ECS K7VTA3 MB no signal from AGP card

[gtmitchelljr]

I just put a new ECS K7VTA3 8.0 mobo in my system. Had to buy a new AGP card as well, since my old card wouldn't fit. Trying to keep it cheap, so bought a Geforece26 64MB 4X/2X Mx400. System turns on, but gets no signal from the video card. I'm running an AMD 2400+ CPU with 512MB DDR2700 RAM. System has 2 HDD, 1 CDRW, 1 FDD, 1 case fan, 2 NICs, 1 PCI Modem, etc. and using a 250W power supply. System works fine with a PCI video card instead of the AGP card. Have tried two different AGP cards with no help. After doing some research, I have found this to be a common problem with this mobo. Could my problem be a too small power supply?

Appreciate any advice!

[John Prophet]

Welcome to the forum!

I suppose it's possible that the psu is too small...especially considering the speed of the cpu.....but in itself that agp video card isnt a MONSTER that draws lots of current etc......but I bet AMD recommends at LEAST a 300w supply for that cpu


What if you try it with EVERYTHING else unplugged....meaning the hard drives and cdroms and floppy ....unplug the power chords from them and take out any other pci cards and try to boot with the agp card.

JP

[gtmitchelljr]

Thanks for the quick reply! I tried unplugging a couple of devices with no help. I'll try unplugging everything but the AGP and see if that helps.

GTM

[Peter M]

250W? No way. That's giving you a high risk of unstable system, or even component damage. Get something adequate!

On the AGP card front, make sure it's seated correctly, all the way down in the slot.

[gtmitchelljr]

Hey thanks for the reply Peter. So far the system has been very stable when using the PCI video card. Been running for several days with no crashes. I tried to get the AGP card to work this morning by removing everything except the AGP card - no drives or other cards in the mobo. Still no signal! I'm wondering if this card needs a power supply that is of the newer ATX v12 standard. The ps in the machine right now is a 250W ATX ps. I can't find any specs that mention it, however maybe the card requires more amps then my ps can supply. I do think I'll get a new ps anyway. Dunno. Why is it never easy to upgrade? (Deep philosophical question...no need for an answer!!!)

[Peter M]

The PSU very probably is way too weak on the 3.3V rail. This is where AGP cards live, PCI cards usually use the 5V rail.

[gtmitchelljr]

Success! Pulled the mobo out and returned both to Fry's to see if they could get it to POST. Unsurprisingly, they couldn't. They did get a different manufacture AGP board and it worked! Tried my AGP card in their mobo, (also ECS K7VTA3) and guess what...it didn't work in theirs either. Got a new AGP card off the shelf and it didn't work either. So.... returned the GeForce2 64MB Mx400 Agp card and bought a ATI Hercules 3D Prophet 7000 AGP board and it works fine. Didn't have to get another power supply. So far system is stable!

NOTE: If you buy an ECS K7VTA3 8.8 motherboard, be prepared for AGP issues. It doesn't like some cards!!!!

[thronka]

I was about to say. It needs HIGH QUALITY stuff to run right. Its Picky.

[Peter M]

I'd rather say there are some GF2MX cards that don't run right in 4x/8x mainboards. As usual, nothing is as compatible as it looks. YMMV.

[thekingofpain]

Ive been sticking cheap $50 Radeons in em---as I mentioned elsewhere the Fry's combo with a K7VTA3/2200+ for 64$ is hard to beat, been replaceing older 800 Duron/TNT setups and such---using cheap ($35) PC3200 Geil and an inexpensive $9 h/s---makes for a pretty good $150 upgrade---plus its overclockable if they so desire...