MSI X79MA-GD45 + PNY GTX970 = No post

So I just got my MSI X79MA-GD45 back from RMA and decided to pair it with my i7 3960X and a PNY GTX 970. Problem is it will not POST.

I know for sure that neither the card or the mobo is bad because the mobo POST with my old Quadro card and the card POST in my HTPC. It's the combination of these two that brings about the problem.

I have tried:

1. Updating to the latest BIOS (3.8)
2. Enabling PCIE GEN3 (which gives a B2 beep code) and disabling it (which gives nothing)
3. Updating GTX 970 BIOS
4. Clearing CMOS, load factory default etc.

It's also definitely not PSU problem because I've tried running it without the power (the card would POST and give a warning that you must plug the power in) but the warning doesn't even come up. Beside my PSU is quite solid.

Basically everything that I can think of in my 6 years of PC building, I've tried. I am seriously going crazy now. If you guys can offer any more insights I am happy to hear. Thank you!

Different vid card you can try?

kirbyrj said:

Different vid card you can try?

Click to expand...

Like I said, I tried with my old Quadro card and it works so the board is definitely not dead.

Missed that. I'd guess it's just an issue with the UEFI and the card.

I have a PNY 780GTX and it has it's own vid bios show on screen prior to motherboard boot. Might just be a random incompatibility.

try making sure uefi is enabled or it may not post