H55M-S2 - Won't detect discrete graphics card

[HCS]

Hi guys,


Bit of a head scratcher here: for some reason I can't get a discrete graphics card to work on this motherboard. Here's the run-down so far:

- Onboard graphics work fine (Intel i3 540)
- Tried to install an Nvidia G210 (no additional power supply needed) - this isn't detected in BIOS.
- Have tried changing init display settings in BIOS - to no avail.
- Have tried all output methods (VGA/DVI/HDMI).
- Have updated BIOS to latest revision (F4).
- System is not overclocked at this point in time.
- Have tested graphics card working on several other PC's.
- Have tried a completely different graphics card (GTX 295) on this motherboard - still nothing.
- Have tried hooking up a completely different power supply (original was 450W, tested with a 650W also).
- Have RMA'ed the board to my supplier (was only a couple of weeks old) - the new board they sent out STILL has the same issue 
- Have checked board is  properly seated.
- Have tested RAM for errors - none returned.
- Have reseated RAM

To be honest I would think the odds of two new boards in succession having the same issue is rare - so does anyone have any other suggestions?

Many thanks!

[Dark Mantis]

Have you made sure that you are using the correct slot  for the GPU ?

Have you made sure that you have selected the PCIEx16 as the initial GPU display on this board also ?

What outlet are you plugging the display into on the card ?

[HCS]

Yes, the PCI Express slot. 
Have tried every init display setting available to me: PCI, PEG, PEG2.
As mentioned, I have tried all outputs the card has to offer - if this is what you meant.

[Dark Mantis]

You need to set the Init Display to PEG and then the next item on the list which is 

Onboard VGA
Enables or disables the onboard graphics function.
Enable If No Ext PEG

[HCS]

Yep, have done that on both the boards. Not a peep from the graphics card however.

[Dark Mantis]

Well I can't see any reason in the BIOS why it shouldn't work then.

Can you post a link to the specs of the specific GPU you have please?

[HCS]

I had already established that - I was asking if anyone knew any other reason in case I had overlooked something.

The specs can be located here: http://www.nvidia.com/object/product_geforce_210_us.html

[HCS]

Well, still no resolution to this and STILL no response from Gigabyte.

I have now also tried a different CPU and I STILL get the same problem. I'm ready to tear my hair out here.

[Dark Mantis]

It might sound stupid but have you tried a different monitor ?

[HCS]

Yes

[Dark Mantis]

when you have the discrete GPU installed does the onboard ooutput still work or has that been disabled as it is supposed to be.

[HCS]

Onboard output works fine, just doesn't actually detect the graphics card - even though I know the graphics card is getting power from the PCI Express x16 lane to power the heatsink fan.

[Dark Mantis]

No I think you misunderstood me. I was enquiring if the onboard graphics output still works after it has been disabled for the discrete GPU to function ?

[HCS]

As I mentioned before, you cannot fully disable onboard graphics - there is no option to.
The only option available is "Enable onboard if no external graphics is present", which it is set to, however it just goes to onboard graphics anyway - even with the graphics card installed in the machine. It is not detecting a card to switch to.

[Dark Mantis]

In that case the BIOS or the motherboard is faulty regardless of what the retailer might have told you.