I recently replaced the graphics card (an ASUS GTS 250) in an old computer with something a bit more modern (an EVGA GTX 670) so it could handle more games. After I made the swap, I was not able to get any display through the card - not even the POST screen.
Mobo: Biostar IH55A-MHS (BIOS rev 927)
CPU: Intel Core i3-540
Graphics: EVGA GTX 670
PSU: EVGA 650 BQ
RAM: 8 GB DDR3
OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
Both the CPU and GPU are supposed to support PCIe gen 2, which is the slot I'm using.
More BackgroundThe computer worked fine with the old graphics card. When it didn't work with the new one, I figured it must be the new graphics card, the BIOS, or the power supply.
I tried swapping the graphics card in my main PC for the GTX 670 and it worked, so it must not be the new graphics card.
I put the old GTS 250 back in and it worked, so I must not have broken the PCIe slot or the motherboard. I then updated the BIOS to the most recent revision from the manufacturer's website (rev 927). I then swapped the cards again and it still didn't work.
I put the old GTS 250 back in, uninstalled the graphics driver, and configured Windows to start in Safe Mode. I swapped the cards again and it still didn't work.
The old power supply - a Logisys PS575XBK - might not have provided enough power (even though it was supposedly rated for 575 W) and it was probably a fire hazard anyways, so I swapped it for an EVGA 650 BQ. Still nothing. I put the GTS 250 back in to verify I didn't miss any connections.
I tried removing the only other PCI card - a wireless card plugged into a PCIe x1 slot. It did not fix anything, but I am leaving it out for future tests.
I installed a speaker to get beep codes. It played one long beep, 8 short beeps, and a long pause followed by one more beep.
The 8 beeps in POST indicates a "Display memory error (system video adapter)". The troubleshooting instructions are "If the system video adapter is an add-in card, replace or reseat the video adapter. If the video adapter is an integrated part of the system board, the board may be faulty." I've already reseated the card a dozen times now and verified that it works on another device.
The beep after the long paused indicated a successful boot (display errors do not halt the boot sequence).
I tried enabling the "PEG Force GEN1" feature on the BIOS, but that did not fix the problem. I've disabled it again.
I removed the CMOS battery to reset it and the problem remains. I still get the 8 beeps and no display.
Other Notes:- The case lights come on and blink normally
- The fans on the CPU, case, power supply, and graphics card all spin
- The mechanical harddrive spins
- The CPU runs at a cool 70 degrees Fahrenheit
- I made sure to use both 6-pin power connectors on the GTX 670
post edited by CivBase - 2017/12/12 11:42:51