I recently started using Jellyfin for video streaming and I'm considering adding a GPU to my Dell R550 since it has four PCI expansion slots. However, I'm unsure if a GPU can be installed due to the limited height in the chassis. I need something that fits well but doesn't need to be super powerful. Does anyone have experience with this or recommendations for a suitable GPU?
3 Answers
Yes, you definitely can install a half-height GPU that draws 75 watts or less, powered directly through PCIe. I've got an NVIDIA Quadro P1000 in my server for video encoding, and it works great. Just make sure to check the slot length to confirm if your server accommodates half-height cards. Based on what I've seen, it looks like half-height PCIe cards will fit in the R550 without needing a riser card.
Watch out for GPU depth too, as it can be a concern. A possible solution is to use a low-profile Thunderbolt expansion card and then connect a GPU in an external enclosure. However, this setup won't be rack-friendly. In general, 3U cases are simpler for GPU installations because they typically can hold full-height GPUs.
There might be a riser card involved. If your server doesn't come with one, you can purchase one that allows you to install a GPU sideways. That should help with fitting larger cards. Also, consider looking into low-profile options or using passive cooling for larger units.
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