GA-Z77X-D3H not detecting PCIe graphics card

[Storky]

I recently bought a upgrade kit for my computer, containing:

Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H Motherboard
8Gb Corsair vengeance DDR3 1600mhz low profile memory (dual channel)
Intel i5 3570k processor

I'm running this combined with my older hardware:

320Gb 5400rpm Hitachi Sata HDD
Sony optiarc sata DVD-rw
Cooler Master 620w PSU

Everything is clocked at stock speeds at the moment, standard BIOS settings except that I allowed the IGP to use 1024mb memory, instead of the default 64mb.

Now, I wanted to install my Nvidia GTX 260 graphics card, because the Intel HD graphics weren't strong enough for certain games I wanted to play.
However, I cannot get the pc to recognize this card!

I plugged it in to the top PCIe slot (x16) and connected the 2 6pin power cables,
then I went into the bios (still using the internal graphics) to change the 'init display first' setting to 'PEG'
however, when I save and exit, the pc keeps using the intel HD graphics.

When I go into the BIOS again, the 'init display first' setting has automatically reset to 'Auto' instead of 'PEG'.
If I change this setting to 'IGP' it saves it properly, but when i choose 'PEG' it always resets to 'Auto'.

When i'm in Windows and go to device manager I cannot find the GTX 260 anywhere in the hardware list.
Trying to install drivers for Nvidia also gives me an error message, saying there is no Nvidia hardware found in the pc.

My graphics card was working perfectly on my previous motherboard. I only upgraded because I wanted a more powerful CPU, and more Ram.

Am I missing something, or can it be that my PCIe slots are broken?

ps: I also tried the 2nd PCIe slot (x8) and got the same results.
I could not try the 3rd slot (x4) because my HDD gets in the way of the giant graphics card.

Please let my know if I can supply any more information that might be useful.

Thanks in advance, and excuse me if the writing is a little sloppy, English is not my native language.

[Storky]

I did not find a edit button, so I'm replying like this with an update.

I managed to borrow a PCIe graphics card from a friend today,
an older model, requiring less power, and it worked perfectly.

So this leads me to believe that either my graphics card is dead, or my PSU cannot keep up with the new hardware and the beefy graphics card.

Either way, I'm quite sure it has nothing to do with the motherboard being faulty in any way.

As far as I'm concerned, this topic may be closed or deleted.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

I am happy to see that you seem to have sorted out your problem already. I would think it is more than likely that the actual issue is with the old power supply. They deteriorate with age and use and so chances are it just can't supply enough power any more especially with your upgrade.

[Khurzon]

Just FYI for other people searching about this issue. I am having the exact same issue with my brand new GA-Z77X-UP4 model. It refuses to recognize a Radeon HD 7870 card, and resets the Init Display First field to Auto every time. I have run through extensive troubleshooting and am in the middle of working with Gigabyte support on other options, but so far its stumped us. I assume the two issues, even if with different hardware, are related, so if we find a solution I will update and post it here.

[Slevin]

Exact same problem. Init. Display goes from PEG to auto every time i click "save n quit".
My video card works cause i tested it in other system.
This is Gigabyte mistake 100% and they dont even know how to fix this... Lame

[kernelkurtz]

I'm getting the same problem with both BIOS versions F14 and F15q with a 7950.  I get a POST debug code 62, which is Initialize PCH runtime services.  I see a blinking cursor, and if I wait long enough it will boot Windows (strangely skipping the hard drive that contains GRUB with Linux, where I normally select either Linux or Windows).  I have the PEG init option set to auto, however I will test by changing it before installing the card to see if that affects behavior.  I can't even enter the BIOS with a PCI-E VGA installed, it just boots after hanging at the blinking cursor.

I've also tried the x8 slot with the same results. 

