GA-970A-DS3 - PCI-e slot non-functional?

[roark92]

Hello, I just put together a new computer with the gigabyte GA-970A-DS3  rev 1.0 board and fx4170 cpu. The issue i am having is trying to get the second pci-e slot to work.  I have 2 MSI R7770 graphics cards, and want to run them in crossfire.  I've tested both cards in the x16 slot and they both work, so im just wondering if my issue is a compatibilty problem or if the second pci-e slot (x4) is not functional. with both cards installed the computer fans activate on start up but the computer doesnt boot up.
i dont know if i should install the BIOS update F3 or not because it apparently rectifies VGA issues.
if someone could just point me in the right direction for how to resolve this i would be greatfull.
also i have a 700W psu.

thanks!

[Vezina]

Install latest BIOS with Q-Flash via USB stick.

The power supply should have like 50+ Ampers on the 12V rails.
I hope your PSU is made by a known manufacturer and it s not some generic crap ,on which they have  placed a sticker with 700W when in fact it s a 400 W one.

[roark92]

apparently the bios update is for 32 bit systems and i have 64. soo...

and about the psu, its an OCZ.  the scenario you describe would be ridiculously annoying lol.  from what ive heard 700 W is sufficient for my needs.

[Vezina]

apparently the bios update is for 32 bit systems and i have 64. soo...

So you are having issues with VGA cards and this BIOS description says :

F3 BIOS
Modify VGA card compatibility

Hmm ,this means that you HAVE to install this BIOS or a newer one and see what happens.
And this not only due to the video card, but also in the need to obtain maximum compatibility between some games and Bulldozer.

Otherwise RMA the motherboard.
I am out of suggestions .

[TFisher]

With the 2nd slot being x4 you would likely get better performance by having 1 high end card instead of crossfiring 2 7770's.
I know I specifically looked for 2 x 16 lanes for crossfire when I bought this board.

And you do need to install the F3 bios. It's addressed to your issue.

Bios is for all supported operating sysytems.