[Answered] Can You Turn On a PC Without a Graphics Card?

Graphics cards are an essential part of computers, or so everybody thinks. In reality, though, it’s nothing but a component that’s responsible for generating signals that the monitor and other display output units can read. So, in theory, a PC should be able to run without a graphics card.

Therefore, people often seem to wonder if they can turn on their computers without a graphics card. The answer is yes, you can turn on your computer without a graphics card. However, you might not use it in the manner you are used to. Seems baffling? Read on to find out why and how you can use a computer without a graphics card and if there are any alternatives.

It Is Possible to Use a PC without a Graphics Card?

Yes possible. Whether it’s due to a technical and temporary malfunction, or lack of proper hardware, there are many reasons why you might want to turn on your computer without a graphics card. And, as we have already explained, it is very much possible to turn on your computer without a graphics card. That’s because your computer can start and process things without a GPU. It’s just that you won’t get any display output without one. So, it might hamper the way you are used to using your PC.

However, there are some alternatives that you can try to use on your PC that don’t have a graphics card installed. 

Use Integrated Graphics

You might have read the label “integrated graphics” on your CPU packaging. What it means is that the CPU model comes with a built-in graphics chip. To be more precise, it means that the CPU can process graphics signals and you can use that signal for your display output unit, if you prefer. You might not know this, but the integrated GPU is powerful enough for running most day-to-day tasks. It can even handle some light gaming.

So, if you don’t have a graphics card installed on your computer, use the integrated graphics instead. However, if you are running an aged PC, your computer may not have an integrated GPU.

Use it as a Remote Desktop

Even without a graphics card, you can use your computer as a remote desktop, provided that you have done the necessary setups earlier. This way, you can use your computer as a remote machine and control it with other hardware such as your laptop or smartphone, which usually has weaker processing power than a full-scale PC.

Alternatively, if you have a PC without a graphics card, you can utilize it by making it a server PC, which doesn’t usually need a display. Also, you can use it to run specialized apps like crypto mining apps.

Disadvantages of Using a Computer without a Graphics Card

Even though you can use a PC without a graphics card or use the integrated GPU, there are some disadvantages to it. For starters, you might face limited graphics performance, especially if you are using an older CPU, which usually has very weak GPUs integrated. Also, if you are a gamer or video editor, even the latest integrated GPUs might not cut it for you.

However, if you are considering using the PC for its processing power as a remote desktop or a server, or simply for mining, it’ll do a great job while saving you some money in the process. Graphics cards aren’t getting cheaper and they won’t for what it seems.

To Conclude

There you have it. Hopefully, by now you have a clear understanding of what can you expect from a PC without a graphics card. Theoretically, you can turn on a computer without a graphics card, or even an integrated GPU. However, there won’t be any display output. Therefore, your options are either to use it for something that doesn’t require a display output constantly, or use the integrated GPU. Either way, you won’t be disappointed, if you keep your expectations to a limit.