New build, monitor not cooperating

[Nicholas Oob]

Hey all,

I have put my new gaming rig (see below) together today, but I seem to have a problem. Whenever I turn on my computer, all fans (CPU, GPU and case fans) start going, my motherboard flashes some codes (so I know it responds as well), but unfortunately my monitor does not respond.
I have tried both DVI and VGA cables and altought the monitor recognizes a plugged-in cable, he refuses to show anything.
Any suggestions?

Short specs for reference:

Monitor: Dell U2312HM
GPU: Sapphire HD7850
CPU: Intel i5 3570k
Mobo: Asrock Z77 Extreme 4

Thanks in advance!

Edit: I have tried it with another monitor in the meantime and it seems that when I plug a VGA cable from the mobo to one of the monitors, it works (DVI from GPU still doesn't). So I'm guessing the problem lies with the GPU here?

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Did you disable the onboard graphics?

 

[Nicholas Oob]

No, where could I find that. I guess in the BIOS? I haven't installed an OS yet, I was just checking for everything to be connected fine and found that my GPU wasn't working along

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Try using the motherboard's DVI connection. If it works, boot into the BIOS and disable the onboard graphics. Check your manual for instructions.

 

[Nicholas Oob]

Well the default is PCI Express, I just checked for reference, this is the screen I'm able to see (with some different other options, but the Primary Graphics Adapter is there too): ftp://europe.asrock.com/manual/Z77 Extreme4.pdf (on p62)

 

[AnonymouseUser]

On that screen, it also shows "IGPU Multi-Monitor" is Enabled by default. Disable that and see if it helps.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Also, did you plug the 6-pin PCIE connector in? Does the GPU fan spin?

 

[Nicholas Oob]

Disabled it, still not working.
The GPU fans are working, yes.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Could be your GPU, could be your PCIE slot. Try another slot. If possible, try another GPU or try that GPU in another PC.

 

[Nicholas Oob]

Ok, I'll try that tomorrow, since it's getting dark in here and there's not enough light to keep things clear. Will keep you updated!

 

[Nicholas Oob]

Ok so I did a few things, with different effects:

tried another slot: still doesn't seem to work
tried another GPU: I tried my old GTX 280, which works with 6+8 pins for power supply, but the 8 pin one seems to be a bit bended, so I cannot use that one in my new rig (works in the old one though)
tried the GPU in another PC: GPU seems to work here (I'm typing this with the GPU inserted)

Should I find (borrow) another GPU to test if the PCIE slots are working? Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[AnonymouseUser]

It sounds like your motherboard has issues with that card. I checked Asrock's downloads to see if they had a BIOS update that addresses GPU compatibility and they do.

Version 1.80:
1. Improve discrete VGA card vBIOS compatibility.
2. Update CPU code.
3. Improve Internet flash.

So, remove any discrete graphics card and use the onboard GPU so you can flash the latest BIOS (version 2.00).

BIOS downloads

 

[Nicholas Oob]

Yeah, I was searching on the web and found that as well. I will try it as soon as I come back from a small trip on Wednesday.
Will keep you updated!

 

[zon2020]

I'm sure you've done this, but just to be sure, did you connect the ATX12V power connector from your PSU to your motherboard (the 4 or 8 pin connector that powers the cpu) in addition to the 24 pin connector? It's often overlooked and can produce the symptoms you're mentioning.

 

[Nicholas Oob]

So, I'm back and I have tried different solutions with different results!

It sounds like your motherboard has issues with that card. I checked Asrock's downloads to see if they had a BIOS update that addresses GPU compatibility and they do.

Updated the BIOS, didn't really help at first. Although it may have contributed to making it work.

I'm sure you've done this, but just to be sure, did you connect the ATX12V power connector from your PSU to your motherboard (the 4 or 8 pin connector that powers the cpu) in addition to the 24 pin connector? It's often overlooked and can produce the symptoms you're mentioning.

I checked and double-checked and the ATX12V was indeed connected, thanks for the suggestion anyways ;-)

So, I stumbled across this post and some people said their card worked when PCIE2 Speed was set to Gen1 instead of Auto or Default. And indeed, this seems to have done the trick.
I checked System Browser and before that, no GPU was detected in the slot, but with the change it is.
The question is now: is this just a sticking plaster to a gaping wound or an actual legit solution? Because the people in that thread gave me the impression it was the former, altough I could've been mistaken.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Nicholas Oob]

Bump, anyone?