Bios has no PCI option but motherboard has PCI?

[Drummerdip]

Hey,

I'm trying to install a graphics card but am running into an issue. The instructions say to go to the bios and change from on board graphics to PCI...but my bios has no such setting...I even updated the bios to the latest version but nothing.

Why have a PCI express slot if I can't add a graphics card?

Windows 8
Acer aspire me-600
On board intel HD graphics 4000

Trying to install

PNY GeForce gtX 650

 

[noidea_77]

"PCI-E first" might be the default. Plug the card in, connect the monitor and see what happens.

 

[TheDraac]

Have you tried installing the card and connecting your monitor? It will probably auto select the add in card during boot up.

 

[Drummerdip]

"PCI-E first" might be the default. Plug the card in, connect the monitor and see what happens.

System boots but no video signal is detected by monitor

 

[bignastyid]

Have you upgraded the power supply? The stock 300w unit isnt going to power a gtx 650.

 

[Drummerdip]

Have you upgraded the power supply? The stock 300w unit isnt going to power a gtx 650.

Yes I replaced it with a 400w

 

[bignastyid]

Have you upgraded the power supply? The stock 300w unit isnt going to power a gtx 650.

Yes I replaced it with a 400w

Is the 6-pin power connector plugged in? Whats the make and model of the power supply? A low quality 400w unit wont power it either.

 

[Drummerdip]

Have you upgraded the power supply? The stock 300w unit isnt going to power a gtx 650.

Yes I replaced it with a 400w

Is the 6-pin power connector plugged in? Whats the make and model of the power supply? A low quality 400w unit wont power it either.

Fps group inc. It's the stock one that came with my old case, it powered my previous card( on other computer) just fine so I figured it would work here too.

 

[Drummerdip]

Is the 6-pin power plugged in from the PSU?

In the BIOS, the PCI settings are usually found in a section called chipset or something similar. Or, look for an option to change the iGPU to dGPU. Do you have a link to the acer page with this PC's user manual on it? That would help a lot.

Yes the 6 pin is plugged in, I went through the bios with a fine tooth comb.. Nothing in chipset and nothing about gpu.

Only manual I found for my machine:
http://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/Generic%20UG/Generic%20UG_Acer_1.0_A_A.zip?acerid=634870942684847470&Step1=DESKTOP,%20WORKSTATION&Step2=ASPIRE&Step3=ASPIRE%20ME600&OS=ALL&LC=en&BC=ACER&SC=PA_6

 

[bignastyid]

Its recommended to have a minimum of 24a on the +12v rail how many does your PSU have? The information should be located on a sticker on the power supply.

 

[Drummerdip]

Its recommended to have a minimum of 24a on the +12v rail how many does your PSU have? The information should be located on a sticker on the power supply.

Hmm..that may be the issue I see 12v --- 15A

 

[bignastyid]

15a, ouch.

 

[Drummerdip]

Is the 6-pin power plugged in from the PSU?

In the BIOS, the PCI settings are usually found in a section called chipset or something similar. Or, look for an option to change the iGPU to dGPU. Do you have a link to the acer page with this PC's user manual on it? That would help a lot.

Yes the 6 pin is plugged in, I went through the bios with a fine tooth comb.. Nothing in chipset and nothing about gpu.

Only manual I found for my machine:
http://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/Generic%20UG/Generic%20UG_Acer_1.0_A_A.zip?acerid=634870942684847470&Step1=DESKTOP,%20WORKSTATION&Step2=ASPIRE&Step3=ASPIRE%20ME600&OS=ALL&LC=en&BC=ACER&SC=PA_6

How about the motherboard model? What chipset (Z77, Z68, H77, H68 etc) and what brand/model is it? If your case is still open, the model number might be printed on the board somewhere near the expansion slots. I might be able to find a user manual from the manufacturer which could shed some light on the situation.

All I see is "Acer inc. IPIMB rev 1.02"

 

[bignastyid]

Most OEM boards have limited bios options, the switching is most likely done automatically.

 

[Drummerdip]

15a, ouch.

Just bought a 650w 52A

Still doesn't work 🙁

 

[bignastyid]

Well shit. Could be a DOA video card.

 

[Drummerdip]

Well shit. Could be a DOA video card.

That's what I'm hoping for, I'm going back into frys to pick up another card.

Hopefully with better luck

 

[Drummerdip]

Check this thread out. A search for "Acer IPIMB" in Google returned this thread: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/324084-30-disable-onboard-graphics-bios

Someone had the same exact issue with a 7850 on a similar PC with the same motherboard. He finally found out that the card itself was not working. A different card did work.

Like another poster pointed out, the card should work even if it is not selected as the primary GPU in the BIOS. All that does is allow you to see the what is happening between pushing the power button and Windows splash screen. If it is not the primary then you can't see the BIOS either.

I tried 3 other graphics cards with no luck, So I'm pretty sure there is something up with my motherboard. I ordered a new one this has to work...lol

 

[Drummerdip]

Acer is known for cutting corners to maximize profit just like Dell, HP and all the other pre-built PC makers. They usually use the lowest priced and quality components particularly the PSU and motherboard. Most of the time, the motherboards they use are identical to retail versions with key components disabled to make it hard for the end user to upgrade it. Such components include the BIOS, the operating system or sometimes the complete removal of expansion slots. I would not be surprised if they figured out a way to make the PCI-e slot work with everything except GPUs. It is a good thing you have already replaced the PSU and are now getting a new motherboard. Since there really is no way for them to cut corners on the CPU, RAM and disk drives, you should have a top quality PC depending on what board you get. Well, anything is better than the stock Acer board I guess. Hope that fixes it and you can get on with actually using your PC rather than spending more time trying to make it work right. Next time you need a new PC, just build it yourself, you will know that no corners were cut and that everything in the PC is top of the line. You might save money initially by buying pre-built PC's, but they will cost you more in the long run in time, money and headaches.

It was the motherboard....tested out the PCI-e and it worked just fine just not with my graphics card...installed a new motherboard and now I have a functioning computer.

now if I can only get my creative cloud to work..but that's another forum..lol