Z640 unable to boot when using some graphic cards...

[Ulf_K]

I know that this question has been up before but with no answer.

I have a Z640, 2CPU option fitted with 2x E5-2637 and 32GB. This computer have problems with some graphic cards. At first, it workef fine with an ASUS GTX1660 (yes - ext power has been connected). This configuration suddenly started showing red LED and 6 beeps when turned on. That card was replaced with a Quadro K2000 (labeled HP spare part/no ....) This time the computer just sat there, with its fans running at highest speed (pre-windows boot behavior). The last card tried was an AMD W5100 branded (EIZO MED-X70). This board works fine. AMD found it and downloaded the catalyst center.

All is well for the moment but - Why is it that the Z640 cannot use a (HP!) Quadro card that works in other computers? Is there a specific BIOS setting that needs to be checked/changed? BTW, the BIOS is the latest that HP made available. No other PCI-E slots are populated.

[DGroves · Accepted solution]

note older (Legacy pre UEFI bios) video cards will not work on system where the bios is configured for a UEFI Boot

The GTX 1660 and its variants (GTX 1660 Ti, GTX 1660 Super) are generally designed to be compatible with both UEFI and legacy BIOS systems. While they can function in either environment, some users have reported issues with legacy BIOS, especially older systems with specific chipset combinations, according to Reddit. These issues often involve "no display" problems or conflicts between the card's UEFI BIOS and the legacy BIOS, as discussed on the Reddit forum. 

Elaboration:

• Compatibility:

  The GTX 1660 family is generally designed to work with both UEFI and legacy BIOS, making it a versatile option for various PC setups. 
• Potential Legacy Issues:

  Some users have reported issues with older systems, especially those using legacy BIOS with specific chipset combinations (e.g., Intel 6 series), which may require the latest BIOS firmware to be fully compatible. 
• UEFI vs. Legacy BIOS:

  UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) offers benefits like faster boot times and enhanced security compared to the older legacy BIOS, according to LinkedIn. 
• No Display Problems:

  Some users have reported "no display" issues when using a GTX 1660 in legacy BIOS mode, which can be attributed to conflicts between the card's UEFI BIOS and the legacy BIOS, according to the Proxmox forum. 
• Passthrough Issues:

  In some cases, especially when using GPU passthrough for virtual machines, users may experience issues with UEFI and might need to use legacy boot mode for compatibility, according to the Proxmox forum. 

Recommendation:

• For most modern systems, UEFI is the preferred boot mode due to its advantages. 
• If you're using an older system with legacy BIOS, ensure you have the latest BIOS firmware to avoid compatibility issues, according to Reddit. 
• If you experience "no display" problems, try switching to legacy BIOS or updating the BIOS firmware on your motherboard. 
• When in doubt, consult your motherboard manufacturer's website for specific compatibility information and troubleshooting tips. 

if this is not the case then read below

6 beeps indicates i issue  (error) detected just before the video card is initialized, you either have a bad card,  bad pci-e slot or bad motherboard or bad power supply you have done most of the things on the list below so it may come down to a failing motherboard in your case

• The 6 beeps and red LED are a specific error code indicating a problem before the video card can initialize. 
• This can manifest as the computer not displaying anything on the monitor, or a black screen. 

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. 1. Reseat the Graphics Card:

   Open the computer case (with power off) and gently remove and reinsert the graphics card into its PCIe slot. 
2. 2. Check Cable Connections:

   Ensure the monitor cable is securely plugged into both the monitor and the graphics card (or motherboard, if integrated graphics). 
3. 3. Test with a Different Graphics Card:

   If possible, try a different graphics card that you know is working to see if the issue persists. 
4. 4. Check BIOS Settings:

   Enter the BIOS (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or F10 during startup) and ensure that the correct PCI-E slot is selected for the graphics card. 
5. 5. Reset CMOS:

   If you suspect a BIOS setting issue, you can reset the CMOS by removing the battery on the motherboard for a few minutes, then reinserting it. 
6. 6. Replace Graphics Card (Last Resort):

   If the problem persists after trying the above steps, the graphics card may be faulty and needs replacement. 
7. 7. Replace System Board (If Necessary):

   In rare cases, the problem might be with the motherboard itself and will require replacement. 

[Ulf_K]

While I have tried (1) and  (2) without any luck, there was a lot of interesting information in the Elaboration part of your answer. Right now, the Z640 works with the AMD card and I will check the BIOS settings next time the Z640 is used.

I once got it dirt cheap from a used-computer outlet, pouplated with two very slow Xeons (but many cores) and upgraded it when more potent Xeons became available on the second hand market. The instability problem ocurred already by then but was gone after the CPU upgrade so I assumed that there was something wrong with the CPU's. The problem reappeared a few days ago however. As of now, I suspect that there could be a problem with the main board. Re-seating the CPU's, the memory sticks and the PSU connections did not help.

Your efforts in providing an answer is appreciated.  Many thanks!

[Ulf_K]

Reviving this thread...

I was initially not successful in fixing the problem, having gone through all suggestions given in the answers.

Eventually, I cleared the CMOS/ Loaded the default BIOS settings, adjusting for start-up delay and then tried starting the Z640. It did not boot into Windows so I decided to make a complete O/S reinstallation.  It went well, downloading all updates ans well as hardware drivers specific to the Z640.

A combination of RTFM and possibly some settings never changed from the previous owner - the machine is working again now with its intended graphic card.

😀