New Graphics Card - Incompatible PSU or MB?? Different Suggestions -I'm STUMPED!

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Glebuska

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So I'm running a XPS 8300 BIOS MBA v14.2.0 slot 0300 with Socket 1155, and my processor is Intel core i5-2300 (4 CPUS) @2.8 Ghz, and I recently purchased and tried installing a Radeon R9 380. after several attempts to make it work (using HDMI and DVI cables), the monitor continued to not even recognize the card, remaining black.
I tried running the integrated graphics while the R9 was installed, didn't work.
I tried taking out the RAM sticks and putting them back in, still didn't work.

*I'd like to mention I had to make certain physical adjustments to my motherboard (cutting off the clip that holds the card because it just wouldn't fit with it. (I've read that even after adjustments like that a card usually works)*

After hours of trials I visited my local computer shop and the guy working tested it on several computers until it fit, and confirming the problem isn't within the card. I was relieved. He told me the motherboard doesn't support that card, after telling me the problem is with my Motherboard he proceeded to suggest I'm better off buying a whole new PC, I immediately asked "what if I just get a new motherboard?" - he replied with something along the lines of: "yeah it possibly could work out, but you'll need a new CPU"- I asked: "well wouldn't it work with my current CPU?" and he said "yeah it probably will, so all you'll need is a new motherboard then", gave me an estimate on the order and the labor before I could confirm anything. I told him I will look for one online by myself and bid him farewell (got a sneaky vibe).

Got home, went on this online live chat (Computer hope if I recall correctly), and explained my situation;
The guys on there told me the problem wasn't in my motherboard at all, the guy working at the my local computer shop is trying to squeeze me. They proceeded to ask for my PSU info, I replied with my model and the watts (Dell AC460AD-00 460W) and they told me in fact its the PSU that's the problem (they said minimum 500W needed for the R9 380, but the guy at the computer shop said my PSU is more than enough).
So now I'm caught in the middle.
Do I look for a new motherboard strictly compatible with PCU Socket 1155 i5-2300, or look for a new Power Supply Unit (PSU) that exceeds 500W?(As recommended by the nice people on the Live Chat). Please take in consideration my modifications to the clip on the PCI or PCI-E slot (I hope I'm using the right term) that I absolutely had to make to fit that card in the slot - that could indicate an obvious incompatibility, only done due to my research regarding physical fitting isn't all that matter when it comes to compatibility.

I appreciate all input, Thank you in advance!!!:)

p.s I put my old graphics card back in and everything works like it was so no damage done with my mods.
 
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Glebuska

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Thank you for the reply,

What about the modifications I had to create to fit the card? Wouldn't that play a role in deeming the MB the main problem? or is that just a rare inconvenience? Also, how stressful would the choice and compatibility of a PSU purchase be? as I'm quite new to the whole hardware system.

Thanks again.
 
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Glebuska

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Thank you for the reply,

What about the modifications I had to create to fit the card? Wouldn't that play a role in deeming the MB the main problem? or is that just a rare inconvenience? Also, how stressful would the choice and compatibility of a PSU purchase be? as I'm quite new to the whole hardware system.

Thanks again.
 
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elbert

elbert

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nitrium

nitrium

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Won't be the PSU. It should still give a signal when not under load, even if it underpowered. Make 100% sure you have all the power cables fully attached to the GPU (these can be fiddly - especially the 6+2 connectors which if not properly connected won't go all the way home). And check in BIOS that you prioritise PCIe first - and also make sure that your monitor is plugged into the GPU (obviously).
 
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Glebuska

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I've tried multiple times, even applying a bit of pressure on the card while its in the slot, making sure all cables are properly connected, the 2 6-pin cables are all the way in, the monitor is plugged into the GPU. Also, the expert at my local computer shop tried the same, with different monitors, cables, and plugged everything in himself. And in my BIOS I only have the option to "disable" or "Auto" the option for use of boththe integrated visual component and the graphics card together(that's basically how the option is worded). which was on Disabled(making the PCIe the priority) and tested while on Auto. both a no go.
 
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Glebuska

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So you're saying I'll have to buy a new Windows disc and key? I know a reformat will have to be in place, but there's no way of keeping my old windows?
 
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elbert

elbert

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Not usless you updated to a retail version at some point. This or pay a lot for a Dell replacement motherboard.
 
