Member Avatar for Scorps91

Hello everyone at daniweb, I've had a bit of a problem with my computer recently but managed to get it up and running earlier today. Problem is, when I had it running, a message appeared telling me it was installing my Nvidia 8800GT card.

Now, when this happened I figured there had to be something wrong, since I've had the computer for a couple of years and obviously it had already been installed when I got it. But naturally, I went along with this as it seemed to be fairly important, but when it had installed it told me I needed to restart my system.

This is where it all goes bad.

Now, I go along with the message and I reboot my PC. Problem is, now it won't turn on. The power light comes on and the fans start up as they do when the PC is first booted, with the fan of the video card running faster than it would be when logging in, though this is normal for my computer. However, now, it just stays at that speed, and I get no display, no beeps, no flashing lights..
It seems as if the computer is constantly stuck trying to boot, but when I unplug the graphics card it all sounds well. Only problem is, without the graphics card, I have no input for my monitor and I can't actually see if the computer is doing anything.

Thanks for any help you can give me and sorry this is a bit wordy :P

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Member #1063278

Dani AI

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A compact, ordered troubleshooting guide and interpretation for systems that stop POSTing when a discrete GPU is fitted. This expands on ’s note about the M2N SLI and ’s suggestion to check caps and shops, and it also applies to the later report from . The list below is intentionally ordered so each step narrows the likely fault.

  • Verify GPU auxiliary power: confirm any 6/8‑pin PCIe plug is present, fully latched, and wired from a native PSU PCIe connector (avoid cheap Molex→PCIe adapters). A missing or poorly connected auxiliary feed is a common cause of a black screen with spinning fans.
  • Minimal boot (isolate): disconnect all drives, remove extra PCI cards, fit a single RAM stick in the recommended slot, leave CPU and GPU only, then power on. If POST happens, reintroduce components one at a time to find the culprit.
  • Motherboard speaker/beep codes: attach an internal PC speaker to the header and note any beeps. No beeps with a connected speaker suggests the board is not reaching POST; targeted beep codes can point to RAM/CPU/video.
  • Reseat and inspect: remove the card, check the PCIe slot and card edge for debris or bent pins, reseat until the latch clicks. Try another PCIe slot if available. Look for PCB shorts to standoffs or stray screws.
  • CMOS clear: reset CMOS (jumper or remove battery 5–10 minutes) to clear any firmware state that might block PEG init.
  • Swap test: if possible, test the suspect GPU in a known-good machine or try a known-good GPU in this system. If not possible, test with a different PSU of adequate capacity.
  • Visual motherboard check: inspect for bulging/leaking capacitors or burn marks. Document and compare against ’s capacitor warning.

Quick interpretation rules: POST without the GPU → suspect GPU/PSU. POST with an alternate GPU → suspect original card. No POST with any GPU → suspect motherboard or PSU. Safety note: observe anti-static precautions and disconnect mains power before touching components. If spare parts are unavailable, local repair shops can perform quick swap tests as suggested by and ; if tests single out a defective card, RMA or replacement is usually the outcome.

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Member Avatar for kes166

I'm guessing there's no on board generic video on the motherboard?

I would suggest finding a low cost graphics card that will be compatible with your video adapter slot and plug it in.
You can find drivers for your card at

http://www.nvidia.com/object/product_geforce_8800_gt_us.html

If you power on the PC without a video card, I think there is supposed to be a beep code. I'm not at home at the moment, and my PC's I have access to all have on board video anyways, so I wouldn't be able to test it.

Member Avatar for Scorps91

As far as I know, you're correct. There is no on board video.

If it helps. My motherboard is an ASUS M2N SLI that I've had problems with in the past and I'm starting to think it could be that.

Member Avatar for kes166

If you can get ahold of a video card that will plug into the PCIe, I'd try that. According to the specs on that motherboard, there is no on board video.

commented: Very useful and committed member :) +0
Member Avatar for Scorps91

Unfortunately, without buying one I have no access to a spare video card.

Is there any chance you could help me find a cheap one compatible with my motherboard?

Member Avatar for kes166

based on where you are at I would start with some local pc shops here.

You may be able to pick up some cheap video cards, or possible even work something out to have them throw a video card in there for a few minutes to see if it solves the problem.

I have read some of the reviews on your motherboard, it does seem like a hit or miss on your brand. If you take a look at the capacitors on the motherboard, if any are round instead of flat on top, it's a good sign that the motherboard is on its way out also.

Member Avatar for Scorps91

I have to say I'm impressed. I'll give a few companies a call and see if I can get this thing sorted out, but thankfully it would seem that my motherboard isn't quite at the end of it's run yet.

Thank you very much for your help, is there a way to give positive rep on these forums at all?

Member Avatar for Website Design

i experienced the same situation with my computer, i can't see anything on screen but i hear some noise. so i what i did is, i re-program it. i went to acefastservices.co.uk and they help me out to fix my computer problem. now my computer works very well ;)

Member Avatar for caperjack

i experienced the same situation with my computer, i can't see anything on screen but i hear some noise. so i what i did is, i re-program it. i went to acefastservices.co.uk and they help me out to fix my computer problem. now my computer works very well ;)

if you reprogrammed it ,why did you need to pay money to acefast to help you fix offer free help here 24x7

Member Avatar for Member #1063278

Hi guys, I have a similar problem:

Just bought a new PC, installed everything and using onboard graphics, everything is OK. If I plug in the graphic card, the computer doesn't start. The display don't turn on, the keyboard / mouse lights neither. The Fans are working (even the graphic card fans). I unplugged and replugged everything, reseted BIOS, disabled onboard graphics, but with the graphic card nothing works.
I have no chance to test the graphic card on other PC, or other graphics on my pc.
Any help ?
Thanks for your time!

My system:
XFX Core Edition PSU PRO 550W
Gigabyte B75M-D3H
Gigabyte Ati HD7870 OC Version 2GB DDR5 PCI-E
Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz (3.6GHz Turbo) 6MB BOX
Corsair Vengeance LP 2x4096MB DDR3 1600Mhz
Samsung 840 SSD 2.5 SATA III 120GB

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