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PCI-Express X800XL installation problem

A

Arliman

n00b
Joined
Mar 18, 2005
Messages
2
Hello everyone,

I've run into a pretty large snag with trying to install a new videocard and i'm looking for some feedback, because frankly... i'm out of ideas.

I've just recently purchased a Sony VAIO-R model VGC-RA920G along with a lovely Sony LCD model SDMHS94P/SC UC7. The PC came with an ASUS 128MB X300 PCI-Express, so naturally, I wanted to replace it with something more powerful.

I purchased an MSI 256MB X800XL PCI-Express model XL-VT2D256E to replace the X300. I had looked over the installation requirements and everything seemed kosher. Running Windows XP MCE, 1GB RAM, P4 3.2GHz CPU, a free PCI-Express slot and a power supply >350W.

Anyway, I had uninstalled all the ATI software on the PC, drivers, ATI control panel etc, shut down the PC, removed the power cable and DVI cable. I opened up the case, removed the old card, placed the new card, screwed everything back tight, replaced the cover and plugged in the PC cable, DVI cable, and turned her back on - No Signal to the LCD. Also, this card does not require an external power source (one of the reasons why I bought it instead of the 850XT).

I popped open the case, and indeed, the video card seemed to be functioning properly - displaying a rather blinding blue light in its fan, which was spinning with gusto. I was at a loss. Now the card has dual DVI ports, so I tried using the other port, same problem...

I tried replacing my old video card, thinking maybe there was a serious PC error, but the display was working fine,and of course, I was prompted to reinstall drivers.

I tried checking the CMOS to see if there was a video adapter memory setting that needed to be changed, but no option was available. I even tried using the DVI to VGA adapter included with the card and tested both ports with my old CRT, nothing...

Now, the power supply i'm using is a Delta Electronics, Inc DPS-400LB A which is graded for 364.7W total power, but thinking it might be a limitation of the power alloted to the mobo, I removed some of the other PCI devices, leaving only the PCI-Express card... still no luck.

So right now, I'm at a loss. Either Sony has some kind of proprietary lockout on their PCs that prevent the installation of non-factory parts (which I doubt), my power supply is insufficient for all the devices in the PC (DVD-R, DVD, TV-tuner, LAN, Sony Media Readers, etc.), or my card is a dud. I've never had any problems with an MSI device before, ever - and I dont see any signs of visible damage to the card, so I just don't know anymore.

I'm really hoping someone has some input or an idea I have yet to try, because i've lost all hope in trying to reach a human being at MSI or Sony to resolve the issue, and I'm hoping to avoid the RMA nightmare if at all possible.

Thanks again for reading this and posting any possible solutions to my problem.
 
Well, I would suggest moving the card over to a different computer for testing purposes, I think it could be the PSU. I hope you find a solution.
 
Sadly, I only have one PC with a PCI-Express slot, my other PC only has an AGP slot.
 
Well your first mistake was purchasing a sony computer. Thats worst than buying a dell computer. Well if you dont' have another computer with PCI-E, what I would suggest would be to take the card to a local computer shop and ask them to see if this card works in one of their machine. They might do it for free, or it might cost you a couple bucks. Most local computer places are pretty cool from my experience.
 
I also unfortunately bought a sony PC (I will never buy one again - alienware next time). I have the vgc-ra810g with the same 364 watt power supply. I tried to install an ati x1800xt 512 (I went all out) and had the same results - everything in the computer lights up, but no signal to the monitor. I do believe it is the psu. I am debating on two solutions and any feedback would be appreciated:
1. buy a new atx psu and a new case. moving the whole computer over. (I don't like this too much b/c of the unique liquid cooling of the P4 in the 810g.)
2. buying a SECOND psu to power the video card. the x1800 has a power input. I may have to power other 12V devices with this also to free up the power going to the video card through the motherboard from the main psu.

If anyone has any suggestions or comments, please post. And good luck to anyone else who purchased a sony... they are of absolutely NO help when it comes to upgrading.
 
I think I found your answer... this comes from ATIs website. There's a link to a Sony BIOS update that supposedly fixes the problem. Hope it helps... I have no way to test it.

Your computer model and OS are on the list of problem systems.

Link: https://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894


EDIT: Well, the original posters computer was... yours isn't but it sounds like a BIOS update my fix your problem as well. In fact, here's the direct link to Sony's page with the BIOS update for the RA810G:
http://esupport.sony.com/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGCRA810G&upd_id=1715&os_id=16
 
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