Graphics GFail.

[Der Gothmann]

I have - yesterday - purchased and received a new graphics card to upgrade.
My old card was a G Force 9800 GT, I replaced it with a G Force GTS 250 (Gb).
Since doing so, my pc will not start properly.

I am running:
800w PSU
ASUS P5Q Pro mboard
Creative Fatal1ty Titanium sound card
4Gb DDR2 RAM, (evidently, it should be able to accept 16Gb, but after 4 it also shuts off unexpectedly,)

150 Gb HDD
500 Gb HDD
1Tb HDD

For some unknown reason, by only changing the GPU, my machine will not start, or won't show anything on the monitor.
I have checked all the cables and they are certainly plugged in to the GPU, it's slotted in properly and very stable.
Both the old and the new GPUs require 450w power input.
The instructions for installing the new card seem to think that the card MAY have a second PCI-E power input, (quantum entanglement at work people,) but it doesn't.
After replacing my old card, the pc leaps into action an is ready to start the day, writing damned essays.

I cannot see any reason why it would be failing, but it is.
Please assist!

[system7]

A faulty graphics card would be an explanation, because I don't know of any bios issues on a P5Q Pro here. The power supply sounds adequate if it is the Novatech 800W which seems OK even if I'd only rate it at 450W in reality.

Nevertheless, it sounds like there may be a marginal memory or power supply issue here. You could try upping the DRAM volts to 1.9V which is a figure I pluck out of the air because you don't list the memory type.

It is also a plan to clear the CMOS by taking the battery out for two minutes with power unplugged to get a boot on a new card. Then reset time/date/defaults.

[Der Gothmann]

I will try the battery first, (it's easiest!)

I may be sometime replying as I have plenty of work to do still.
It would be just my luck to have bought a whole new card, have it delivered and then have to send it right back.

Stupid universe.... life is never unfair in my favour!

Thanks, I will respond when I have the results

[system7]

If it's a power supply issue, disconnecting some drives might help.

[iGoD ReleNtLeS]

If after the CMOS reset it doesn't work, then im going to say its a power issue, is that an 800w branded or generic, its probably not able to give the power that the card is demanding. As to your instructions, its probably relating to a general design of the card. Your design may not have 2 6pin connectors where other brands may.

The manufacturers website suggest that the card needs 450w recommended for a full system and 150w GPU at full load. Thats probably your problem. You can try disconnecting all HDDs bar the OS Drive, sound cards etc, so you only have essential

[system7]

FWIW, the GTS 250 is probably around 150W at full load, where the 9800GT is around 120W.

Certainly, 3 hard drives will draw about 70W at spin up, though they settle down around 10W each. You can do something about that.

Booting a computer is a stressful time for a power supply, but I'd be surprised if that system draws more than about 240W under full gaming load. Of course, it will draw more at the wall socket depending on its PSU efficiency.

[Der Gothmann]

Just to update, I will be testing the GTS 250 in my house-mate's (slightly better) pc to see if it works if the BIOS battery reset fails.
If it does, I don't know how to explain it, if it doesn't I will ship it back tomorrow and it's not my problem any more!

[system7]

OK, Novatechies. :banana:
.
.
Hold up a candy bar if you think it's the power supply!
.
Hold up your popcorn if you think it's the card!
.
.
.
.
Wassa matter? Don't they sell popcorn here? :rolleye:

[Der Gothmann]

*Holds up a popcorn bar*

I like my bread buttered on both and neither side for the sake of awkwardness...

[iGoD ReleNtLeS]

Candy Bar :)

All depends if that PSU is generic or branded, but judging that the card dont work im guessing its generic.

[system7]

Wouldn't write off the CMOS battery trick either.

It's an oldie but goodie. :banana:

[brainiac361]

i had the exact same problem and a removal of the battery for around 2 mins fixed it for me

http://forum.novatech.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20455