New build, Gigabyte MOBO - No video signal

[Wumbs]

Specs:
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-HD2
Processor: AMD Athlon X4 860k
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 2x4GB DDR3
PSU: CoolerMaster eXtreme Power Plus RS‑500‑PCAR‑A3
All parts are completely new except the power source.

I am a first time builder getting help from others but am currently baffled. As far as I can tell, I've set absolutely everything up properly but am still getting the 1 long, 3 short beep code which implies an AGP error and there is no video display, the monitor gives a no signal error. I already RMA'd one motherboard which seemed to have the same problem (and was physically damaged), although I had no speaker for the beep codes at that point.

The strange thing is that my MOBO has onboard graphics and I have no gpu hooked up, so I see no reason why I can't even get to the BIOS. I've tried all sorts of solutions, including everything relevant in the thread http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems.

So I don't understand how, with onboard graphics and no compatibility issues, I could be getting an AGP error.

 

[DarkTerbear]

Try it with only one stick of RAM. If that fails, try it with the other stick. Sometimes the RAM is causing everything and it shows up as something else. Where did you find that this beep code implies a graphics problem?

 

[getochkn]

The Althon doesn't have a built in GPU, but hte A-Series APU's do, so I would assume that since that board takes both, it only works with onboard graphics with an APU installed.

http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=5289

That there shows no GPU speeds for the Athlon chips.

 

[Wumbs]

Try it with only one stick of RAM. If that fails, try it with the other stick. Sometimes the RAM is causing everything and it shows up as something else.

Tried both sticks in every possible configuration, unfortunately :/
The beep codes came from gigabyte themselves: http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/faq-page.aspx?fid=816

 

[Wumbs]

The Althon doesn't have a built in GPU, but hte A-Series APU's do, so I would assume that since that board takes both, it only works with onboard graphics with an APU installed.

http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=5289

That there shows no GPU speeds for the Athlon chips.

I considered that, but wasn't sure. So even if the mobo is advertised as having onboard graphics, it might not work with a regular CPU, only an APU?

 

[jwcrellin]

yeah, looks like you're gonna need to get a 470/480 to finish up.

 

[Wumbs]

yeah, looks like you're gonna need to get a 470/480 to finish up.

Fortunately, one is on its way from china! Thanks for the help, I'll report back if all goes well.

 

[Wumbs]

The Althon doesn't have a built in GPU, but hte A-Series APU's do, so I would assume that since that board takes both, it only works with onboard graphics with an APU installed.

http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=5289

That there shows no GPU speeds for the Athlon chips.

You were exactly right