Need help with default outputs on ATI 3870 X2

kdogg · 25 May 2011

OK! First, my system specs are filled in full. Refer to those if needed!

I have an ATI 3870 X2 dual gpu video card. It have 3 DVI ports and one HDMI port. I have my primary monitor hooked to one of the DVI ports and my Samsung TV hooked to the HDMI. When I boot my computer, I NEVER see my post screen or BIOS on either display. The screens don't show anything until I hit the Windows login screen.

As for my motherboard, I have an Asus M4A88TD-M which has on-board video too. An ATI 42xx HD of some sorta.

If I remove the 3870 X2 from the system, and plug into the the on-board and reset the CMOS, I can see my post screen and get into BIOS but I play HELL getting my 3870 X2 back up and running.

What am I doing wrong? How do I setup this cluster fu__ of a system!

simmo · 25 May 2011

Can you disable the Onboard in the Bios?

Then install your cards and drivers after? Are you running Mon/TV as a dual Mon config? Don't quote me but I'm thinking DVI/HDMI on different hardware (TV/Mon) maybe an issue..I thought thats what display port was for (multi Mon) but definetly not sure having not used a multi Mon set up myself yet.
Sure to be someone here that has tho and will be more knowledgeable than me on the subject.

kdogg · 25 May 2011

Well, as far as I know, it's disabled. Last time I was able to GET into BIOS, I thought I had.

Also, yes, Mon/TV is setup extended with the monitor being my primary and the TV being the extended side. Who knows. I'm over looking something.

I need to format my computer and reinstall Windows but it's a pain in the ass to have to remove the video card, reset CMOS with the LCD hooked to the on-board DVI and hope I get into the BIOS.

simmo · 26 May 2011

Why do you "have too" uninstall the card? You should be able to do (reformat /reinstall) that (and have the card) connected via the DVI output on the card..windows will display anyways..just lower res.

You should be able to get into the Bios anyways and will in fact need to to be able to set your boot to CD rigmarole. Also no need to rest CMOS that I can see.

I'd just try running w/e is your primary Monitor on the card and see if it works. I don't know for sure but I was under the impression you ran multi Mon setups thru a display port not DVI or HDMI.

Bound to be some obscure bloody setting hidden someplace lol. Hope you get it working soon. Watching the thread to see what solution works cheers

profdlp · 26 May 2011

I don't see anything on one of my three monitors during boot. (Specs at bottom of post.)

You should still be able to get into the BIOS by hitting the appropriate key as soon as you restart. Have you tried that? :)

kdogg · 26 May 2011

Yeah, if I was getting INTO BIOS, I by pressing the F2, which is the correct key, I wouldn't be asking for help.

I'm pretty sure I'm getting INTO BIOS, it just never displays on my monitor or my TV. I can't make changes if I can't see it. Same thing goes for my RAID adapter, I can't get into that because I can't see it.

I sorta messed up buying this board. I should have bought the full-size ATX board with NO on board video but frankly, I never really play games and this board supports Crossfire by adding a second card to the system, combining it with the on-board 42xx HD card. My thinking was that I could pick up a second 42xx HD essentially making it a X2 setup, but as it turns out, my old 3870 X2 is still faster so I'm trying to use that but I've never been able to get the damn post screen to show up with it installed.

kdogg · 26 May 2011

Christ... Well, I figured out if I move the DVI one up, I get the boot menu if I do it while the system is still booted, then reboot.

WTF?!

Then I play hell getting my duplicated displays working again. I got them working after like an hour or messing around, now I don't even know if I want to format! :)