GA-X38-DQ6 - HD 6950 (CF) - Windows 7

ZrroPC · 10 Jul 2011

Hello,

Now,My knowledge of PC hardware was good, but this problem is something thats out of my reach,experience.

Small Description:
I'm upgrading my current systems GPU as this is the last thing I can upgrade for my "older" system (bought a Q9650 last time).
So I bought 2 x 6950 (2GB - Reference model).
The idea is to put those 2 cards in CF and i'm good for another 1-2 years, then ill do a full (new) upgrade.

The Problem:
Well, its still a mystery what the exact problem is.
Had alot of problems to get the both cards working in CF just to get a BIOS screen, not even loading an OS

So here is a small list of things that are part of the problem :

Its not working in general
On a fresh windows 7 installation the 2 cards go blank screen after 5-10 minutes
I'm not able to detect the 2nd Card anywhere in windows, its just not there (GPUz,Windows Device Manager,AIDA64) (CF Bridge not mounted)

Hardware:

Motherboard :GA-X38-DQ6
Power Supply : 800W Gigabyte Odin GT
CPU : Q9650 (Stock Settings)
Memory : 8GB 4x2GB DDR2
SSD : Intel 320 80GB (Connected with SATAII)
GPU1* : HD6950 (2GB - Asus Reference Model)
GPU2* : HD6950 (2GB - Asus Reference Model)
GPU3* : 8800GTS 512MB (Asus)
GPU4* : GT240 (Came with a stock PC)
GPU5* : HD 5830 (is in another PC but could use this one if needed)

*The list of available cards (I Use / Can use the other cards to test for mobo problems)
Hardware info :

Current Mobo BIOS : F9i
HD6950(1) BIOS : 013.008.000.009.039285 (Stock BIOS)
HD6950(2) BIOS : 013.008.000.009.039285 (Stock BIOS)

What is working
In the beginning I was thinking that is was my mobo which had problems, but it works fine with my 8800GTS & GT240.. so ...

What I think the problem is :
After 3 days of trying to get a working CF setup and failing, I came up with the following explanation:

Its just a combination of several things:
Old Mobo & Old bios (2yrs old & latest update)
Brand new cards (6950)
So having brand new cards & an old mobo is the core problem here...
Lack of driver support to make my mobo work with those 2 cards
Other ?

Side Question :
Would buying an GA-X48-DQ6 help ? or would I end up having the same problems ? Thx

Please let me know what you think ! this helps me alot !

Maguscreed · 10 Jul 2011

Well what we really need is another test computer.
New graphics cards do arrive damaged sometimes. It's possible that is the case here.
It's really hard to know without you having a second test medium though.
Just getting the card to post isn't even a driver issue, it's a basic detection issue.

Try this unplug the two extra power chords that go into the graphics card and power on the system for a moment.
If the card doesn't make a horrible buzzing or beeping type noise it's probably just dead.

Have you yet tried testing both cards individually in the number 1 slot?

BugMeister · 10 Jul 2011

aye, I'll go along with that diagnosis - you need to test both cards seperately to determine that they are both working OK..

bit fiddly, but uninstall all the drivers and both cards -then install just one card - with fresh drivers installed, it should run OK..

shut down, then install the second card with the crossfire ribbon in place - the OS should recognise the second card and automatically adjust settings to accomodate it..

sygnus21 · 11 Jul 2011

Have you looked to your owner's manual? - Page 26 - GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket 775 - GA-X38-DQ6 (rev. 1.0) - Make sure you connect a 12v PCIE power connector. Did you do that???