Help diagnosing a fault.

ljt99

ljt99

ljt99

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Joined
1 Sep 2007
Posts
8
Hi,

I'm putting together a cheap HTPC, and I've run into a problem. I've got it all up and running, using the onboard graphics, and installed XP mCE. When I try to plug in the PCI-e graphics card the system powers up but sends no image to the monitor(via any graphics card connection or the onboard).
I don't have another pc with a PCI-E slot or a spare PCI-E graphics card to test. The graphics card specs only require a 300w psu, and the case has a 380.
So...I'm stuck...
It could be the mobo pci-e slot, graphics card or psu, but I can't think of any way to test without buying spares :/

If anyone has any ideas they'd be most welcome.

I'll paste a list of the components incase someone can spot anything I haven't noticed.

Thanks

LJT

HTPC specs-------------------

CPU- Sempron 3400+
Mobo- Foxconn 6100M2MA-RS2H SKT AM2 nForce 6100 onboard VGA PCI-E SATAII mATX
Memory-1x Kingston 1GB DDR2 667MHz
HD- 500gb HitachiDeskstar...
Graphics-Radeon HD 2400
Case- NSK2400
 
Tried both ports on the back of the graphics card? I find only one gives me an output.

Also, you might need to disable the onboard in the BIOS before plugging the new card in, otherwise you'll just confuse the motherboard.
 
Hi Tute,
Thanks for the reply. I tried the VGA and DVI outputs, but with no luck:/. The bios doesnt have a disable option, just an initialization order, and Its currently on PCI-E. I'm guessing that checks if theres anthing on the PCI-E slot and if not uses the onboard. (onboard and PCI are the other options).
I checked the mobo 'manual' ( a big folded sheet of paper) and theres no mention of a onboard vga disable jumper either.

LJT
 
Hi lsg1r,
I did check for that (as theres a pci-e power connector cable on the psu), but looking over the card theres nothing that cable would fit into. Theres a small white two pin connector, about 5mm wide, and looks like a fan connector to me. The card is fanless and has a large heatsink, so I assumed this was for if you wanted to add a fan.

This is a link to a pic of the 128mg version of my card, the white connector is at the top, right of middle.

http://www.hardwarezone.com/img/data/articles/2007/2285/sapphire-2400-pro.jpg

LJT
 
what about on the motherboard, have you got a 4 pin power plug in a socket next to the cpu socket.
 
Yep, the mobo sheet refers to it as the ATX 12v power connector. Thats in and secure, along the with the standard motherboard power connector, near the IDE connectors.
I appreciate the suggestions though, keep 'em coming :)
 
try resting the bios then putting the graphics card in then power up the system

then jump back into the bios and set it to use the pci-e card first. thats if you get any display from it.

gl

oh yea if the boards new and the graphics cards new push and pull out the card a couple of times
just to make sure the cards connected to the slot coz some times some cards dont have a full
teeth connection
 
Last edited:
Ok Ill give that a go. I've reseated the graphics card about 5 times now, and theres a nice 'click' on the plastic catch when it goes in. It seems to have a nice connection and is sitting nice, straight and deep in the socket.

If the graphics card specs require 300w, will 380 be enough? Its running 1 hard disk and 1 dvd drive. Thats all thats installed atm.

A mate gets back off of holiday tonight and I'm hoping hes got a spare card I can try.
 
Dead card it is! I tried it in a mates pc, and no picture. Tried his in mine and it worked perfectly.
Thanks for the help guys!

LJT
 
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