I'm pretty sure my GPU is broken, but I'm not sure...

[Tokage]

My friend has been saving for quite a while for this computer, and I told him I would build it, because I've built computers before, and I watch tons of build videos. I got everything built, but I have either a small, or a big problem. When I turn on the computer the GPU fans start and stop over and over. It's an R9 270 from Asus. I took the gpu out, and put in the only other graphics card I have, a gt 630. The fan stays on, but I get no video output, which also happened with the R9 270. The 630's fan stays on, at least. I put the R9 270 in my build, and it still didn't output video, but when I put my 630 back in, I still have video showing up.


(Friend's build)
AMD FX 6300
8Gb. Ram (1 Stick)
EVGA 600W Bronze Rated PSU (I don't know if this is a good enough PSU or not)
Gigabyte GA970A-DS3P (Sorry if that isn't the right model number, I don't have the box, as I took the PC home, and it's hard to see on the board itself)
Sorry if I forgot anything, just ask for any details I forgot, and I'll get those to you to the best of my ability.

My Build:
AMD FX 8150
Gigabyte GT 630
8Gb. of Ram (2 Sticks)
500W PSU
Again, if I forgot any details, just ask for them!

Thanks for taking the time to read this long post, I appreciate any and all help given!

 

[T_T]

It is quite possible that in both builds, the PSU isn't good enough for intense gaming, but I'm fairly certain it should at least be able to handle BIOS. Still, let's rule out shorts first. Build your friend's comp outside of the case:
1. Put mobo on cardboard; or newspaper; or any non-conductive surface
2. Insert RAM, GPU, PSU, CPU (don't forget any of the connectors: fans, CPU, GPU)
3. Power up by jumping the PWR_SW pins with a metal object, like a flathead screwdriver

If there are any beeps other than the normal quick post POST beep, look up the possible failure here
If no abnormal beeps, then connect the display cable, if not done so already. If successful POST, you should see an error message on the screen indicating no boot device found. On the other hand, if still no display, it is time to do more troubleshooting:

1. Start with swapping the GPU again. If no display;
2. Try swapping your PSU into the mix. If no display;
3. Try your RAM. If no display;
4. Does mobo have an on-board display adapter. If yes, connect display cable to on-board adapter.

 

[Shaun o]

You must of missed a few steps out when building the system then with the R9 270 card.
It will most likely relate to a power problem.
And also a change in the bios settings of the motherboard.

Check your 24 pin Atx power block from the PSU is fitted to the 24 pin Atx power block of the motherboard.
That all 24 of the pins on the block are connected and not just 20 of them four sometimes can be split off from the block.

Next make sure you have connected the eight pin extra 12v power feed from your PSU that should be provided.
The 8 pin power block must be connected to the motherboard or no post of the board will happen or any of the fans on the graphics card will spin up on first power up of the system.

The block in question, the 8 pin is located near or around the cpu socket or at the top of the motherboard looking at it in the case.

Make sure if the R9 270 card requires any power via Pci-e power connectors to the card they are connected from the PSU to the card in the pci-e card slot of the motherboard.

Power the system on see if it posts and displays a booting image.
Post back with the results after checking all of the points listed.

 

[renz496]

some of AMD cards are known to have black screen issue. try using different drivers. AMD Omega Drivers (14.12) are one of AMD drivers that specifically mention about black screen issue. if problem persist you might want to contact Asus for support. BTW your friend PSU should be able to handle 270 easily. Heard that EVGA PSU are quite reputable.

 

[Tokage]

You must of missed a few steps out when building the system then with the R9 270 card.
It will most likely relate to a power problem.
And also a change in the bios settings of the motherboard.

Check your 24 pin Atx power block from the PSU is fitted to the 24 pin Atx power block of the motherboard.
That all 24 of the pins on the block are connected and not just 20 of them four sometimes can be split off from the block.

Next make sure you have connected the eight pin extra 12v power feed from your PSU that should be provided.
The 8 pin power block must be connected to the motherboard or no post of the board will happen or any of the fans on the graphics card will spin up on first power up of the system.

The block in question, the 8 pin is located near or around the cpu socket or at the top of the motherboard looking at it in the case.

Make sure if the R9 270 card requires any power via Pci-e power connectors to the card they are connected from the PSU to the card in the pci-e card slot of the motherboard.

Power the system on see if it posts and displays a booting image.
Post back with the results after checking all of the points listed.

I feel like such an idiot, I forgot to plug the psu into the port next to the cpu. Thanks! It's running really well, and my friend is super happy with it.