AMD 6950 2gb no video/display

[Reven]

Hi Guys,

I'm having issues with a new PC I built, specifically with my Saphire 6950 2gb. I can get no video/display no matter what connection/monitor I use. I tried both HDMI and DVI-VGA (DVI to VGA adapter) to my Vizio 1080p TV. I also tried DVI/VGA on a standard LCD monitor. This is a new build, so when I turn on my PC the fans rev up and yet the screen stays blank. (whereas I'd expect a BIOS screen). This is the same even when I have my Windows 7 install disc in the drive.

My specs:
Saphire 6950 2gb
Intel Core i5 2500K
Lexar Media Inc Crucial 128 GB m4 SSD
2tb Seagate HDD
4gb DDR3 RAM
ASUS P8P67 LE LGA 1155 (Intel P67)
Corsair Enthusiast Series 650-Watt

I have 2 6 pin PCI-E power cables going to the 6950, so it should be getting enough power. I tried both the 6 pins from the PSU and the 6 Pin - Molex adapters provided.

What should I do? It seems like this card is a dud, right?

 

[MTDEW]

First make sure the pc is actually trying to post before blaming the video card.

Pull the video card and the ram and try to start it and see if you get any error beeps from the motherboard.

No beeps, clear cmos, reseat cpu and check to be sure mobo isnt grounding to case.

 

[Reven]

OK I uninstalled the video card and RAM but I'm getting no beeps from the mobo. The "dram" led is on though.

I also tried clearing the CMOS. The instructions wanted me to reinput values in the BIOS, but obviously I cant get there.

How can I check if the mobo is grounding the case?

For reseating the CPU: What exactly should I be doing? I have a Cooler Master Hyper 212 installed and the fan runs fine. Do you mean I should uninstall the cooler and make sure the CPU is in? (there's only one way to install a CPU so I'd assume its in correctly).

 

[zi0n.]

How can I check if the mobo is grounding the case?

Mount it outside the case.

For reseating the CPU: What exactly should I be doing? I have a Cooler Master Hyper 212 installed and the fan runs fine. Do you mean I should uninstall the cooler and make sure the CPU is in? (there's only one way to install a CPU so I'd assume its in correctly).

Yes, take the 212+ off and just take it off & put it back, re apply thermal paste if needed.

 

[MTDEW]

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-boot-video-problems

 

[Reven]

OK I pulled the mobo out of the case, still no boot. It should be noted 2 of the headers are "permanently" screwed to the mobo. (I used a screw slightly to big on 2 of them, as a result the screw wont detach from the headers). (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/191/securedownloadmk.jpg/)

Following the guide, I found there may be an issue with my memory? The "DRAM" light on my mobo is always on. I tried both DIMMS singly in each slot, but no luck. The "MemOK" switch was not able to solve the issue.

Is the problem with my RAM then? It's Kingston DDR3 HyperX (ID : KHX1600C9D3K2/8G) at 1.65V

 

[MTDEW]

First off, those screws and standoffs stuck to the motherboard are easy enough to get unscrewed, just hold the standoff with a pair of pliers and unscrew the screw with a screwdriver.
Then put the standoffs back in place in the case and use pliers to tighten them in place so they dont come loose when removing motherboard screws again.

Your ram may well be the problem but may still not be bad ram.

The motherboard may be trying to boot with the default 1.5v standard for the ram and your ram may not be able to boot at 1.5v since its rated at 1.65v.

So your ram may not be faulty, it may well just be incompatible with the motherboard and the board cannot auto-detect its voltage and timings correctly.

The ram may work just fine after you can get into the bios and set the timings and voltage manually.

Of course you'll have to try different ram to find out for sure.

I can tell you ive built three Asus z68 boards / 2500k/ 2600k builds in the last month and this Gskill ram does.
Obviuosly its not the only ram that will post with the Asus z68 boards (p67 should be the same), but its all i've used and can vouch for with personal experience.

But troubleshooting pcs is a shot in the dark when you've narrowed it down to motherboard/cpu or ram, and unfortunately , the only way to narrow it down further is to swap with other parts.

Question?....Do you have a speaker hooked up to the motherboard header so you can hear any beep codes.

 

[Reven]

OK I'll get to work on those screws.

To confirm:
It seems the GPU IS WORKING. Instead, the issue lies with either the RAM or the Mobo. However, there is no way of knowing which is damaged without swapping a part.

I dont have any extra hardware, so I should order the RAM you specified?
If my mobo works with the RAM, can I contact Kingston and get a refund?

