Video problem with Quadro K2200

[NonSequitur777]

@e_ley,

As always, my friend, you're quite welcome!

And thank you for the update. A few points to keep in mind about your HP Z240 Tower Workstation:

1. Onboard graphics:

   • For most everyday tasks and even light professional workloads, the onboard Intel graphics will suffice.

   • As your son noted, some software does indeed benefit from a dedicated GPU, so having a functioning card like your Quadro K2200 will likely make certain apps perform smoother.

2. Z240 motherboards on eBay:

   • There’s generally nothing “wrong” with them as a platform -just ensure the board is listed as a full tower Z240 motherboard, not a variant or part of a workstation with missing firmware updates and certainly avoid "for parts only"!

   • Always check the seller reputation (stick with a Top-Rated, Trusted Seller) and look for boards that preferably have the latest BIOS updates applied.

3. Upgrades and compatibility:

   • You can upgrade the Z240 platform from TPM 1.2 to 2.0 with the appropriate BIOS update, which is actually very nice if you want to enable advanced Windows 11 features.

   • The top compatible CPUs for this platform, namely: the Xeon E3-1280 v6 and Intel Core i7-7700K -remain very capable. Paired with a good GPU, they’re still formidable even for 2K gaming and professional workloads.

4. Graphics card issue:

   • If the Quadro K2200 isn’t working, I insist -it’s usually a driver or BIOS-related issue.  Unless, as discussed, it is a faulty motherboard issue (assuming a working card), and in that case, you'll have little choice but to replace it.

   • Sometimes simply ensuring the BIOS is up-to-date, clearing any residual GPU settings, or testing the card in another system can clarify whether the card itself is healthy.

Bottom line: the Z240 is a solid platform. My daughter to this day is using an upgraded HP Z240 Tower Workstation primarily as a (light/moderate) gaming machine and has no issues with it whatsoever.  Anyway, you can safely order a replacement motherboard or CPU upgrade on eBay if needed, just verify the BIOS version and especially seller reputation.

Once you sort out a working GPU or use onboard graphics, the system, for all intents and purposes, will remain a powerful and versatile workstation for you for years to come.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[e_ley]

@NonSequitur777

I took the GPU to a computer repair shop to confirm its viability.  It worked so I guess the motherboard is next when I get back.  Probably should have done this first.

[NonSequitur777]

@e_ley,

All right, smart move: good to know for sure!

OK, have you yet tried, if space allows, to mount your GPU in PCIe x16 "slot4", the one farthest removed from your processor and see if that PCIe x16 slot works for your graphics card?

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[DGroves]

these cards may require a firmware update to resolve display issues and while i don't think the "OP's" issue is from this it should be done it basically fixes a no display until windows desktop issue

https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/drivers/nv-uefi-update-x64/

next HP Enterprise (not HP Inc this site) has a vBios update for the k2200

https://support.hpe.com/connect/s/softwaredetails?language=en_US&collectionId=MTX-7f989185758b419a&t...

both tools will check the card and only update if needed

now as to his no video issue i have both z240 models (SFF/Tower) and the K2200 is compatible with both hardware wise

i recommend trying another video port,.... the HP card supports displayPort and HDMI if your monitor supports both inputs buy the necessary cable and see if that works

[e_ley]

@NonSequitur777

Yes, I have tried that slot with the same results.

[NonSequitur777]

@e_ley,

Since the repair shop confirmed the Quadro K2200's viability -they presumably checked all of its video outputs, pretty much the only possibilities are either a defective motherboard, a defective power supply, or the video cable you use is defective.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[e_ley]

@DGroves

Thanks for the input.  My monitor has both HDMI and DP inputs but my Z240 motherboard has only DP and DVI-D (dual link).  So, DP is my only option.  I tried updating the Nvidia driver but couldn't because the installer didn't detect a GPU.  If the GPU is installed none (GPU or motherboard) of the DP ports work.  I've tried both DP ports on the mb.

I haven't tried the UEFI/Legacy thing yet, but other than that I don't think I'll be able to do either of the two things you suggested.  I suppose my only other option (besides replacing the mb) is take the system to that computer repair shop.  I was trying to save money.

[e_ley]

@NonSequitur777

I don't think it's the cable since it works with mb ports. I also don't think (maybe feel) it's the power supply.  I'd really hate to spend the $$ for a PS or mb and end up finding it's a bios or similar thing.

The description in the Nvidia link that DGroves posted sounds like it could be a factor.  Problem is I can't update the vbios without video.

[DGroves]

with the k2200 installed does the system appear to make the normal sounds while booting and if you have a drive activity light does it randomly flicker on startup then stop?

in cases like this i usually suspect the monitor as the source of the display issue

if you can connect the system with the k2200 installed and use a different monitor

[e_ley]

@DGroves

I don't recall hearing any sounds but my hearing is less than ideal.  The boot device is a 500Gb M.2 stick. The physical hard drive contains just movies & music.  Would the microscopic LED near the power button flicker with M.2 activity?

This troubleshooting activity is going on hold since I'm leaving for out of state for 3 weeks tomorrow morning.