System won't boot up with Nvidia GTX 280

[igor01]

Replaced my 8800 GTX with a 280 - no go. The CPU fan and the case fans won't even spin when both the 6-pin and the 8-pin connectors are plugged into the 280. Wattage should be no problem - my power supply is a Seasonic S12 600 Watts, the CPU is a E6600 @3.4, only 2x1GB RAM at default voltage, 4x harddrives and a DVD burner. From my research, the PSU should have no trouble driving such and even higher system (never had any problems while running the computer with the 8800 GTX).

The funny thing is that when I tried to boot up without the 8-pin connector plugged in (just for shitz and giggles), the CPU and the case fans come to life, but of course the system never fully boots, so I suspect either the 8-pin EPS is not working properly. Or the 280 could be DOA.

Any thoughts/suggestions/insights would be appreciated.

 

[robisbell]

how old is the PSU?
could be a failing PSU and/or one that can not handle the initial draw from all the hardware.

 

[Cutthroat]

Either bad PSU or DOA card. Try the card in a different PC if you can.

Try removing some stuff from the PSU temporarily, especially some of those 4 HDD's, unplug excess USB devices, DVD drive, 1 DIMM etc., and then see what happens. If it POST's your PSU is overloaded.

 

[igor01]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Turns out I am, in my infinite idiocy, attempted to jam the 8-pin EPS connector and not the 8-pin PCI-e one (which my PSU doesn't have) into the videocard. Picked me up a new PSU that has the proper connectors, will give it another try.

 

[robisbell]

hope you did not fry the video card, good luck!

 

[igor01]

I am happy to report that everything works like a charm with the new PSU! Overclocked the GTX 280 to 700 core / 1200 memory and running stability tests now. Time to sell the 8800 GTX and the Seasonic PSU!

 

[Dillybob]

Good to hear it...I myself am thinking about picking up the card, but I only run a 19" monitor at 1440x900. Would the GTX 280 be overkill for me? I'm currently using a stock-clocked 8800GTX. I may pick up a 22" monitor over the summer....that's the max I can get, because of the top of my desk's shelving right next to the alcove.

Have you seen any drastic improvements, and what is your rig and monitor? Just asking so I know if it's worth it at all....