I should RMA Leadtek PX6600 GT TDH?

[CQuinn]

Actually I already answered my own question I think, but I'd appreciate a
second opinion or two.

Recent purchase:

(Refurbished)
Leadtek PX6600GT TDH Geforce 6600GT (PCI-Express) Video Card - OEM


(NEW)
DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D Motherboard

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice CPU

Patriot 1GB (2 x 512MB) (PC 3200) PDC1G3200LLK RAM


Everything seems to work on initial bench test, with one exception: the system
does not want to boot with the Leadtek card in the top PCI-Expressx16 slot (PCIE1).
The LED indicators on the board made it look like it might be a memory problem,
but the memory ran fine in my older system overnight, and the board will boot with
and old PCI Video card that I grabbed to test it with.

The system will boot, (and run DSL Linux) when the card is in the lower slot (PCIE4).

As I was just testing to make sure it would at least boot the LiveCD, I noticed
from the silkscreen on the motherboard that PCIE4 the second full length PCI Express
slot, does not actually run as a PCI-Express x16 slot in standard mode.
It looks like it (PCIE4) runs as X2 normally, and as X8 on an SLI board.

If my understanding is right then, the Leadtek card is not able to run in
a full PCI-Express x16 slot. As I stated above, this card was a discounted refurb,
and shipped with just the card, no cables, drivers, software, etc...
For the discount, I didn't mind a "just the card" deal; but I don't think its
asking too much for "just a card that works like its supposed to"?
(Especially for my first Non-ATI card in several years)


Has anyone else heard or experienced this sort of problem?

 

[ixelion]

I am inclined to think its your motherboard that wont let you run the card on the full x16 slot. Consider updating the bios on your motherboard and try it again. I know you could run a PCI card in there but sometimes motherboards are quirky.

If it doesnt work, go for an entirely diffrent brand 6600GT just to be on the safe side.

And if you do plan on going ATI, then dont bother with the x700 Pro (6600GT equivelent) because its rather poor, you will have to get a higher level card like x800xl.

 

[CQuinn]

Thanks, I 'll give that a shot. I have a couple more days before I would
have to try and RMA it anyway.

THe x800 is out of my budget range right now. And I'm waiting to see if any newer
PCI-E based All-in-Wonder cards will come out before I look at anything on the
high end.

Edit: BIOS update didn't help.