I'm in a pickle (6600gt not compatible?)

miscreant7 · Jan 11, 2006, 01:40 AM

First let me say, I've been all over the internet and have posted my problem on the eVGA forum. So far, they haven't been able to help me. I'm just hoping somebody here has some information. :-)

Anyway, I just got a 6600gt agp version and tried to install it on this compaq. Well, when I try to boot the pc, I get a black screen. No message, no nothing. The computer itself looks like it posts (all the fans run, drives light up, etc), except the processor light stays lit, like it's trying to do something.

I've tried all kinds of stuff: resetting cmos, removing other pci cards, different molex connectors, new chipset drivers, driver cleaner, etc....

After six hours of research on the web, I've found that this is a common issue with my motherboard and there doesn't seem to be any fix.

My specs are:

Athalon XP 2800 @ 2.1 ghz
120 gb hard drive
Asus A7V8X-LA motherboard with VIA km400 chipset
1 gig ram
450 watt ePOWER psu (w/ 28 amps on 12v rail)
latest hyperion 4 in 1 drivers from VIA
previous card: eVGA fx 5500
card I'm trying to install: eVGA 6600gt

I've already bought a psu and case fans for this card, and now it doesn't work. Oh yeah, and the computer is a compaq.

If anybody knows anything about the KM400 chipset that I don't, please tell me!

Randomletters · Jan 11, 2006, 01:42 AM

are you sure the video card works?

miscreant7 · Jan 11, 2006, 01:49 AM

I do believe the card works. When the computer is on, the fan on the card spins. Also, I had this same problem about 1 and 1/2 years ago with a PAIR of 9600 pros. I rma'd the first one but the second also displayed a black screen. I was told that VIA wasn't compatible with ATI.

It must be something with the newer graphics cards, because I can pop my old 5500 in at any time and it works like a charm.

Weird, huh?

No_Style · Jan 11, 2006, 02:13 AM

Greetings and welcome to DH.

Perhaps a BIOS update can resolve your woes? You can try paying Compaq's site a visit and checking to see if there is an updated BIOS you can download.

I can help you check if you give me the model number of your Compaq machine.

miscreant7 · Jan 11, 2006, 03:00 AM

Thank you. And yeah, there is a bios update. Problem is the link doesn't work for me. When I click "download now" on this page...

[color=black]http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?dlc=en&tool=softwareCategory &lc=en&os=228&product=390426&dest_page=softwareCat egory&cc=us&softwareitem=pv-18278-3[/color]

...I just get an error page.

Is it the same for you?

No_Style · Jan 11, 2006, 04:36 AM

Seems to work for me. Give it another whirl.

miscreant7 · Jan 11, 2006, 05:02 AM

Okay, I'm downloading it now. Norton firewall was blocking it. I'll let you know if it helps.

*EDIT: Surprise surprise...still no go even with the newest BIOS. I'm still getting a blank screen, as if the monitor is in standby.

There is no reason this card shouldn't work in an AGP 3 slot. My mobo is (theoretically) compatible! I'm honestly ready to give up and bring it to a shop.

Either that or get a new mobo...

CDsDontBurn · Jan 11, 2006, 06:02 AM

have you tried the card in another machine? cuz if the card works in another machine, they won't replace the card, and if they do, they will probably charge a restocking fee.

umm, if it doesn't work in another machine, then go ahead and exchange it

pr0digal jenius · Jan 11, 2006, 10:17 PM

yea, try the card in another machine, and another card in that mainboard

miscreant7 · Jan 12, 2006, 04:48 AM

Well, my old card works perfectly on this board. But I don't have another computer to test the new one on. I also don't know anybody with a computer juiced up enough to run it.

Check out this thread

http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showtopic=1029

and read the first post where it says "VIA CHIPSET" in big letters. This guy sounds like he knows what he's talking about. Unfortunately, I fall under the "you're screwed" category since my chipset is an 8237 and I've already tried the fixes.

I'm going to try to get this card tested. If it's okay, I think the only solution is to get a new motherboard, or do you have any ideas?

soloz2 · Jan 14, 2006, 03:15 AM

Hey, I just saw this thread and thought I'd tell you about the similar problem I recently had. I upgraded to a 7800GT from SLI 6600GT's and sold one of my MSI 6600GT's to my bro.

He has a Intel Celeron 330J cpu socket 775 2.66Ghz @3.2Ghz
1gb Corsair XMS 3200C2PT (2x512)
Asus mobo... can't remember the exact model, but I posted on here about the issues I had.
MSI 6600GT
80gig wd hd
Lite on DVD drive
originally had a 420w pos psu but I upgraded to a sunbeam nuuo 550w

So I built this rig for my 12 year old bro over the summer. the mobo has integrated ATI express 200 graphics so my bro used integrated graphics and a single stick of 512 value RAM until Thanksgiving when he bought my old RAM and old gfx card.

when he installed the video card in the computer it did the same exact thing your computer did. (well on his monitor it flashed an orange screen... but i came to find that that was just his monitor) My parents put their x300 pcie card in his computer in his computer and it posted giving a failed OC error message so my bro packed his computer up and shipped it to me.