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nitrium

nitrium

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Still don't think it's the PSU - it's a go-to cause for all that ails PCs here on Tom's (everyone here always blames the PSU for everything), but a 500W PSU imo should be able to easily handle producing a polling signal from this GPU (which BTW will likely consume maybe 15W idle). Far more likely it's an incompatibility with the motherboard (which is a proprietary OEM which can be fickle nightmares) or a defective GPU (do we know it actually works in other systems?).
 
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Glebuska

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propriety OEM? can you explain?
-Yes the computer shop owner I turned to tested it on a few computers, until he found a pc it fit, turned it on and it worked! so the GPU itself isn't the problem!
 
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elbert

elbert

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Its a part or parts that only work together. Say the Dell motherboard only works with the Dell PSU. Problem with the statement made tho is it didn't include the possibility the PSU is proprietary. This is why I suggest both. This said tho I've not seen Dell do this before only compaq and a few much older pc oem's. You have a 460W Dell PSU so dont know about the 500W statement.
 
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ko888

ko888

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It's a well known problem with the Dell XPS 8300. It doesn't support graphics cards that use a UEFI VBIOS.

If the graphics card manufacturer has a non-UEFI VBIOS available, that you can download and reflash to the graphics card, then that may solve your problem.
 
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nitrium

nitrium

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^^^ This. Also if it's a Sapphire card it might well have a dual VBIOS. You can toggle between UEFI and Legacy VBIOS by simply clicking a switch on the top of the card.

 
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Glebuska

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the brand is Powercolor and I'm not sure where the model number is, but on the box just above "Made in China" it states
722-G000002304

Sorry for the late response I've been in the process of trying out a new GPU so I bought a 900W unit with the same result. I recorded the result and uploaded to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVtMhj0blzQ
Not sure what to do at this point
 
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nitrium

nitrium

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Well I did say it was highly unlikely to be the PSU TWICE. Most of the folks here just blame everything on the power supply. Whenever you see "get a new PSU" on these forums, take it with a very big grain of salt. The PSU is in my 30 years of experience only VERY rarely a genuine source of problems (and certainly not like the one you describe).
Anyway, so it's most probably an incompatibility with your OEM mobo and your GPU (you either need UEFI or legacy VBIOS support for it to work - Sapphire actually offer both via a switchable dual VBIOS). You likely won't get any joy unless you replace either the mobo (this is what I'd do personally) or find a GPU that is compatible.
 
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Glebuska

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I read online this guy had the same problem as me and he contacted powercolor and they sent him a zip file to flash his card to a non uefi system and it worked. Do you think that could be an option?
 
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nitrium

nitrium

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Yes. Definitely try that before blowing even more money.
 
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ko888

ko888

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You'll need access to a system with a motherboard that has a UEFI BIOS to do be able to perform the flashing of the VBIOS.
 
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Glebuska

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So considering that flashing the card to work with an older bios will prevent the card from working at its full capabilities, I've decided to purchase a new motherboard altogether. I came up with the Asus Maximus V Gene Micro ATX LGA1155, that according to pcpartpicker will fit my CPU, memory, card and psu, Only thing i'm concerned about is I read that if I want to change a motherboard it has to have Windows already installed on it otherwise all the other OEM components will not work. Is this true? If so, how do I find one? and another thing I'm worried about is it physically fitting the XPS8300 case, they're both Micro ATX is this all I should be concerned about when it comes to physical matching?
Here's the link to the build:
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/T8bm3F

Feels like we're approaching a solution here, thanks again guys.
 
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getochkn

getochkn

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First, how would flashing a non UEFI bios not allow the card to function at it's full potential?

Second, if you change motherboard, then yes you would technically have to buy a new OS. If your motherboard died and you were forced to replace it, sometimes you can get it reactivated but just for the sake of a new GPU.......

Now, I could get a new case if you're going this route. Dell cases, everything is proprietary, and the front buttons, front usb, front audio probably won't plug into an Asus motherboard without cutting all the ends off and figuring out what wires goes where. Also, dell doesn't leave much for fans, and some of the models put the heat, then a heat-tube to the fan at the back of the case and other motherboard won't line up, nor would the Dell heatsink possibly fit, so you might need a new heatsink too now that I think about it.

Long story, upgrading Dell's suck and you usually end up with pretty much a new system. lol.
 
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Glebuska

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The guy from PowerColor said if If I go as far as flashing my card I might as well get a new motherboard since this motherboard wont allow the card to work at its' full potential.
OK so if I were to get a new case, can I still use the fans and CPU from my old system? I guess I'm asking what can I use from this old system to comply with all of my new parts?
 
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