Baffled by bad (?) Video Card installation!

[SpotDancer]

I have posted in the video forums regarding this issue, but have been unable to find someone who can help solve my problem.

I have an AMD K6III 450 mhz computer with the original, Asus mobo. The mobo has an AGP slot, and I am sure it has to be a 1x because of its age. I am in the process of building my own rig, and have been buying components as I can afford them.

I recently purchased two video cards, one of which I returned and the one other I just received. They both had the same probelm when I installed them: The one long beep, followed by the three short beeps which indicates there is a problem with the video card.

The video cards are Gainward GF2 Pro/450 and eVGA GF3 Ti200. Both cards had hsf assemblies, and although I got the beeps with the cards the fans on each worked.

The eVGA card came with a utility disc that "analyzed" my computer system. After getting the beeps, I put the disc in and ran the utility. It said that the VGA drivers for my mobo were not installed, and suggested I install them. I installed them from the eVGA disc. After doing this, I put the vid card back in and, and still got the beeps. Note: Some time ago I downloaded the VIA 4-in-one drivers, but cant remember if I actually installed them or not.

I cant believe that the two video cards I purchased both arrived DOA. I thought maybe because my mobo was so old, that it would not recognize a 2x, 4x AGP card. After running the utility that said my mobo VGA drivers were missing, I remembered "installing" the 4-in-1 drivers. I have no idea if by doing this, I screwed up my system.

In any event I am at a loss as to what the problem is. I will appreciate any help or direction someone can give me.

Thanks!

 

[TrueBlueLS]

i don't think those video cards you bought were doa. if you have another system, maybe a newer one, try the video cards in there or in a friend's machine. it's hard to believe that two cards you bought would be doa. i've got an unknown socket 7 mobo that i'm trying to get to work, but i don't think it likes the diamond viper v770 4x agp card that i have. so until i can pay for my next semester of college, i have to wait on buying any computer parts for my computers. good luck with your set up.

 

[eplebnista]

Hello,

I know that some of the early AGP slots had trouble supplying enough power to the cards, and it could be that the cards are just not getting enough power to run. What is the model # of the motherboard?

eplebnista

 

[Mingon]

The early motherboards where only 2.5v rather than the latter 3.3v (and newer 1.5v), check the manufacturers website.

 

[BadThad]

Yep, voltage is most likely the culprit. I've seen quite a few cases of AGP/Card incompatibility, those cards are probably just fine....they just won't work in your system. You might find a nice VooDoo PCI card in the ForSale/For Trade forum that would work nicely in that system.

 

[SpotDancer]

<< Hello,

I know that some of the early AGP slots had trouble supplying enough power to the cards, and it could be that the cards are just not getting enough power to run. What is the model # of the motherboard?

eplebnista >>



Eplebnista.......thanks for the input, and to all the others also.

My mobo is an Asus P5A-B, Bios rev. 1007..........how can I determine the voltage, or can you fill me in based on the mobo information?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[eplebnista]

Hello,

It appears that your AGP voltage might be OK, although apparently the motherboard uses an ALi chipset and the 4-in-1's are for VIA chipsets. You might have to format/reinstall OS and use the ALi AGP Driver here and install it before you install the Video Card drivers. Here is the Download area for ASUS motherboards. The only thing I can think of other than the above would be to make sure that the card is seated properly and the power is disconnected before the card's installation. I think I noticed a Bios update was available on the Download page also.

eplebnista