PlayLoud

I just upgraded my gaming rig.

The only thing I am keeping from the old system, is the PSU, hard drives, and monitor.

When I start my system, I get no POST beep codes, and the monitor does not register the signal from the video card.

If I pull the video card out, I do get beep codes (one long, 2 short) which indicates a video problem.

System Specs:
Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R
CPU - Intel Q9550
Video card - XFX Radeon 4870 (Arctic Cooling Twin Turbo, and iandh custom ramsinks installed)
RAM - 4GB (2GBx2) Corsair XMS2 DDR2 PC6400
PSU - Corsair HX520

The video card requires two PCIe power cables. I have one (can't find the other), but I did use an adapter, so it should be fully powered.

I am thinking there is something wrong with the video card, though I am hoping it is something else, as I voided the warranty by adding the aftermarket cooler.

Next time, I will have to remember to bench test my system before applying mods.

Anybody have any ideas, other than shot video card?

Thank you,

Tumbleweed36

I think you don't have enough power. The bare minimum with that video card should be a 600 watt power supply and a 650 or 700 would be better yet. Do you know anyone who has a larger (good brand name like you have) supply to try in there?

PlayLoud

nah, not larger... Though, when I was planning the upgrade, I read about people who had a 4870 with a 450W PSU. My brother just built the same system, and he has a 550W Antec. I'm trying to get him to bring his computer over after his shift, so we can start swapping out parts to diagnose the problem.

Phædrus2401

You *can*, theoretically, run a 4870 on a 450 watt PSU, but in reality, or without damaging the card? Not so much. 550 watt Antec... It's a good brand so maybe, but it's probably putting a strain on the system.

PlayLoud

The box says 500W is required, though I always thought they overestimated a little.

My bro is coming over now, so we may learn more shortly.

Just confirmed the problem...

The video card is a brick.

My card would not work in my bro's system.
His card worked in my system.

The cards are identical (other than the aftermarket cooling that I put on).

Man, now I really wish I would have tested it before I installed the aftermarket cooler. I don't know if it was a DOA card, or if it was something I did.

wrench97

I would up the PSU to a 650w for long term use, put the stock cooler back on the card and see if they will accept it for an RMA.

Tyree

XFX are not reliable products and their support is worse. I would inquire about a credit from and get a Sapphire or PowerColor.
For future reference, always do the buyild on the bench.
Set the motherboard on a non conductive surface. The motherboard box is perfect for this. DO NOT PLACE THE MOTHERBOARD ON THE STATIC BAG! It can actually conduct electricity! We are going to try and assemble a running system outside of the case.
Install the CPU and heat sink.
Install 1 stick of RAM.
Install the video card and attach the power supply connection(s) to the card if your card needs it.
Connect the monitor to the video card.
Connect the power supply to the motherboard with both the 24pin main ATX Power connection and the separate 4 or 8 pin power connection.
Connect power to the power supply.
Do NOT connect ANYTHING else. Make sure you have the power connector on the CPU fan connected.
Use a small screwdriver to momentarily short the power switch connector on the motherboard. Consult your motherboard manual to find which two pins connect to your case's power switch. Then touch both pins with a screwdriver to complete the circuit and boot the system.

If all is well, it should power up and you should get a display. Then assemble the parts into the case and try again. If the system now fails to boot, you have a short in the case and need to recheck your motherboard standoffs.

If the system does not boot after this process, then you most likely have a faulty component. You'll need to swap parts, start with the power supply, until you determine what is defective.

dai

i would not run that card with less than a 750w

PlayLoud

That's my plan.
That's my plan.
That's my... Actually, that really seems like overkill. People run those cards in Crossfire on smaller PSUs than that. I will probably wait to upgrade the PSU until I am ready to put in a new video card a year or two from now (or if I start experiencing problems). I appreciate the input though.


This upgrade is what I bought myself for my Birthday (actually not for 3 more days). Come Xmas, I plan to buy myself a 24" Dell LCD.