Problem with new Gigabyte WF3 7950

[Elcs]

If you followed my previous thread, I went out to replace my HD6870 CrossfireX setup with a single, powerful card and I chose the Gigabyte Windforce3 7950. Suited my budget, looked lean, mean and keen.

However upon installing it in my system I have had issues.

Details:

Turned off system
Unplugged Soundcard (easier access)
Unplugged both HD6870's
Plugged in new HD7950 (PCI-E slot + 2x6-pins)
Re-attached display cable (HDMI)
System powered up
No signal detected

I *cannot* access the BIOS. There is never any hint that my display is picking up any sort of signals from the 7950.

Troubleshooting:
Reset BIOS (no change)
Used a VGA cable (no change)
Tried both PCI-E x16 slots (no change)
Replaced one of my old cards (signal returns)

So I'm not sure what's wrong. As far as things go the 7950 appears fine, sits in fine, solid seating, cable goes in, powers up fine, fans spin... just no signal.

Full technical specs:
Intel i5 2500K @ stock
2 x 4Gb Corsair 1600mhz DDR3 RAM
Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 Rev 1.0 motherboard (Latest BIOS, UEFI)
750W Seasonic S12 PSU (Silver 80+)
120Gb OCZ Vertex Plus SSD
2 x 500Gb SATA HDD's in RAID0
1 x 2TB HDD SATA (storage)
Creative X-Fi Fatal1ty Pro Sound Card

2 x Radeon HD6870's
or
1 x Radeon HD7950 (no signal)

I am currently rearing my hair out. Everything is plugged in appropriately. Apart from grabbing a Speaker and reading BIOS beeps, I have no idea what to do next or what's wrong with this whole scenario.

Any help?

/desperate

 

[Tweak155]

Sounds like you did all the appropriate steps. Sometimes you just get a dud. I'd RMA it.

 

[Elcs]

Got a new board in today (had to go for an XFX Double D HD7950 or wait for potentially ever for the company to get more WF3's) Not too happy about that but I popped the XFX card in, worked immediately.

So, that Gigabyte WF3 was my first ever graphics card DoA.

Side note: Thought about doing a fresh install of the Cat 12.11 Beta 11 Drivers but decided against it. If everything with this XFX works right then I'll do a clean install when the next set of drivers come out.

Thanks to Tweak155 for the feedback 🙂 The Gigabyte 7950 is being picked up on Tuesday by the company for RMA and refund.