After this the card works in 3d applications.  I've already RMAd the card once because I thought this was the problem.  System specs:

i5 3570K
Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H
Silverstone DA850 850W power supply
16 GB Corsair Dominator DDR3-1666


UPDATE

I tried playing around with fast boot settings (UEFI vs default, which uses legacy VGA drivers), disconnecting all of my hard drives, removing my PCI-E SSD, with no luck. I was able to enter the BIOS and flashing other BIOSes by hitting Delete or end, respectively, while the underscore flashes. Right before I enter the BIOS or boot I finally noticed a large font, barely readable message that says something like 'no devices available, press *some key* to configure RAID' or something to that nature. This leads me to believe that POST is waiting on some sort of RAID device enumeration before finishing. I guess that will be my next place to look for pertaining BIOS settings.

We really need to figure this out because I don't expect to spend this kind of money on a motherboard and have these kind of results.  This is my first foray into Gigabyte motherboards (from ASUS, Abit, and Asrock) and I must say this makes me want to look elsewhere next time I build a system.

[CageJ]

I don't know about problem with AMD/ATI cards.. but with nVidia GPUs there's a know issue with every MoBo(ASUS, MSI etc.). There is a problem between the GPU BIOS and UEFI. For example 660GTX doesn't work on mostly any AsRock MoBo with Z77. So if u buy, try, if doesn't go, return it..

[kernelkurtz]

I don't know about problem with AMD/ATI cards.. but with nVidia GPUs there's a know issue with every MoBo(ASUS, MSI etc.). There is a problem between the GPU BIOS and UEFI. For example 660GTX doesn't work on mostly any AsRock MoBo with Z77. So if u buy, try, if doesn't go, return it..

I may try disabling UEFI and going to Legacy for everything and see what happens.  I'm not sure I want to return it because I don't want to be without a system for that long.  I mean my system is fully functional, but it just takes over a minute to POST.

[CageJ]

Yes, that is the problem ... Long post or even no post..
Have you tried fast boot or ultra fast boot ?

EDIT :
Have u tried changing PCI EX from AUTO to PCIEX GEN3 ?

[kernelkurtz]

Well I 'fixed' my problem with the 1 minute post using a VGA in the PCI-E slots(s).  As I suspected initially, the culprit was the combination of 3 things:
PCI-E OCZ Revodrive in the bottom PCI-E slot
VGA in the top 16x slot
Init display first BIOS setting reverting after setting it in the BIOS, saving, and restarting. 

It looks like that setting simply does not work for some reason.  When the BIOS detects a VGA in the PCI-E slot it begins checking all PCI-E slots, and hangs on the SSD.  Apparently it is timing out after a minute or so, then finishing POST.  The SSD is completely fine in the same slot when there is no VGA installed.  I cleared the CMOS with the PSU switch off, switched to the second BIOS, repeated, switched back to the first, then I moved the SSD to the middle PCI-E slot and it could POST.  I checked the 'Init display first' option after trying to set it again on a successful, normal POST and it reverted back to 'normal'.  So now I can POST in a normal amount of time.

Yes, that is the problem ... Long post or even no post..
Have you tried fast boot or ultra fast boot ?

EDIT :
Have u tried changing PCI EX from AUTO to PCIEX GEN3 ?

I only have the option to 'Init display first', and when that is enabled I can select primary PEG, which uses cryptic numbering like PEG10, PEG16, PEG60.  The manual lists PEG1, PEG2, PEG3 (which makes more sense.)  There are many small, sloppy mistakes when it comes to these BIOS options it seems.....not really impressed with this board compared to past experiences with other companies, but at least I got it working

[CageJ]

New UEFI-BIOS might help. Have you tried? Or BETA version..

[ClownCake]

New UEFI-BIOS might help. Have you tried? Or BETA version..

I am having the same problem here but with the UP-7 MOBO. How do I find beta BIOS? I am also getting an error code in GB VGA BIOS util wich is no where to be found on the internet: Initialize Error! ErrCode=0x20000003.

[dmdilks]

New UEFI-BIOS might help. Have you tried? Or BETA version..

I am having the same problem here but with the UP-7 MOBO. How do I find beta BIOS? I am also getting an error code in GB VGA BIOS util wich is no where to be found on the internet: Initialize Error! ErrCode=0x20000003.

Check Tweaktown http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte/28441-gigabyte-latest-beta-bios.html