No display after gtx960 install

[Stensin]

Hi guys, first post on this site. Sorry if this isnt posted in the correct place. So I built a computer over the weekend. Here are the main specs

Cpu- i5
Mobo- Ga-h170-d3h
Gpu- evga gtx960

First I performed a smoke test, so I did not install gpu. The crash test was successful so next I installed the mobo drivers; from the cd that came with the mobo. After that I installed the graphics card in the pci-e slot and connected it properly to the psu. I was going to install the gpu drivers but I could not get a display from either the mobo or gpu hdmi. I figured that the gpu drivers might have to be installed first. So I removed the gpu (btw micro mobo+ cpu cooler = pain in butt retention lever) and tried to install the drivers, but i got an error bc it could not detect the hardware. I tried reinstallimg the card back into the computer, making sure it was seated correctly in pci-e slot, but still no diplay in either hdmi slots. The screen is completely black except for "no signal" in the top corner. This black screen occurs even before I have the ability to access BIOS. Here is a list of steps I came up with to troubleshoot, please let me know if I'm on the right track.
1) I was unable to try the dvi input bc I did not have a cable yesterday, but I'll be able to try that today
2) If dvi input fails I can try a gpu swap (I have an older computer with the exact same gpu)
3) If the older card works in the new computer, and the new card doesn't work in the older computer (sorry for wording, best I could do), this would confirm bad card.
4) If the older card doesn't work in the new computer, and the new card works in the new computer, this would implicate a bad mobo pci-e slot or incorrect BIOS setting

Does this sound like im on the right track? Also, om konda a noob at this. If do have to go into BIOS setting what exactly should I be looking for?

 

[James Mason]

Sounds like your on track, only thing I'd add is check the BIOS of the new computer and look for the Primary Display Adapter option and make sure it's not set on integrated graphics.

Also make sure you're plugging the GPU into the PCIE x16 slot that is closest to the CPU, as that's the best one.

 

[Stensin]

James thanks for the reply! I actually didn't have to go into BIOS or even delve into any of my troubleshooting steps. The solution was very simple. Apparently not all hdmi are the same, which especially holds true when comparing hdmi monitors to ts. When I was initially working on my pc, I was using a very old tv (probly 1st Gen hdmi). I didn't think anything of it bc I got a display from the mobo, and have been using the tv for roku connected via hdmi. I don't quite kno the technical reasons but apparently the hdmi port on the old tv isnt bad, but rather just isnt compatible with my gpu. So conclusion... To all the computer noobs (like myself) unable to get a display from their new gpu, Make sure you are testing it on an up-to-date monitor!!