Graphics card won't 'start' when computer is upright

[redeye_uk]

So I have this weird issue where my GPU won't start/kick in if the computer is upright.

Basically the computer posts, but when it try's to go to the windows login screen the screen doesnt respond (black screen).

Very occassionally it will load, but the GPU artifacts a lot.

However, If I switch it on with the computer on its side then everything is fine.

My theory is when its upright the GPU doesnt sit well in the PCI-E slot.

Has anyone else had similar issue's or able to offer suggestions? This has only started to happen recently

Intel 3570k @ stock
Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H
8GB Samsung Green
Corsair AX750 PSU

 

[Gregster]

I would pretty much say for certain that it is the PCI-E slot. Have you got another slot to use?

 

[Five.Stars]

Sounds like the card isn't seated fully into the slot - perhaps due to the locking mechanism on the pci-e slot being broken (easily done as very flimsy). This would possibly cause thecard to sag. If you could perhaps support the card somehow, or as has been suggested try another pci-e slot if available, then either of these solutions may solve your problem.

 

[redeye_uk]

Thanks. Can't believe how much the card actually flops under its own weight. What are my options for propping it up?

 

[d_brennen]

I zip tied my old 4890 to the DVD drive bay way back. There was a spare mounting hole in the PCB near the power connectors. Used two or three zip ties daisy chained

If you hold the card up with your finger, does the machine boot correctly?

 

[Jay85]

Maybe one of these will help you out

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-000-PC

 

[weehamish]

Lol that is stupid, if they were too heavey surely they would advise this?

I have an old 285 and its huge and i have no slouching?

Also that wont work if you have a dual fan card as it has nowhere to go?

Good idea but in my case the graphics card is pretty high up i have a Cosmos S.

Also what happens if you push too high? It could bend the card upwards.

 

[wazza300]

pull out your memory and just install one stick,what cpu heatsink are you using? any movement or jolt on the cpu heatsink or memory stick will cause it not to boot sometimes or if its loose,seems strange that a gpu can move if its screwed onto place aswell as slotting into a pcie slot

i would check your memory sticks and cpu heatsink too

 

[PorkPieCat]

defo seems like a pcie issue. very few people have gpu sags affecting anything more than appearance, but they exist. you could try ordering a backplate to stiffen the gpu?

 

[redeye_uk]

Its a 7850, so it's hardly a 'massive' card. In fact, it's a fair bit smaller than the 4870 I had in there previously. It is a Forza III though, so maybe the after market cooler weighs a lot more than standard?

I have a Phantek CPU cooler which is massive and weighs a ton. Maybe this is causing the mobo to flex a bit? I was actually thinking of getting rid of this cooler as it is just silly, and replacing with a closed water loop.

Rather than cable ties or a jack, can't you get a metal bar which runs up the inside of the case which is specifically for supporting expansion cards (I have a Lian Lee A77 case)?