I put the gfx card in and I didn't get a post or any video output. I put my other 6600GT in and it worked. I tried the 6600GT that didn't work in my bro's computer in mine and it worked. Each time his computer failed when I did get it to work it gave me a failed OC. When it started to do it even with the other card that worked I knew there was a problem w/ the mobo and not the card.

I RMA'd the board to Asus and it has worked since I got it back. It sounds like there is a problem w/ the agp port on your mobo.

miscreant7 · Jan 18, 2006, 09:50 PM

Yeah, I think my mobo's chipset is the culprit. The agp slot works, just not with newer cards. I still have to test the 6600gt on a friend's computer. (My local shop wanted to charge $25 to test it! Screw that!) If it works, then I'm getting a new mobo.

No_Style · Jan 18, 2006, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miscreant7

(My local shop wanted to charge $25 to test it! Screw that!) If it works, then I'm getting a new mobo.

Stores like that should go out of business.

Well, that's a bit harsh. Depending on how close they are to 'regulars', they should allow some free tests. Friendliness goes a long way.

Jan 11, 2006, 01:40 AM	#1
miscreant7 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	I'm in a pickle (6600gt not compatible?) First let me say, I've been all over the internet and have posted my problem on the eVGA forum. So far, they haven't been able to help me. I'm just hoping somebody here has some information. :-) Anyway, I just got a 6600gt agp version and tried to install it on this compaq. Well, when I try to boot the pc, I get a black screen. No message, no nothing. The computer itself looks like it posts (all the fans run, drives light up, etc), except the processor light stays lit, like it's trying to do something. I've tried all kinds of stuff: resetting cmos, removing other pci cards, different molex connectors, new chipset drivers, driver cleaner, etc.... After six hours of research on the web, I've found that this is a common issue with my motherboard and there doesn't seem to be any fix. My specs are: Athalon XP 2800 @ 2.1 ghz 120 gb hard drive Asus A7V8X-LA motherboard with VIA km400 chipset 1 gig ram 450 watt ePOWER psu (w/ 28 amps on 12v rail) latest hyperion 4 in 1 drivers from VIA previous card: eVGA fx 5500 card I'm trying to install: eVGA 6600gt I've already bought a psu and case fans for this card, and now it doesn't work. Oh yeah, and the computer is a compaq. If anybody knows anything about the KM400 chipset that I don't, please tell me!

Jan 11, 2006, 01:42 AM	#2
Randomletters ))<>(( Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,418 Rep Power: 54	are you sure the video card works? __________________ <----------- Sexy Budget Rig stats to the left.

Jan 11, 2006, 02:13 AM	#4
No_Style Styleless Wonder Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 6,034 Rep Power: 0	Greetings and welcome to DH. Perhaps a BIOS update can resolve your woes? You can try paying Compaq's site a visit and checking to see if there is an updated BIOS you can download. I can help you check if you give me the model number of your Compaq machine. __________________ "The Best Style Is No Style" Specifications Here

Jan 11, 2006, 04:36 AM	#6
No_Style Styleless Wonder Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 6,034 Rep Power: 0	Seems to work for me. Give it another whirl. __________________ "The Best Style Is No Style" Specifications Here

Jan 11, 2006, 05:02 AM	Thread Starter #7
miscreant7 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	Okay, I'm downloading it now. Norton firewall was blocking it. I'll let you know if it helps. EDIT: Surprise surprise...still no go even with the newest BIOS. I'm still getting a blank screen, as if the monitor is in standby. There is no reason this card shouldn't work in an AGP 3 slot. My mobo is (theoretically) compatible! I'm honestly ready to give up and bring it to a shop. Either that or get a new mobo... Last edited by miscreant7; Jan 11, 2006 at 05:41 AM.*

Jan 11, 2006, 01:49 AM	Thread Starter #3
miscreant7 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	I do believe the card works. When the computer is on, the fan on the card spins. Also, I had this same problem about 1 and 1/2 years ago with a PAIR of 9600 pros. I rma'd the first one but the second also displayed a black screen. I was told that VIA wasn't compatible with ATI. It must be something with the newer graphics cards, because I can pop my old 5500 in at any time and it works like a charm. Weird, huh?

Jan 11, 2006, 03:00 AM	Thread Starter #5
miscreant7 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	Thank you. And yeah, there is a bios update. Problem is the link doesn't work for me. When I click "download now" on this page... [color=black]http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?dlc=en&tool=softwareCategory &lc=en&os=228&product=390426&dest_page=softwareCat egory&cc=us&softwareitem=pv-18278-3[/color] ...I just get an error page. Is it the same for you?

