Graphics Card Issue?

Jamie7391 · 3 Apr 2017 at 19:50

Just started upgrading my overclockers computer i got a few years back. Purchased a new PSU and GPU and expected everything to be easy. Problem is i can't get my graphics card to give me a connection to my monitor. I have a RX 480 8GB Nitro and i've had nothing but trouble with it. I returned it to the retailer who have been less than helpful. They claim to have tested it on 2 different rigs and found nothing wrong with it. They suggested that my PSU was the issue so i returned it to them and got a refund as they had discovered a fault. I installed my old 600w PSU and the problem persists. Anyone else had similar issues with this graphics card? I've read online that updating the BIOS has worked for some people.

Specs

Motherboard: Gigabyte Z77-D3H
PSU: Coolermaster 600w
GPU: Sapphire RX480 8GB Nitro

ED209 · 3 Apr 2017 at 21:20

Have you checked for a bios update? some mobos need a bios update for the new gpus to work properly.

Do you have a old gpu or on board gpu you could use to check for a bios update?

Plec · 3 Apr 2017 at 21:32

As, above, especially with AMD cards as they require more juice. Sometimes the BIOS update will include more compatibility/power to the PCIe slot for newer GPUs.

Additional: If you do update and you're unsure of what you're doing make a note of the BIOS settings (photograph the BIOS screens) and be sure to update via the BIOS environment - not windows.

Jamie7391 · 3 Apr 2017 at 21:36

Had it working during the initial installation and had nothing since. At this point a bios update is my last throw of the dice.

Plec · 3 Apr 2017 at 21:45

Jamie7391 said:
Had it working during the initial installation and had nothing since. At this point a bios update is my last throw of the dice.

Do you mean it worked before you updated PSU - but now doesn't boot/no signs of life with the original PSU?

Jamie7391 · 3 Apr 2017 at 21:57

Plec said:
Do you mean it worked before you updated PSU - but now doesn't boot/no signs of life with the original PSU?

So i got a local computer shop to install everything. He said the GPU was working during the install. I got it home, monitor all black, no signs of life. He couldnt get it too work after that either. There is power getting to the card as it lights up. Scan also said they had it working on 2 test rigs. If i use the onboard graphics the computer boots up fine. Guessing it must be a compatibility issue at this point

Plec · 3 Apr 2017 at 22:19

Did the loacal shop use the new PSU that you have since sent back when they originally had it working?

What I need to clarify is - was it ever working with the old PSU?

Whatever - still update the BIOS.

Gabbatek · 4 Apr 2017 at 09:25

Have you tried starting the pc with the monitor connected to the onboard graphics?

I'm thinking you might need to go into the bios and find the option that tells it which gpu to use, its probably defaulting to the onboard graphics instead of the other gpu.

pastymuncher · 4 Apr 2017 at 10:09

Flash the bios and there is a very good chance your problem will be sorted. It's a common problem with boards from that generation and Gigabyte ones in particular. Download the latest bios for your board and put it onto a usb stick. Reboot and go into the bios. Write down any overclocking settings and then find the Q-Flash bios flashing tool (usually in the tools tab). Flash the bios with Q-Flash and hopefully the problem will be sorted.

andicole0 · 4 Apr 2017 at 10:32

I know it's a negative comment but I would still remove the competitor name from the first post.
Andi.

Jamie7391 · 4 Apr 2017 at 10:38

Plec said:
Did the loacal shop use the new PSU that you have since sent back when they originally had it working?

What I need to clarify is - was it ever working with the old PSU?

Whatever - still update the BIOS.

They used the new psu which was later found to be faulty

Plec · 4 Apr 2017 at 10:59

Jamie7391 said:
They used the new psu which was later found to be faulty

Thanks.

If you haven't updated the BIOS yet - pastymuncher has now given you a walkthrough for the safest way of applying it - do this first before anything else (if you haven't done so already).

As mentioned in my first post some older boards need the PCIe slot updated via the BIOS to get newer GPUs working - especially the more power hungry AMD variety. My P67a wouldn't play ball with the R9 280x until I had flashed the BIOS - but had no problems with Nvidias.

A few other questions:

Does the machine work with another gfx/onboard gfx?
Did you buy another PSU because suspected that the PSU you're using now was flaky?
How old is the Coolermaster 600w?

If you update the BIOS and are still experiencing problems you may have to test the PSU (paperclip test with/without voltmeter) - or run a stripped down rig. But, we'll need a detailed run down of what the problem is with and without the new GPU installed.

Jamie7391 · 4 Apr 2017 at 11:22

Plec said:
Thanks.

If you haven't updated the BIOS yet - pastymuncher has now given you a walkthrough for the safest way of applying it - do this first before anything else (if you haven't done so already).

As mentioned in my first post some older boards need the PCIe slot updated via the BIOS to get newer GPUs working - especially the more power hungry AMD variety. My P67a wouldn't play ball with the R9 280x until I had flashed the BIOS - but had no problems with Nvidias.

A few other questions:

Does the machine work with another gfx/onboard gfx?

Did you buy another PSU because suspected that the PSU you're using now was flaky?

How old is the Coolermaster 600w?

If you update the BIOS and are still experiencing problems you may have to test the PSU (paperclip test with/without voltmeter) - or run a stripped down rig. But, we'll need a detailed run down of what the problem is with and without the new GPU installed.

Works fine with onboard graphics, i purchased a new one as i wanted to ensure i had enough power ( overkill on my part) and my coolermaster is 3 or 4 years old, have had no issues with it.

Plec · 4 Apr 2017 at 14:55

Still unsure if you've updated the BIOS - but as it's been mentioned so much i'm going to 'take it as read' that you have.

Did you clear the CMOS after the BIOS update and set the machine to defaults and then fine tune the settings accordingly - especially the PCIe specification for gfx and disabling onboard etc?

If you've tried all the above - you could try a skeleton setup (inside the case for now) - CPU/HS, 1 stick of memory, GPU and windows and see if you can get any signs of life. Disconnect all other drives, cards, peripheral etc..

Have you got another gfx card you could try - so you could eliminate the slot as the possible culprit?

Of all the above fails then - you're looking at testing the PSU.

Jamie7391 · 6 Apr 2017 at 13:38

Plec said:
Still unsure if you've updated the BIOS - but as it's been mentioned so much i'm going to 'take it as read' that you have.

Did you clear the CMOS after the BIOS update and set the machine to defaults and then fine tune the settings accordingly - especially the PCIe specification for gfx and disabling onboard etc?

If you've tried all the above - you could try a skeleton setup (inside the case for now) - CPU/HS, 1 stick of memory, GPU and windows and see if you can get any signs of life. Disconnect all other drives, cards, peripheral etc..

Have you got another gfx card you could try - so you could eliminate the slot as the possible culprit?

Of all the above fails then - you're looking at testing the PSU.

Couldnt get it working on the newest update but managed to get it working a beta version, will keep an eye on it. Thinking maybe a new motherboard might be an option soon.