Question old sapphire crossfirex pure motherboard wont POST with a dgpu in

[mediocreintutto]

on the debug LED it shows that it cycles through a few numbers and then gets stuck to C7 for a few seconds, then cycles again. after a while it stops on "5b/p?" which doesnt seem to be on the manual, the closest i could find to it is 52 but it seems to be completely unrelated. help is appreciated

 

[COLGeek]

Please list the complete specs for this system (make/model of ALL installed components). We need to know what we are working with to better assist.

 

[mediocreintutto]

Please list the complete specs for this system (make/model of ALL installed components). We need to know what we are working with to better assist.

Athlon II X2 255 (have reseated it already,)
4GB DDR3, both sticks work and have reseated them multiple times
Antec EA-430D, works fine and have tested it in 2 different systems to double-check
GPUs that i've tried: ASUS HD 5770 and ASUS 550 Ti

 

[COLGeek]

Motherboard make/model?

 

[mediocreintutto]

Motherboard make/model?

as mentioned in the title Sapphire Crossfirex Pure, but specifically am3rs890g pure

 

[COLGeek]

The integrated GPU works? Also, have you tried both PCIe x16 slots?

Do have the mentioned "switch card" this review indicates?

Sapphire PC-AM3RS890G AMD Socket AM3 DDR3 Motherboard Review Result and general impression

www.ocinside.de

 

[mediocreintutto]

The integrated GPU works? Also, have you tried both PCIe x16 slots?

Do have the mentioned "switch card" this review indicates?

Sapphire PC-AM3RS890G AMD Socket AM3 DDR3 Motherboard Review Result and general impression

www.ocinside.de

i havent tried the bottom slot but i'll be on it, for the switch card i dont know how it works nor do i have one

 

[COLGeek]

Also, if the integrated GPU works, can you access the BIOS? If so, look for video settings to determine what options that old motherboard may have.

See here: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/627743/Sapphire-Audio-Pure-Crossfirex-890gx.html?page=30#manual

 

[mediocreintutto]

Also, if the integrated GPU works, can you access the BIOS? If so, look for video settings to determine what options that old motherboard may have.

in the advanced chipset options there was this option named "Primary Video Controller", im not sure what it does but intuitively i selected "IGFX-GFX0-PCI?" and a fourth one that i dont remember. im assuming IGFX refers to the integrated gpu, and GFX0 to the dgpu

 

[COLGeek]

Sent you a link (above) for the manual. Try making the desired PCIe slot the primary.

 

[COLGeek]

I understand the nomenclature used. IGX = integrated GFX0 = primary PCIe x16 slot nearest the CPU, etc.

This likely won't change anything, just where the BIOS looks first for a GPU.

The switch card should not prevent from using either slot, but it does enable the full x16 mode (vice x8) for the primary PCIe slot.

Do you have both the primary (20/24 pin) and auxillary power connections, from the PSU to the motherboard sockets fully connected? Pages 17-18 of manual.

 

[mediocreintutto]

Sent you a link (above) for the manual. Try making the desired PCIe slot the primary.

ive just tried with the IGFX-GFX0 option, put it on the 2nd slot and i heard 2 beeps, which im assuming it means it posted? but through both the igpu and dgpu there is no display, i also cant see rthe debug light because its being blocked by the gpu cooler

 

[mediocreintutto]

I understand the nomenclature used. IGX = integrated GFX0 = primary PCIe x16 slot nearest the CPU, etc.

This likely won't change anything, just where the BIOS looks first for a GPU.

The switch card should not prevent from using either slot, but it does enable the full x16 mode (vice x8) for the primary PCIe slot.

Do you have both the primary (20/24 pin) and auxillary power connections, from the PSU to the motherboard sockets fully connected? Pages 17-18 of manual.

i have, even the extra molex connector in. on my 5770 the aux power 6pin is a little protruding, but i dont know if it causes issues

 

[COLGeek]

When you install the GPUs, are you connecting the external 6-pin power connector to them?

 

[COLGeek]

i have, even the extra molex connector in. on my 5770 the aux power 6pin is a little protruding, but i dont know if it causes issues

Yes, that can be a problem not getting adequate power.

 

[mediocreintutto]

When you install the GPUs, are you connecting the external 6-pin power connector to them?

yes, im very sure. but it doesnt seem to go as deep as it can on my 5770 but it does on my 550 ti

 

[mediocreintutto]

Yes, that can be a problem not getting adequate power.

also one thing: on my motherboard theres a button labeled as "3D Switch", im thinking it could have something to do with this kerfuffle? should i press it, pop the gpu in and see what happens?

 

[COLGeek]

It is possible that this old motherboard is defective and the PCIe slots just don't work. Have you verified that both GPUs work in other systems?

Could also be an issue with the PCIe power connector coming from the PSU. Have you verified that works in any way?

 

[COLGeek]

also one thing: on my motherboard theres a button labeled as "3D Switch", im thinking it could have something to do with this kerfuffle? should i press it, pop the gpu in and see what happens?

Sure, why not? Give it a go.

 

[mediocreintutto]

Sure, why not? Give it a go.

now with it in the first pcie slot and with that 3d switch button pressed it cycles between 26 and 27, eventually stops at 27, sometimes 25 and 24 too, it seems to be descending very slowly

 

[COLGeek]

Must be determining what slot is in use. Trying swapping slots and trying again to see if the indicator changes.

 

[mediocreintutto]

Must be determining what slot is in use. Trying swapping slots and trying again to see if the indicator changes.

if i swap the slot i wont be able to see the debug light, since it'll be blocked by the gpu cooler, but sure

 

[mediocreintutto]

also: before it gets to 27-23 it seems like it "tries" (?) to post like normal, considering right before that cycle it gets to 87

 

[COLGeek]

What beeps are you hearing when powering on?

 

[mediocreintutto]

What beeps are you hearing when powering on?

none, but when i first put the 5770 in the 2nd slot for the first time i heard 2