to hookup at least the front LEDs and power button to the new case and the ports on the back are not the same layout as atx either so my I/o shield (I think that's what it's called) is I guess proprietary as well. Maybe an older bigger Dell tower may fit it but I just don't know I haven't even done research on that. These new minitower cases are honestly the worst idk what Dell was thinking. No Fun.

 
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clutchc

clutchc

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If this is the inside view of your PC: https://c1.staticflickr.com/2/1710/24449295583_45156f0f8d_b.jpg
...then that is one Dell mini tower that is a weird proprietary design and does indeed use a non-ATX PSU. So swapping it out would be problematic. Scratch that idea...

While I can't vouch for the appearance of your finished product, adding a second PSU to run just the gfx card is possible. You'll need a 24-pin splitter like this to switch on the 2nd PSU when the system starts:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAAK94766757&ignorebbr=1&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-Cables+-+Power+Splitter+Cords-_-9SIAAK94766757&gclid=COr3ra7jxdQCFRiewAodllIEgg&gclsrc=aw.ds

Since you will be buying a 2nd PSU for leaving outside the case, you may want to remove the Dell PSU and just use the new PSU for everything. The system with a GTX 1060 6GB can run off a high quality 450W PSU or larger. I would recommend larger for some headroom. One of these 500W-600W Saesonics perhaps:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100007657%2050001697%20600479294
 
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Ohmygottlieb

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liking this as a possible solution!
 
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Ohmygottlieb

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This was extremely helpful I actually have a RM 650x PSU (don't ask) that I could use. I'm just torn I feel like I could make it look somewhat appealing with the two PSUs b/c less wires running from out to inside the case. So my options are use two psus but I need the splitter or just run the 1 psu outside the case with the card?
 
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clutchc

clutchc

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If you want to use both PSUs to avoid wiring issues, that's fine. I was just offering another option depending on the circumstances. But yes, definitely get the 24-pin splitter, otherwise the 2nd PSU won't be able to start when you hit the start button.

Update
--------
But...
Studying that picture of the inside of your PC, I can't find the 24-pin header on that board. I'm now wondering if even the splitter solution would work. Unless it is hidden somewhere, that too may be a dead end.
 
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Ohmygottlieb

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May 12, 2017
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Your right I'm actually running a 24 to 8 pin converter from my current PSU to my mobo. I spoke to someone who was doing this with a 750w psu and a gtx1080 and hasn't has any issues. Idk if this will be to much with the dual psu though, I'm assuming not since my combined wattage would be less than if not at most 750
 
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harmudharh

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Dec 12, 2017
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I had the exact same problem while upgrading Optiplex 7040. I installed a GTX 960, which is oversized for the case so the case lid is open. I also bought a new 635W power supply, which is laying outside the case because of lack of space. I'm also using the 24 to 8 pin adapter.

The system runs fine normally, but when GPU is on load for some time the system crashes (force shuts down). I am guessing that the motherboard gets overloaded, because the 8 pin connection only uses two +12V pins, one +5V stand by, power ok, ps on and 3 ground pins. All other 5V and 3.3V pins are left unused. I'm not sure if I'm right but you should consider it. Can anyone explain the situation I am in?
 
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