Hello readers,
I will try and make this as concise as possible to help make troubleshooting easier
Motherboard: Maximus Hero VII
CPU: i7 4770k @ 4.3Ghz, 1.25v
RAM: G-skill 16Gb (2x8) @ 1600
PSU: Seasonic Platinum 1000watt
GPU: R9 290 (Sapphire), R9 290 (Gigabyte Windforce), stock clocks.
Watercooling: 2 x GPU block (XSPC Razor), 1 x CPU block (XSPC Raystorm)
I was initially running the Sapphire 290, recently decided to add a second. Before adding the Gigabyte card to the loop, I made sure it worked. It did. Removed Gigabyte card, re-installed Sapphire, booted. Re-installed CCC 14.6 after drive sweep. Rebooted with Sapphire card.
At this point I prepared the Gigabyte card for the loop, and attached it into the second red slot on the MB. Booted with no success in CCC, GPU-z and device manager (All only showing the primary card). I thought it might be a seating issue, re-seated card, tried again. No success.
Removed Sapphire card from loop, only ran Gigabyte card in primary. Black screen. Cleared CMOS, tried again. Black screen.
Thought I damaged the card during the block install. So I went back to square one. Removed the waterblock, installed stock cooler (Windforce). Running short on patience, I persisted to stick the card in the second red slot on the MB with the Sapphire card still in place. Booted.
And to my somewhat joyous pain, it recognised the card and Crossfire was working. I could liken this feeling to touching yourself whilst crying.
So now I'm back to running around in circles. Any and all ideas surrounding troubleshooting this mindf*ck are welcome.
Some thoughts: Gigabyte card worked (and continues to work) with provided heatsink. It's doing so as I type this, in Crossfire. With waterblock attached, doesn't even post. It's a poetic injustice.
Help please :|