7970 Not Working after W/B Install

[Tencntraze]

So I decided to pick up 3 Sapphire 7970s along with EK blocks. I tested each card for a Heaven run to make sure it worked, then installed each block. After installation and setting up my loop the primary card doesn't work; it's not detected by Windows nor does plugging a monitor into it allow the MB to post. I have tried testing different power cables, as well as a cheap video card in the same slot to ensure it wasn't the M/B. Did I somehow destroy the card?

For reference, have an x58 Classified E770 that had been working in the past without any problems. If I've destroyed the card somehow, what's the standard RMA process after a WB install? I'm really not looking forward to taking apart the loop, re-installing the stock cooler, and waiting to rebuild my loop again but thems the breaks.

 

[Tencntraze]

Going to check this out when I get home, but has anyone heard of this problem being caused by the waterblock screwed on too tight? Saw an older discussion on another forum where someone suggested loosening the screws

 

[thilanliyan]

Disconnect the other two cards and try to see if the primary card works.

Are you sure you didn't accidentally chip something off? I rendered one of my 6950 cards useless after I chipped off part of a VRM by securing the VRM heatsink TOO tightly (I was watercooling too).

 

[Tencntraze]

The primary card wasn't working by itself after installing the block, no. I'm probably going to blow off taking apart the loop for a bit, so I won't know if I chipped something off until then. Card doesn't appear to be bowed.

 

[Stuka87]

Sounds like you nicked a cap or something on the board.

 

[Meghan54]

Could be the block is tightened too much on the card, warping it or not making contact where it should or shorting something it shouldn't. Have seen this same problem ad nauseam over at XS.

 

[Lyfer]

Ouch, sounds like a lot of work to get the defective card rma'ed.

 

[thilanliyan]

You don't have to take the loop apart do you? Just disconnect the card from the block and leave the block by itself?

I almost never take apart my loop but have changed cards many times.

 

[Tencntraze]

Hmm, interesting idea on trying to take the block off without taking apart the loop. Space will be tough trying to get at the screws but worth a shot. Backplate will be easy enough to get off; if I'm lucky, maybe the backplate is the one that's too tight and it will start working

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Hmm, interesting idea on trying to take the block off without taking apart the loop. Space will be tough trying to get at the screws but worth a shot. Backplate will be easy enough to get off; if I'm lucky, maybe the backplate is the one that's too tight and it will start working

Could work and it is a very interesting idea. I'd just be worried about the weight of the block with its only support being barbs and tubing. Maybe in your case you have some SLI/crossfire bridge for your multi cards. Just be careful and maybe wedge some stuff between the card below and block so the weight its bared solely by the connections.