ASUS EN9800GX2 new install problem

[greenalien]

I've just tried to install an ASUS EN9800GX2 as an upgrade to an existing PC. On boot-up, there's a single beep but that's it - nothing on the monitor. I've tried both DVI output ports and reseating the card but nothing works. The PC is still doing something as the HDD light flashes occasionally and all the LEDs are powered up on the PSU and graphics card, so I don't think it's a power problem. Swapping back to the original graphics card, the PC boots perfectly.

Machine spec - Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 ver 2.0 about 6 months old, new 750W Xigmatek PSU, 4GB Ram, WD Raptor 74GB HDD, Win XP Pro (not that it gets that far!)

Any suggestions? (there's nothing useful on the ASUS forums)

[Viper81]

Have you tried your other pcie slot ( i know it's not full x16 lanes but just as a test)?
What is your original graphics card?
I've not got a 9800GX2 myself but I do remember seeing a recommendation somewhere that when using up two power connectors to the same card you try and make sure you're using the same +12V rail on both connections (6 and 8 pin in your case?)

[mightymouse]

just a guess maybe your psu is not good enough? not sure what the efficiency of xigmatek psu is but i know the 9800gx2 needs a lot of juice

[shadowmaster]

That psu should be more then enough.

Try the 9800gx2 on another pc ( one which has a good psu) and see if works.

[greenalien]

Thanks for the suggestions so far - the PSU works OK with a different graphics card but it's possible it can't cope with the inrush load - as the computer tries to boot, the hard drive starts up quite noisily but then there's a loud 'click' from somewhere and it all goes quiet; however, all the leds on the psu and graphics card stay on and all the fans keep running - could be the 5v rails are OK but the 12v rail to the graphics card has a problem - I need to put a meter on it, won't be able to do this until Monday as the user of this particular machine has taken it back with the old card in it as he has a work deadline to meet!
I'm also considering updating the m/board BIOS but am a bit wary as I know this could cause problems, the manufacturer has released an upgrade but the notes don't say anything about any change to graphics card support. Is this likely to help?

[shadowmaster]

There is no harm in updating the bios, and its possible that it might help.

You probably have already done this but have you connected both the 6pin and 8pin connector to the card?

[greenalien]

Both power connectors - 8 pin and 6 pin - are attached. The Xigmatek PSU has 2 dedicated cables marked PCI-E permanently attached, each with an 8 pin connector that can also be used as a 6 pin connector (2 pins fold out of the way). I'm assuming these connect to the same rail internally, but there are also 2 red 6-pin connector sockets on the PSU that are for PCI-E connections, so maybe I should try swapping some of the 6 pin cables around. Anyhow, I have a couple of test meters and a power consumption meter ready for Monday so I'll do some more experimenting then.