Jan 11, 2006, 06:02 AM	#8
CDsDontBurn Lurking DriverHeaven Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 22,794 Rep Power: 235 System Specs	have you tried the card in another machine? cuz if the card works in another machine, they won't replace the card, and if they do, they will probably charge a restocking fee. umm, if it doesn't work in another machine, then go ahead and exchange it __________________ Her First Day \| A year later

Jan 11, 2006, 10:17 PM	#9
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	yea, try the card in another machine, and another card in that mainboard

Jan 12, 2006, 04:48 AM	Thread Starter #10
miscreant7 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	Well, my old card works perfectly on this board. But I don't have another computer to test the new one on. I also don't know anybody with a computer juiced up enough to run it. Check out this thread http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showtopic=1029 and read the first post where it says "VIA CHIPSET" in big letters. This guy sounds like he knows what he's talking about. Unfortunately, I fall under the "you're screwed" category since my chipset is an 8237 and I've already tried the fixes. I'm going to try to get this card tested. If it's okay, I think the only solution is to get a new motherboard, or do you have any ideas? Last edited by miscreant7; Jan 12, 2006 at 04:54 AM.

Jan 14, 2006, 03:15 AM	#11
soloz2 DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 362 Rep Power: 0	Hey, I just saw this thread and thought I'd tell you about the similar problem I recently had. I upgraded to a 7800GT from SLI 6600GT's and sold one of my MSI 6600GT's to my bro. He has a Intel Celeron 330J cpu socket 775 2.66Ghz @3.2Ghz 1gb Corsair XMS 3200C2PT (2x512) Asus mobo... can't remember the exact model, but I posted on here about the issues I had. MSI 6600GT 80gig wd hd Lite on DVD drive originally had a 420w pos psu but I upgraded to a sunbeam nuuo 550w So I built this rig for my 12 year old bro over the summer. the mobo has integrated ATI express 200 graphics so my bro used integrated graphics and a single stick of 512 value RAM until Thanksgiving when he bought my old RAM and old gfx card. when he installed the video card in the computer it did the same exact thing your computer did. (well on his monitor it flashed an orange screen... but i came to find that that was just his monitor) My parents put their x300 pcie card in his computer in his computer and it posted giving a failed OC error message so my bro packed his computer up and shipped it to me. I put the gfx card in and I didn't get a post or any video output. I put my other 6600GT in and it worked. I tried the 6600GT that didn't work in my bro's computer in mine and it worked. Each time his computer failed when I did get it to work it gave me a failed OC. When it started to do it even with the other card that worked I knew there was a problem w/ the mobo and not the card. I RMA'd the board to Asus and it has worked since I got it back. It sounds like there is a problem w/ the agp port on your mobo. __________________ [COLOR=gray][COLOR=red]CPU:[/COLOR] AMD Opteron 165 CCBBE @ 2.8Ghz [/COLOR] [COLOR=gray][COLOR=red]Motherboard:[/COLOR] DFI nF4 SLI-DR Expert [COLOR=red]Memory:[/COLOR] 2gb G.Skill F1-4000USU2-2 [COLOR=red]Video:[/COLOR] Asus 7900GT TOP @ 700/1700 [COLOR=red]Sound:[/COLOR] Modded X-Fi Elite Pro [COLOR=red]HD:[/COLOR] 2x Seagate 250Gb RAID 0, 1 Seagate 320Gb [COLOR=red]Optical Drives:[/COLOR] Sony DVD-Rom, Plextor 16x DVD DL RW [COLOR=red]Case:[/COLOR] CM Stacker [COLOR=red]PSU:[/COLOR] PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 [COLOR=red]Cooling:[/COLOR] Custom Water [COLOR=yellow][COLOR=red]Keyboard/Mouse:[/COLOR] [/COLOR]Saitec Eclipse & Logitech MX518 with a Razer ExactMat mouse pad [COLOR=red]Sound:[/COLOR] Modded X-fi > Soloz Audio Silver IC > Maxed PIMETA > Beyer DT 770 Pro/80 cans [COLOR=red]HTPC:[/COLOR] [/COLOR][COLOR=gray]AMD 3800X2[/COLOR][COLOR=gray], Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe, G.Skill 2GB DDR400, MSI 6600GT, Haupauge PVR150, SB [/COLOR][COLOR=gray]Audigy 2ZS[/COLOR][COLOR=gray], Samsung 16x DVD DL RW, Sunbeam Nuuo PSU, Antec P180 case, AC Freezer64 Pro, Viewsonic N2750w LCD HDTV Heatware eBay [/COLOR]

Jan 18, 2006, 09:50 PM	Thread Starter #12
miscreant7 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	Yeah, I think my mobo's chipset is the culprit. The agp slot works, just not with newer cards. I still have to test the 6600gt on a friend's computer. (My local shop wanted to charge $25 to test it! Screw that!) If it works, then I'm getting a new mobo.