Computer won't boot up with GTX 280
 

Replaced my 8800 GTX with a 280 - no go. The CPU fan and the case fans won't even spin when both the 6-pin and the 8-pin connectors are plugged into the 280. Wattage should be no problem - my power supply is a Seasonic S12 600 Watts, the CPU is a E6600 @3.4, only 2x1GB RAM at default voltage, 4x harddrives and a DVD burner. From my research, the PSU should have no trouble driving such and even higher system (never had any problems while running the computer with the 8800 GTX).

The funny thing is that when I tried to boot up without the 8-pin connector plugged in (just for ****z and giggles), the CPU and the case fans come to life, but of course the system never fully boots, so I suspect either the 8-pin EPS is not working properly. Or the 280 could be DOA.

Any thoughts/suggestions/insights would be appreciated.

Re: Computer won't boot up with GTX 280
 

I'd recommend trying to boot up with the 280 plugged in but unplug 3 of the 4 hard drives and anything else you can spare. If it boots up with all nonessential peripherals then you have a pretty good idea that your PSU just isn't up to the task.

Re: Computer won't boot up with GTX 280
 

Get a new PSU -- one that is up to the challenge.

Re: Computer won't boot up with GTX 280
 

Thanks, I've already tried that. As well as underclocking the CPU back to stock 2.6. No difference whatsoever. Can just the EPS 8-pin line go bad? All the other connectors seem to be pumping juice just fine.

Assuming I need a new PSU, what should I get considering the fact that I likely need 700+ Watt output, plenty of connectors with decent length cables, and last but not least - very low noise?

Re: Computer won't boot up with GTX 280
 

failure rate on the 280s seems to be quite high.

Re: Computer won't boot up with GTX 280
 

Man, the EPS 8-Pin cable is for the motherboard if it needs it. Video cards need a different 8-pin cable... You probably killed the card too...

Re: Computer won't boot up with GTX 280
 

Could you elaborate please? What kind of other 8-pin EPS cable is needed? My PSU is 2 years old Seasonic S12 600 Watt. Which PSU should I get that has the right connector?

Re: Computer won't boot up with GTX 280
 

There are 2 types of 8-pin cables AFAIK. One is for certain motherboards and the other is for newer video cards. Only recently have PSUs started to carry the PCIe 8-Pin connector. So I guess that since you got your PSU 2 years ago, it doesn't have the correct connector...

http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquir...nector-updated

The left 8-Pin is the motherboard one, the right one is the graphics card one.


You need a PSU that says "Pci Express 8-Pin" or "6+2 Pin" on the specs...


This is the newer M12II PSU
http://www.seasonicusa.com/M12II.htm

Notice at the wires the 6+2 Connector.

Your PSU only has the 6P connector, and the normal EPS 8P which is not for video cards...

Re: Computer won't boot up with GTX 280
 

Lets hope your Video card is ok.

Shouldn't there be a 8-6 pin convector thing on the gpus? Or do you have to have a psu with a 8pin or 6+2?...

Re: Computer won't boot up with GTX 280
 

There should be a converter inside, you need at least 2 6P connectors, some Psus only have one...

Re: Computer won't boot up with GTX 280
 

Thanks alot, I had no idea there are different 8-pin connectors. What is this converter you speak of, does it convert a 6-pin connector into a proper 8-pin PCI-e connector, or does it convert two 6-pin connectors into one 8-pin PCI-e? My PSU has two 6-pins and one 8-pin motherboard connector (the one I mistook for a PCI-e connector). And when you say "there should be a converter inside", what do you mean, the video card or the PSU? I didn't see it in either of the boxes. Or can be it be purchase separately?

Many thanks for your help guys.

Re: Computer won't boot up with GTX 280
 

My BFG had one, Asus has one, Sparkle, Gigabyte. XFX doesn't include one, nor does MSI I think. Don't know about eVGA, they didn't offer one with the 9800GX2.

You can buy either type. There's 2. One is 2x6P into 1x8P and the other is a 6P -> 8P. If you get the 2x6P -> 8P, you'll need another converter for 2x4P -> 6P! :)