GA-M68M-S2P: PCIe video not working

[semc]

I just bought the GA-M68M-S2P.  On-board video works, the PCIe does not.  My video card is BFG GeForce 9800GT.  This is the "ECO" model that uses less power and therefore does not require the additional power cable (there isn't even a connector for it).  I have a Samsung 2253BW LCD monitor with both digital and analog cables.  I reused all the parts from my previous system except the old motherboard because it had boot problems.  I know the video card works as it was running just a couple hours ago.  I do not have an extra card laying around that can be used for testing.  Both the 20 pin and the 4 pin power connectors are firmly seated in the motherboard.

Yes, I have tried both digital outputs on the video card.
Nothing is overclocked.

BIOS Settings:
All BIOS settings are default.
"Onboard GPU" is set to "enable if no ext PEG"
"Init display first" is set to "PEG"

Any suggestions?

[absic]

Hi there,

Without knowing the details of your PC it is really hard to say why the Graphics Card isn't working. It could be due to insufficient power from the PSU, a faulty graphic card or many other things.

If the on-board graphics are working OK the first thing to do is check that you are running the latest BIOS, if you are not, update using the QFlash utility and see if that helps. If you are running the latest BIOS could you post back with your full systems specs as this will help with further troubleshooting.

[semc]

Thanks for the reply.  Yes I am running the latest BIOS.

WinXP SP3
AMD Athlon II X2 240 (2.8GHz)
2x 1GB Ultra DDR2 800MHz
BFG GeForce 9800GT EcoIntelligence
Sata DVD burner
2x Sata 500GB Samsung HDD
SB Live audio
350w Antec power supply
Antec mid tower case

As I said everything ran fine in the last system, the only difference now is the motherboard.  I'm also running less PCI cards and 2 less HDD's then my last system.  I tried to rule out power issues by disconnecting everything except: memory, CPU fan and video card.

[absic]

Hi there,

I understand where you're coming from but...... Gigabyte actually recommend a PSU minimum of 500 Watts for your motherboard!

To meet expansion requirements, it is recommended that a power supply that can withstand high power consumption be used (500W or greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.

taken from page 22 of the User's Manual for Rev 1.0 the same info is on page 13 for the Rev 2..3 board.

If possible try a PSU with at least this amount of power.

[semc]

I have the Rev 2.3 board.  Thanks for that info.  I completely missed it.  I'll have to buy a new ps to find out since I don't have a spare.

[absic]

It's a shame you have to buy a new PSU. Can't you borrow one for testing from a friend or neighbour? 

If you do have to get a new PSU make sure you get a decent make with a single rail and I would suggest around 650 Watt for a little bit of future proofing.

[semc]

The neighbors have laptops and run of the mill Dell's.  The firends that have a higher wattage are out of state.  

Edit:
I ordered a Rosewill RG630-S12 630w ps and it will be here in about a week.  I'll update if anything changes.

[semc]

I managed to get the old motherboard to power on and confirmed the 9800GT video card does work.

I got the new 650w PSU today and installed it in the new system.  The PCIe slot still does not work.  I installed an old PCI video card in a PCI slot and that does work.  At this point I am assuming it will be an RMA.

[Dark Mantis]

Have you set the Primary Graphics Adapter in the BIOS to PEG and not PCI ?

[semc]

Yes I have:

BIOS Settings:
All BIOS settings are default.
"Onboard GPU" is set to "enable if no ext PEG"
"Init display first" is set to "PEG"

[Dark Mantis]

Have you remembered to connect the poower cables up to the GPU ?

[semc]

My GPU is the EcoIntelligence model that does not require a power cable.  Not even optional, there's no connector for it.

[Dark Mantis]

Obviously that isn't the problem then.

Have you got the extra ATX 12v cables attached to the header on the motherboard ?

[absic]

Hi again,

sorry to see that the new power supply hasn't solved the problem.

What BIOS version are you running on your motherboard? The latest is FC and if you are not running that then it would be a good idea to update, using QFlash, just to make sure it isn't a BIOS issue. You can download the FC BIOS here: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3498&dl=1#bios

The fact that the 9800 works in another PC and an older card will run on the new motherboard would seem to indicate that the problem isn't down to faulty hardware and I would think that, if running the FC BIOS doesn't work then it would be a good idea to contact Gigabyte Technical Support and see if they can offer a solution. You can do that here: http://ggts.gigabyte.com/tech.asp?ClassID=2&Country=U.S.A.&SourceWeb=B2C

[semc]

Thanks for the continued help.

Yes the extra 12v cable is attached to the motherboard.

I am running BIOS revision FC.  It was already up to date when purchased.  I started contacting Gigabyte last Wednesday or Thursday and it is painfully slow, a reply takes 24-48 hours to receive.  By the time they reply to the information I gave them it is already out dated because I have tried other things.  So far they have no suggestions...not even one.