Inability to boot using new NVIDIA GTX 550 TI

[jkhterp]

Hello,

I recently purchased an NVIDIA GeFore GTX 550 ti to replaced an NVIDIA GeForce 9800GTX that was (and is still) having overheating issues. The 9800 still works for basic display in windows, but I cannot run any graphics-intesive applications.

Upon installing the new card, Windows will not even initialize. 

At the BIOS screen, it goes to "Checking NVRAM..Status OK!" and then stops. 

Here are the things I have tried to do to fix this issue:

1) New Powersupply. Now using CORSAIR CX500, 500 watt (34 amps on the +12V Rail)

Installing this new PSU actually got the system to go to "Checking NVRAM..Status OK!" from "Checking NVRAM.."
2) Installed newest BIOS for my RC410-M motherboard. Version 8.00.12, BIOS Revision 3.24. Downloaded directly from HP support page
3) Updated all graphics drivers for NVIDIA. Current drivers  6.14.12.9573, updated on 2/2/2012
4) Cleared CMOS memory using jumper on motherboard.

5) In BIOS setting ensure that the primary display driver is PCI-E

6) On top of all of this, unplugged all IDE drives. Ensured all connectors on power supply were properly situated and attached. Ensure RAM is properly seated. 

I should note that Windows boots with the old 9800GTX. It will not boot with new card, no matter the settings changed (as far as I can tell). Card is functional (tested in a friend's machine).

So to Review, here is my system information

Model: COMPAQ SR1930T

Motherboard manufacturer's name: ECS RC410-M v1.03 (HP/Compaq name: AsteropeA-GL8E)

BIOS Version 8.00.12 -  BIOS revision (3.24) (link to BIOS update here: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&softwareitem=pv-51922-1 )

Windows XP Home Edition SP3

Intel Pentium 4  @ 3.06 GHz (single core)
2 GB RAM

CORSAIR CX 500 - 500 W power supply

Two attached SATA HDDs

Only other PCI device is soundcard

Please Help. 

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

It's possible that the particular build and revision level of the NVIDIA GTX 550 TI has issues with your PC.  Video cards do have bios levels but the bios is only flashed by the manufacturer.  You might check with the video card munufacturer and see what they suggest.

Another possibility is that the PSU is faulty and is not suppling enough amperage or voltage to the PCI-E 6 pin connector which is plugged into the video card.

[jkhterp]

The video card manufacturer is not being very helpful with the issue. They do not seem to know if it is compatible or not, nor does HP. 

PSU seems to be working alright. Thought I will see if I can get a tester. 

[carguybrian]

I am having the same problem.  I purchased a Brand new PC from HP in October with this video card factory installed on an HPE h8-1141.  This machine is a second gen Core i7 2600, TV turner, optical audio out, 10gb of Ram a 2TB hard drive.  The factory shipped power supply has a max output of 460 watts.  PSU calculators online would suggest this is underpowered.  NVIDIA states that the min power to be supplied to the video card is 116 watts!  The first graphics card burned out and HP sent me a replacement card.  I believe what has happened since then is that the power supply is over taxed even with the new card and the PSU slowy burned out.  The computer will only boot about every third attempt and when it does boot it runs slow and does not function properly.  There is graphical image distortion and many issues with the machine that are obviously hardware related.

I'm not sure that replacing the video card had much positive effect. I was still unhappy with the defective computer and e-mail support connected me to a case Manager. His name is Steven and I contact him by calling {Personal Information Removed}. The third repair attempt required that I ship the computer to HP in Jeffersonville, IN at Steve's request.

I have been in an endless communication with HP via email and phone and the computer has been sent back to them twice Fed Ex.  The motherboard and hard drive have been replaced which has not helped anything.  The system didn't turn on right out of the box when it was delivered.  After pointless discussion with HP, I purchased a high end Power Supply myself and that still did not resovle the issue.  However, just like the original writer, if I put in an older slower video card the computer boots and works fine no matter what power supply is installed.  I still think the factory unit is underpowered, but it's puzzling that this video card appears to induce hardware problems that don't occur when I try to run the system with any other card.

Is it possible that this card is simply incompatible with other hardware in the system at such a low level that tech's don't see it or understand it?

All I have now is $1400 pile of crap with a three year warranty that is useless because HP doesn't seem to be able to fix it.  I requested a new system which was denied, I requested a different system which was also denied.  My next step is to write a letter to the Better Business Burau.

-Brian

[jkhterp]

Brian- after much Of the same hassle you went through, I figured I was beat and got a newer motherboard.

[carguybrian]

HP Finally agreed today to replace my entire computer with a new machine.  The machine was defective right out of the box and has just had issue after issue.  I really hope HP follows through with their comitment made to me today to replace the machine.  When and if that happens, hopefully my issues will be solved.