Eeek 8x/8x slots problem, please help!

[Sumanji]

Ok so I've rebuilt my PC into the new case and in the process I decided to replace the chipset fan on the DFI Ultra-D with a Zalman. So I split the PCI-E lanes 8x/8x by moving the jumpers, fit the Zalman, then put my X800 XL into the lower x16 slot.

Now when I boot up I get no display! The computer posts and I can hear the Windows sounds, but there is no picture on my TFT. Weirder still, if I try and use one of my backup nVidia cards (a crappy Quadro NVS280) the PC boots perfectly and I can see everything! So is this a specific issue with ATi cards running in an 8x slot?!

I want to try with a card in each slot but because of the Zalman I can't even fit the nV card in the upper x16 slot, and to remove the Zalman I'd have to completely deconstruct the PC

What's more I'm sure one of the other OcUK members (gamesaregood I think) managed to run his X800 GTO perfectly in the lower 8x slot on his SLI-D...

Any ideas please?!

Cheers,

Suman

 

[Sumanji]

It was working perfectly in the top slot when the slots were set at 16/2, but won't work in the lower slot when 8/8. I can't try the top slot now because as I said the Zalman blocks it off.

The only thing I haven't tried is running it in the bottom slot when it is set to 2x. but I think there is a large performance hit from doing this so it wouldn't be favourable anyway

Cheers,

Suman

 

[Sumanji]

Why isn't mine working then could you guys possibly have a quick look in your BIOS at any other PCI-E related options please? Mine is an Asus card so maybe there is something different in their VGA BIOS?

Also I just remembered it did the same thing on my old A8N-SLI Premium when I ran that in SLI mode...?!

Cheers,

Suman

 

[Sumanji]

Have you told Windows to start in VGA mode ??

Sorry I don't get what you mean exactly... do you mean pressing F8 whilst starting up? I don't know if that will work because I can't see ANYTHING, not even the POST screen. I guess I could memorise the menu order on this card then try doing blind...?

Cheers,

Suman

 

[Sumanji]

Yup it's seated properly and definitely not dead it runs fine in my HTPC it did the same thing when I tried this in my Asus board as I mentioned previously so I'm guessing it's a card issue...

Cheers,

Suman

 

[Sumanji]

lol it's not a dead slot man, I told you the nV card is working perfectly in there now! The ATi card refuses to work in the bottom slot that's my only problem here

Suman

 

[Sumanji]

I'm on 704-2BTA and I don't really wanna flash because it might mess up my overclock... do they generally resolve VGA compatablity issues in new BIOS releases?

[edit] Just tried it 16x/2x as well and the ATi card doesn't like the x2 slot, although the nV card works fine it it...

Cheers,

Suman

 

[Sumanji]

*Bump*

Still can't get this working any more ideas guys?

Cheers,

Suman