Help/advice needed!

smithy1988

smithy1988

smithy1988

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Joined
3 Jul 2007
Posts
354
Location
Newcastle UK
Hi- one of my pc's seems to have stopped sending a video signal to my monitor via VGA. I'm thinking that the onboard gpu has failed? I have tried two monitors and both aren't sent any signal from the pc.
I connected up a laptop to the monitor and that sent its signal fine, so I know the VGA cable/monitor are working fine.

Next step was to try and bypass the onboard gpu by fitting a gpu card from another system- ATI HD 4850.
Problem with this is it needs two pcie power connectors and the psu I was trying to connect to, only has one.

Anything else I can try? Anyone aware of any gpu's that only require 1x pcie connector, I could purchase to see if this solves it.
The psu is a corsair I'd estimate 450-500watt but will double check in the morning. Not sure if it's cheaper going for a bog standard gpu or a new mobo. Pc is a few years old now. Only used for Internet/word processing/emails by the rents.
Appreciate any help
 
Thanks that would allow me to test the theory. But that card is in use in my pc so wouldn't be a long term solution, should it work.

Are there any basic gpu's I could buy with just 1 x connector.
Converting a molex- another 6 pin may overload the psu depending on wattage (check tomorrow)
 
Thanks are the 5450's powered by just the 1 pcie connector?
I'd have to check to be certain but I think an amd phenom quad so amd2+ if my memory serves me correctly!?

A Gpu is probably an easier option than having to unplug everything and install a new board. However potentially worth doing if there is a difference in price
 
Is strange as I thought a 4850 did have only one 6pin connector, guess you have a more powerful/overclocked version that needs more, or its secretly a 4870?
 
Yeah that CX400w is a little beast, made by Seasonic, it can run that card with that spec.
 
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Thanks for that.
Just to confirm them does the 5450 definitely just have the 1 connector? I'll purchase one of these tomorrow with a dvi cable. Swap from VGA.

Do onvoard gpu's tend to fail eventually? This isn't going to be a sign of more mono features failing shortly!

And with the description above, have I missed anything? Or is the on board video failing the most likely explanation?
Thanks
 
Right update!

Bought a hd5450 and installed. Connected to monitor and still no picture. Have tried both the dvi and VGA connections. There's power to the monitor as I can access the monitors settings. No power connectors that I can see on GPU so assuming its powered directly via the pci-e slot.

All the fans start, the green led on mobo shows. The optical drive opens and closes. Iv taken out the ram and reinstalled. I have tried a different connector from psu-mobo.

Don't seem to get any beeps when turning on though. With this not being my px I'm not familiar with the sounds it makes on startup. But now I'm toying with the idea that something on the board or connected to it has failed.

The annoying thing was it was working fine till last night. My dad pulled out the desk to check Internet cables/router connections as it had bombed out and then on next startup no signal to monitor, hence my initial thoughts the the VGA cable had maybe pulled or damaged the chip on the mobo while pulling the desk out.

What's the next step?
 
Try a clearCMOS, turn the power off at the wall, remove the battery for a minute or so, re-fit and try again.
 
Just tried that and still no joy. Just checked with onboard VGA and gpu VGA and still no output to the monitor.

Any other tests I can do to rule things out or try and narrow it down to certain components ?
 
Fantastic!
1 ram module didn't work in any of the slots. The other worked and loaded in all 4. So I'm assuming a dodgy ram module.

Currently installing gpu drivers and pc is working on 1 ram module. There was a triple beep from pc that I havnt heard before during startup. What does that mean? Something in the bios?

Many thanks for all your help. Appreciate it
Will look at replacing the ram soon
 
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