Faulty GPU or PCI Slot???? MOBO Replacement???

[gryffon24x]

I have a Geforce GTX 960 with an ASUS M5A97 R2.0 connected through a PCI x16 ribbon. I tried to move the GPU to a new position in my case while the ribbon was still connected. Needless to say I'm now having an issue. I'm afraid that I may have damaged the PCI x16 slot on the MOBO because after getting the 1-3 POST beep code for no VGA detected I transferred the PCI x16 ribbon cable into the MOBO's secondary PCI x16 slot, which according to ASUS themselves is at x4 mode. This initially brought my display back and eliminated BIOS POST beep code for No VGA (Sweet). The picture quality (Connected via HDMI to a 55" 4K Samsung) was grainy, back to standard or default settings. I changed my setting back to 4K res. and restarted, presto, everything seems to be working fine... Then I had to leave for work and I'm waiting to test my PC again until I get home. From what I've read on other forums, the performance loss can be minimal so I'm hopeful a new MOBO isn't necessary. But first I want to be definitively sure that the Primary PCI x16 slot is faulty and that that is the exclusive problem. If it is, can I still have the MOBO replaced through Amazon? Which is where I purchased all components. Thanks for your help!

Components:
MOBO-ASUS M5A97 R2.0
CPU-AMD FX8350
RAM-Kingston HyperX Fury 16GB
HDD-WD Blue 1TB
Power Sup.-EVGA 600W Bronze
GPU-GeForce GTX 960

 

[hang-the-9]

The GTX 960 should be OK in the x4 speed slot. Seems like the slot you had it in is bad since moving the card fixed things. You can try BIOS update and maybe a reset to defaults also. Why are you using a cable instead of just plugging the card into the slots?

 

[rolli59]

There is performance loss on the X4 slot being an AM3+ system it is PCIe ver 2.0 it will be similar to these http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Intel/Ivy_Bridge_PCI-Express_Scaling/23.html

 

[gryffon24x]

Thanks for the feedback, I have to use the cable because of the "unique-ness" of my case/build i guess, haha. I have a Thermaltake Core P5 case and its standing vertically. this allowed me to mount my GPU (via PCI cable) seperate from the MOBO for better airflow. also, was intending this build to be upgradable and I am in the process of building a DIY watercooling system which also lends itself to the particular layout of my case using the ribbon. Excuse me for asking, but what makes you confident that the GTX 960 is okay via x4 speed slot? Is this because of its 128-bit Memory Configuration?

 

[gryffon24x]

hang-the-9,

Is it really likely that a BIOS update will fix the PCI x16 slot? i mean I tried two different cards in the primary slot and neither performed properly. Even removing and reinserting the CMOS battery even to see if that would fix the error but it didn't. then after having reset the CMOS battery i moved PCI x16 slots which fixed the problem.

 

[gryffon24x]

rolli59,

It seems from the graphs you linked me too that my gpu performance loss is VERY MINIMAL, would you agree? What might be the most closely similar GPU in your link? Also, is there any other way I can troubleshoot to DEFINITIVELY determine that the Primary PCI x16 slot is no longer functioning?

 

[rolli59]

roughly between 10-15% for the GTX680 which would be similar to the 960. Only other way to test the slot is with another GPU since you are not using all the contacts on your 960 when on X4.

 

[gryffon24x]

roughly between 10-15% for the GTX680 which would be similar to the 960. Only other way to test the slot is with another GPU since you are not using all the contacts on your 960 when on X4.

Okay thanks, rolli59. So, considering i tried another GTX960 in the primary PCI slot without success than the slots probably busted?

 

[hang-the-9]

hang-the-9,

Is it really likely that a BIOS update will fix the PCI x16 slot? i mean I tried two different cards in the primary slot and neither performed properly. Even removing and reinserting the CMOS battery even to see if that would fix the error but it didn't. then after having reset the CMOS battery i moved PCI x16 slots which fixed the problem.

May not fix anything, but it's another thing to try. It's likely physically damaged but if you really want to try every way to get it working even a very unlikely thing is OK to try.

 

[rolli59]

roughly between 10-15% for the GTX680 which would be similar to the 960. Only other way to test the slot is with another GPU since you are not using all the contacts on your 960 when on X4.

Okay thanks, rolli59. So, considering i tried another GTX960 in the primary PCI slot without success than the slots probably busted?

Yep!