Trouble installing my 7900 GT. Please help.

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mfh6375

Member
Jun 20, 2005
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I'm trying to install my eVGA 7900 GT CO Superclocked, which is replacing my 6800 GTo. Here's what I did:

First, I uninstalled my nVidia drivers. I did this with add/ remove programs in control panel.

Then I unplug everything.

Next, I replace old card with new one. I make sure it is seated completely.

I plug PCI-e power connector into new card.

I plug everything back in and turn on computer.

Everything seems normal, except the screen is black and the power light on monitor is blinking. It sounds like windows boots up like normal.

This computer is a Dell XPS Gen4. It has P4 3.6 ghz, 1gb DDR2 4200, a 460w psu with 34 amps on the 12v. Operating system is Windows XP Pro.

This is not the first time I have installed a video card, but it is the first time I've had a problem. I had to put my 6800 GTo back in so I could come here and ask for help.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
C

CKXP

Senior member
Nov 20, 2005
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first try to boot into safe mode, if you get the same results, you might have to reinstall Win XP
 
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mfh6375

Member
Jun 20, 2005
181
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I don't think I can boot to safe mode, since i can't see what is on the screen. Why would I need to reinstall Win XP?
 
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mfh6375

Member
Jun 20, 2005
181
1
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I tried plugging into other DVI. It didn't work.

Nope, no BIOS. It's like the monitor isn't even plugged into the card.

Was I wrong to uninstall the drivers first? I doesn't seem to be a problem for my 6800 GTo.
 
Regs

Regs

Lifer
Aug 9, 2002
16,666
21
81
Windows uses it's generic VGA adapter driver before load, so it wouldn't make a difference.

Make sure it's in the right PCI-E slot and make sure you have it connected to the right power plug.

Is it a SLI mobo?
 
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mfh6375

Member
Jun 20, 2005
181
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No, it's not an SLI mobo. And I put it in the exact PCI-e slot that my 6800 was in. And I plugged in the same 6 pin PCI-e power connector that was plugged into the 6800.
 
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the cobbler

Senior member
Mar 8, 2005
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just noticed you have a dell. I don't know the ramifications of clearing CMOS on a Dell, since you really don't have control of your own bios...

but basically every mobo has a CMOS jumper that allows you to clear the contents of the CMOS, where bios information is stored. generally the quick fix to a lot of problem caused by overclocking locking up bios or a "no boot" situation. clearing CMOS just restores the bios to the original fail-safe defaults, and usually solves issues like hanging at boot when you install a new CPU.

again though with the Dell, I'm not sure what will happen. I assume nothing unusual, will probably just reset everything to "factory" settings. probably the worst would be that you would have to reset the system clock in Bios. you can search AT for more complete instructions for clearing CMOS.
 
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TheRyuu

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2005
5,479
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Originally posted by: mfh6375
What is CMOS?
Click to expand...

CMOS is what basically holds all your bios settings. To clear it i'm pretty sure all ya gotta do is remove the battery on the motherboard for a certain amount of time (unless it has a "clear cmos" button)
 
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mfh6375

Member
Jun 20, 2005
181
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The instruction manual from eVGA doesn't say anything about uninstalling the drivers. Should I try it again without uninstalling them?
 
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TheRyuu

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2005
5,479
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Originally posted by: mfh6375
The instruction manual from eVGA doesn't say anything about uninstalling the drivers. Should I try it again without uninstalling them?
Click to expand...

Just try clearing CMOS, that might fix your problem...

If it's not even posting its either a video card problem or mobo problem, and clearing cmos is the next best thing to do (then if that don't work, might want to try different video card, and if the other video card works then your card might be broken)
 
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mfh6375

Member
Jun 20, 2005
181
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81
Well, my 6800 GTo still works fine. That's what I am using right now. Last night I called the 24 hour tech support at eVGA. What are the requirements for that job? A pulse? The guy was was just as clueless as I was. He asked me three different times if I met system requirements, and each time I told him my specs over again. He was no help at all.
 
M

mfh6375

Member
Jun 20, 2005
181
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I guess I will start the RMA, then. If I can't get this card working by tonight, I'll ship it off tomorrow.
 
Hauk

Hauk

Platinum Member
Nov 22, 2001
2,806
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Everything being equal, you likely have a defective card. Black screen, no boot. Pop in old card, you get screen and boot. I'd suspect the card.

Everyone asked the obvious questions to rule out operator error. Gotta suspect that first. Sounds like you know enough to know how to install a card into a PCI-E slot...
 
Hauk

Hauk

Platinum Member
Nov 22, 2001
2,806
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Your motherbaord may have jumper that's used to clear CMOS, or you can remove battery as mentioned. Like they said, it's worth a shot. I feel for ya.

SUCKS to get pumped about a beefy upgrade and have it go south...
 
M

mfh6375

Member
Jun 20, 2005
181
1
81
I'm a little uncomfortable with the CMOS, since I don't really know what it is. What exactly will it reset? Will I lose files, programs, etc?
 
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TheRyuu

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2005
5,479
14
81
Originally posted by: mfh6375
I'm a little uncomfortable with the CMOS, since I don't really know what it is. What exactly will it reset? Will I lose files, programs, etc?
Click to expand...

As I have stated before, CMOS holds all your bios settings (basically). So when you reset it, it restores the factory defaults.
All the settings can easily put back (if you know them).

So since your 6800GT works fine, I'm betting its either the bios or the video card.

I'm thinking RMA time if reseting cmos don't work :p
 
D

Dethfrumbelo

Golden Member
Nov 16, 2004
1,499
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Most mobos should have a CMOS jumper near the CMOS battery, a little plastic cap over two pins in a three pin set. You clear it by putting the cap over the other two pins, which connects them, waiting for a few seconds, and then putting the cap back to its original position.

cmos jumper: pin 1 pin 2 pin 3
normal...........xxxxcapxxx
reset.........................xxxxcapxxx


Do you have the mobo manual, which shows jumper names and locations?

 
Hauk

Hauk

Platinum Member
Nov 22, 2001
2,806
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I suspect the card. Many variables; you've eliminated most of them. Clearing CMOS is a reflex action for those who mess it. That's why you're getting the suggestions. But you're a guy who's not touched bios settings. Perhaps if your PCI-E voltages or some other crap was screwed up in the bios it would be a variable. But it doesn't explain why the 6800GT gets past POST and the new card doesn't. Same interface. You should get something.

Sorry dude. That's sucks bigtime. Make sure to handle the replacement card like a virgin...
 
Y

yacoub

Golden Member
May 24, 2005
1,991
14
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anyone know what sorta PSU he's got and how much wattage a 7900GT draws over a 6800Ultra (if any)?
 
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