Graphics Card Problem

t1mm · 02-11-2011 4:54pm #1

Hi there,

I was using a 7300le which died, and I bought a 7900 GTX off another member of adverts. I didn't have a pci-express card so I got one in Peats earlier, 2x molex -> 1x pci-express 6pin.

Normally when I booted my computer the BIOS would give one beep, and it would proceed to POST. With this card theres no beep, and the monitor either turns on but doesn't display anything, or doesn't turn on at all.

I've got a 500w X-Power PSU, but its not the newest component ever.
My mainboard supports PCI-E 16x.

Things I've tried:
1. Connecting the two molex sides of the pci-e power cable to different main cables coming from the psu.
2. Re-seated the graphics card.
3. Tried plugging the monitor into each of the DVI ports of the card.
4. Unplugged the hard drive, dvd-rw etc.
5. Turned it off and on again!

At this point I'm left thinking either the graphics card is broken, or the PSU isn't powerful enough.

Does anyone have anything else I could try?

Cheers!

t1mm · 02-11-2011 5:31pm

PSU seems to only have 20A on the 12v rail - I've been told the 7900GTX requires 24a at the least, so I'm guessing this is the real problem?

yoyo · 02-11-2011 6:22pm

t1mm wrote: »

PSU seems to only have 20A on the 12v rail - I've been told the 7900GTX requires 24a at the least, so I'm guessing this is the real problem?

Could well be, the 7900GTX would require much more juice than the 7300le it replaced, even though its a 500w PSU its a non name one and I think its the one reviewed here, if it is the same just rebadges, then I think this review proves the point

Nick

t1mm · 02-11-2011 7:06pm

Thanks for taking the time to reply yoyo. I guess the problem is solved then - onwards and upwards I suppose!

yoyo · 02-11-2011 7:15pm

t1mm wrote: »

Thanks for taking the time to reply yoyo. I guess the problem is solved then - onwards and upwards I suppose!

Do you have another machine just to test the video card? Would be worth doing just in case it somehow managed to get damaged in transit etc. But I think a new PSU would be the solution here! Remember a quality Corsair 400W will usually be miles superior to a cheap 800W, a common mistake people make buying PSUs is higher Watt is better, which isn't the case while stability is far more important

Nick

t1mm · 02-11-2011 7:21pm

I've a few machines alright but none are up to scratch to run this card unfortunately - only rubbish office type machines. I'm ordering parts for a new box from hardwareversand at the weekend so I should know in a week or so I suppose. Bit of a pain I suppose but what can ya do

Thanks again!

yoyo · 02-11-2011 7:22pm

t1mm wrote: »

I've a few machines alright but none are up to scratch to run this card unfortunately - only rubbish office type machines. I'm ordering parts for a new box from hardwareversand at the weekend so I should know in a week or so I suppose. Bit of a pain I suppose but what can ya do

Thanks again!

No worries, good luck

Nick

Graphics Card Problem

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