I dont have a specific motherboard speaker. Could I simply connect my headphones to the audio plug at the back of my motherboard? (the green port)

 

[MTDEW]

No headphones wont work, the computer gives error beep codes through the pins on the motherboard headers....its usually with the group of pins where you plugged the HDD LED, reset switch, pwr switch pins etc..etc.. are located on the motherboard. (looks like its on page 1-35 of your mobo manual)
Might as well grab one HERE because they are invaluable for troubleshooting.
Seems more and more cases are eliminating including these nowadays.

You can grab the memory i listed and that should rule out whether its just a ram/motherboard incompatibility.

Whether or not Kingsston would allow a return, i dont know.
That would be up to them.

There is still a chance its not a motherboard ram incompatability, you're down to motherboard,cpu or ram.
But the ram is your cheapest and easiest bet to try right now.

 

[Reven]

OK - I ordered off of Newegg. Should be here in a week.

 

[Atheus]

Your mobo doesn't have onboard graphics does it? Have you trieed plugging the monitor into that? It's probably the default in the BIOS but most should detect a card...

 

[MTDEW]

Your mobo doesn't have onboard graphics does it? Have you trieed plugging the monitor into that? It's probably the default in the BIOS but most should detect a card...

P67 doesn't support IGP.

 

[Reven]

Hi

I plugged in the new RAM, but to no avail. I still get the DRAM led on.

There is no sound coming from the speaker you had me get. Does this mean the motherboard is defective?

 

[MTDEW]

Hi

I plugged in the new RAM, but to no avail. I still get the DRAM led on.

There is no sound coming from the speaker you had me get. Does this mean the motherboard is defective?

Did you clear the CMOS when you inserted new ram?

If that doesnt work, you're down to cpu,mobo or psu.

Try re-seating the cpu and check out the cpu socket on the mobo when you remove the cpu and see if maybe there are any bent pins.

 

[denis280]

Did you clear the CMOS when you inserted new ram?

If that doesnt work, you're down to cpu,mobo or psu.

Try re-seating the cpu and check out the cpu socket on the mobo when you remove the cpu and see if maybe there are any bent pins.

and make sure all wires are connected in the right place.(power switsh.reset.HDD led.speaker for beep codes.and when installing the motherboard (dont tight the screw too hard)if you did look if the motherboard is not crack or chipped.

 

[Reven]

OK I will try to do what you guys say in a couple days. I have 4 mid terms this week so I have to focus on them for a bit.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Reven]

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/835/img0075me.jpg/

Is a picture of my motherboard CPU slot. The picture isnt the clearest (if you want I'll try again) but it looks like a few pins next to the middle are bent.

Assuming this is the case, it means the mobo is defective, correct? Is it possible thats a manufacturing mistake or is that always user error? (because I remember not forcing it and had the orientation correct the first time).

 

[Reven]

Any ideas guys? Should I just go ahead and contact Asus customer support?

 

[Reven]

System continue to not post. No error via the mobo speaker.

A couple of updates:

1) Found a person who has a desktop I could use. I plugged in my 6950 and his system booted up just fine. When I used his card (5850? 5XXX series) I did NOT post.
2) I tried using every combination of the memory I have. So single stick tried with both GSKILL and Kingston modules. None of them worked. I cleared the CMOS a few times while trying this.
3) The GSKILL is rated at 1.25v, the Kingston at 1.65. My motherboard qualified vendor list didn't have any 1.25v rated 1600mhz DDR3, but did have a bunch at 1.65
4) I also tried removing the CMOS battery and plugging it back in to no effect.
5) I think the RAM is still an issue actually. While I never get a motherboard speaker error code, the red "MemOK" switch glows on red. This is supposed to be a memory issue. However, the Kingston RAM is approved to work with this motherboard!

My current guess is that the CPU is the issue. Perhaps it was fried by static in my dorm room or the old faulty motherboard got it. I ordered a new Core i5 2500K off Amazon. It should arrive on Friday. If it doesn't work I can return it.

Considering we're this messy into the issue here are COMPLETE specs for the core components:

Intel Core i5 2500K
Corsair TX 650 PSU
ATI Radeon (Saphire) 6950 2gb VaporX
the GSKILL RAM you suggested
Kingston DDR3 1600mhz 1.65v ( KHX1600C9D3K2/8G)
Asus P8P67 Revision B3

 

[john3850]

Your cpu holder or the lga pins have been damaged and bent.
DO NOT use the mb till the pins get fixed or mb replaced.
Your mb company may not cover this damage.
All mb come with a cover to avoid this dammage.
Also check the cpu contacts for damage.
I bent pins 6 once while wipping them with a tissue and was able to repair them.
If you have a bright light and a magnifier glass the pins can be strightened.
A 35mm camara lense works the best.

 

[Reven]

Sorry forgot to mention I got a new motherboard. Asus P8P67. (no pro, le etc)