What is necessary when installing a PCIe video card that has a fan drawing power separately?

When installing a PCIe video card that has a fan drawing power separately, it is essential to connect a 6 or 8-pin power connector. This additional power connector is specifically designed to provide the necessary electricity that the video card requires to operate, particularly for models that exceed the power limits of the PCIe slot alone.

Many high-performance video cards require more power than what is supplied through the PCIe slot on the motherboard, and the dedicated connectors help meet this demand. Failing to connect this power can result in the card not functioning properly or not being able to perform at its full potential.

In contrast, while drivers are important for the card to function correctly, they can be installed after connecting the power, and the motherboard's compatibility is a prerequisite for the graphics card itself to fit and operate. Connecting to a USB port is irrelevant in this context, as it does not provide the necessary power to the video card.