Dell Dimension 5150 - XFX 8600GT graphics card installation problems

[bk7]

Hello all,

I have just recently bought an XFX 1GB 8600GT graphics card for my Dell Dimension 5150 PC, and am having issues with this new hardware change - namely a blank screen when i attempt to restart the computer.

I have replaced the graphics card with the original Radeon X600 for the mean time, and I am hoping that someone can walk me through in stages exactly how i should go about installing the new one.

I have already uninstalled all ATI, Control Panel and Uninstaller software from the computer, and used a driver cleaner to remove traces of the old ATI drivers. (I believe the computer is currently using internal graphics) Actually fitting the new gpu is not a problem, but a walkthrough would be very useful because i must be missing some steps. Thank you.

Also - it has just occured to me to query the significance of my monitor and computer working correctly when i return to the old ATI graphics card? Im not sure.

[Jay]

do you get anything at all? Any boot screen etc? Also why did you get a 1GB 8600GT? the 8600GT's core is not fast enough to run at high resolution or use the 1GB of ram.

[alsenior]

the 8600gt will need the 6-pin pci-e Aux power connector plugging in. otherwise it will refuse to boot. if the machine does not have one you maybe out of look becuase the supply is only rated to 305w

[bk7]

The motherboard light turns on when connected to power, and when i turn the computer on the hard drive activates, the fan on the graphics card also spins. The Dell has 4 numbered led lights on the front (1234) - the lights 123 show, not 4 (i believe 4 showing means a successful POST). The screen does not show anything at all - no bios page, no vista, just blank (the power led is on)

The computer works fine when i put the old x600 back in - what happening with the nvidia card? If it is not booting because the bios has recognised new hardware and needs me to press buttons, this could be a reason for it not booting properly - but i cant tell because of the blank screen.

Also i only had a budget of £50 - and anything is an improvement on the x600.

[Jay]

the 8600gt will need the 6-pin pci-e Aux power connector plugging in. otherwise it will refuse to boot. if the machine does not have one you maybe out of look becuase the supply is only rated to 305w

I think this is your answer.

[bk7]

Thank you for your response.
I found this on the dell forum before i even bought the graphics card:
http://www.dellcommunity.com/support...166917#M166917

I am looking at the new graphics card and at my motherboard (this is a dell btx board, not the standard atx) and i cant even see a point where an auxiliary 6pin power connection could be made. Thanks again though.

[staffsMike]

The 6pin power goes into the 8600GT itself and you can buy molex to PCIe power adapters

[bk7]

Ok, a different approach:

How likely is it that this card is dead on arrival as it were? I personally have never purchased anything from Scan.co.uk.
Having said that - the fan on the card works fine (so some of it does work) - but it doesnt appear to be doing anything more that i can visually see (on screen).

[bk7]

Thank you for your help: that is exactly the card that i have bought. I was wondering about that connection - i can see it on the card - what type of connection do i need to make to my psu that will connect to that card? Also - my PSU only has 2 remaining cables - 1 for i believe for a floppy disk and another which has 2x3 layer of slots (i believe this is the 6 pin connection reffered to above) - however regarding this connection - i can see only 5 metal contacts within the plug (1 is empty)

This is a photo of the connections i have:
http://i25.tinypic.com/2wnzgoy.jpg

[bk7]

thanks alot for your help killie - i shall bear this in mind - unfortunately i wouldnt be available to take delivery of it so it looks like ill have to sort this out next week.

[staffsMike]

The 6(5) pin connector you have is the right shape. But as for that connector next to the securing bracket, that isn't for power, that is for SLi..

[sleepyhead]

My XFX 8600GT Fatal1ty didn't need extra PCIe power. Just plug in and play.

[bk7]

Thanks for your help.
So this kinda puts me back a few steps - its not a power issue is it? Sleepyhead - was there anything of note that you had to do for the 8600 to work?
I dont understand what i havent done - and i especially dont know if this is an ATI --> Nvidia issue with my dell.

[sleepyhead]

No issues. Well other than my current one regarding my RAM failing test 7 of memtest86+ but that is an entirely separate problem. lol.

I don't have experience "upgrading" Dell machines so I can't help you unfortunately with anything Dell specific.

Perhaps look at the BIOS, maybe there is a specific settings regarding PCI-E slot?

It could be what was said above, that your power supply cannot provide enough juice to run the 8600GT.

[MadduckUK]

Look at the top of the card next to the securing bracket - there is a connector with gold fingers on it about an inch long - you need to connect a power connector to it (assuming this is the card you bought).

what the christ?! your telling him to "connect a power connector" to his SLI slot?!

edit: and them to hook it up with a sata power cable?!

[alsenior]

Seriously Killie99 That is Really bad advice. I highly suggest you check your advice before you 'help' Anyone else.

Anyhow The card may have a connector that looks like this



If it does it will need a Power supply with This connector



If your power supply does not have this connector you can buy an adapter that allows you to add one to a power supply.it will looks something like this



If you card does not have the connector then there is chance that the card is faulty. In which case you will need to RMA the card to wherever you bought it from.