1. System Instability: If the power supply does not meet the video card's requirements, it may not be able to provide sufficient power to the card, leading to system instability. This can manifest in various ways, such as random shutdowns, freezes, or crashes while gaming or performing graphics-intensive tasks.
2. Performance Issues: In some cases, the video card may still function, but its performance may be compromised due to insufficient power. You might experience reduced frame rates, stuttering, or other performance-related issues in games and applications that demand a lot of graphics processing power.
3. Damage to Components: In severe cases, a power supply that doesn't meet the requirements can damage the video card or other system components. This can occur due to voltage fluctuations, power spikes, or overheating caused by the lack of sufficient power.
4. No Display Output: If the power supply is severely insufficient, the video card may not receive enough power to initialize properly. This could result in the video card failing to produce any display output, leaving your screen blank or showing an error message.
5. Shortened Lifespan: Operating the video card with an inadequate power supply can put additional stress on the card and shorten its lifespan. Constant under-powering can strain its internal components, leading to premature failure.
Recommendation:
To ensure optimal performance, stability, and longevity of your video card and system, it's crucial to use a power supply that meets or exceeds the recommended power requirements specified by the graphics card manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer's documentation for the exact power requirements of your specific video card and choose a power supply with sufficient wattage and capabilities to support it reliably.