Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P Motherboard - No video output

Icecoldk1ll3r

Commendable
Jan 1, 2017
4
0
1,520
Hi all,

I am hoping somebody can help an issue with the motherboard not showing video output when graphics card is connected and appropriate output is connected (e.g VGA or HDMI). Please see detail below.

Here is my component list:

My Hardware Specs

Motherboard: Gigabyte 970A-DS3P (Rev 2.0) Black & grey edition
CPU : AMD FX6300 (6 core) processor (AM3+ socket) Not overclocked. Standard clock. (3.4 GHZ approx)
CPU Cooler : Using Standard stock cooler, had problem with my purchased upgraded one. (Will be replaced once system works)
RAM : 2x 4GB HyperX FURY DDR3 memory at 1333 MHZ (8GB total)
Graphics Card (GPU) : Sapphire Radeon HD 6670 (1 GB DDR5) (draws power from MB)
Power Supply : 480w Generic Standard PSU.
SSD : Crucial BX100 SD Drive 250 GB
HDD : None installed at the moment
Optical Drives : Not connected as of yet

I have connected all appropriate power supplies such as the 12V for the CPU, the ATX for the motherboard and the fan connectors for the CPU and system respectively. I have also checked that the CPU and RAM are compatible with this MoBo through Gigabyte (MoBo Manufacturer) website and a well known PC build site. They are compatible and shouldn't have any problems.

I have connected my GPU (Graphics) into the first PCI Express slot (x16) and shows life with the fan operating. However, while connected via HDMI to my monitor, it does not show video/output/picture on the screen. My monitor goes back to sleep as it cannot detect a signal/input. I have tried to use an alternative connection but my graphics card does not support VGA and sadly, I realised that the motherboard doesn't have an on-board video chipset. I have also tested this on the 4x slot to see if the 16x slot was faulty. I have triple checked connections and ensure all wires/cables are fitted correctly and also the GPU card.

GPU card supports DVI, HDMI and D-Sub. (Haven't tried DVI as I don't have cable as of yet but should arrive soon so will attempt this).

The GPU comes from my previous build, which works fine, but my old build just needed an update to meet today's and tomorrow's needs (Old build works fine also). So I know the GPU works well, plus it will also have the most updated firmware on the GPU (albeit, on an older MB). Worked last night without issues. Still running my old build with the same G card and works perfectly.

Is this a common problem with this MoBo regarding the video output?

I have done a few tests such as
1) Using only one RAM module and running it then
2) Reconnected all power cables to ensure I have inserted them fully and correctly
3) Disconnected my DVD drive and SDD to see if it is a power shortage (Nope, still have same problem)
4) MB & CPU boot up when graphics card is removed from MB (but of course, definitely no video)
5) Also tried running it without any RAM. No POST Screen up/video output and no beep notification. MoBo, system and CPU Fans all running.

I am not sure if the BIOS is outdated and requires updating. I was hoping that this MB was updated to an acceptable version to allow for accessing at least the POST (Power On Self Test) screen.

Am I missing anything to ensure I can at least access the BIOS start up screen?
I have also done the following to check for these issues.

1) Inserted GPU into the other PCI Express slot (at 4x) to see if the 16x is faulty. Still doesn't show video.
2) Clear the CMOS back to factory settings (popped the battery out and left for 5 mins) Flushed out the power too. Still nothing changed.

Compared to my old build, I had noticed the following on this new MoBo & CPU after more troubleshooting.

1) Ethernet light doesn't appear when booted up.
2) No initial beep to say PC is booting up
3) No warning beeps to notify me if RAM, CPU etc are missing. Speaker is connected from chassis to MoBo. Confirmed it works as old build detects any errors (e.g took out RAM)
4) Mouse does not show tracking light (Infra-red) when started up

Does anyone have this combination and what PSU are you currently using. (Please provide Watt output & brand).
I am now thinking could it be the PSU due the things I have noticed above. Is the wattage sufficient enough? I have had this particular one for a while, it has probably lost some of it max output. (From when new [3yrs ago] 480w output, 230 Voltage).

Could somebody advise especially those who have this motherboard please.

I appreciate your help.

 
Try other PSU, the 480w Generic Standard PSU may not handle the hd6670 well, because you said:
4) MB & CPU boot up when graphics card is removed from MB (but of course, definitely no video)
Still running my old build with the same G card and works perfectly.

Or if you used other AMD gpu on the 970A-DS3P, the problem maybe from the AMD GPU driver. May try use the nvidia GPU or that AMD GPU to see what happens. Usually we recommend to uninstall the GPU driver before install the new GPU.
 
Generic no-name power supplies are not recommended. Actual power output may be much less than advertised.

DDR3-1333MHz is the wrong speed memory for an FX CPU.

FX CPU support 1866MHz with one DIMM per channel.
FX CPU support 1600MHz with two DIMMs per channel.
Higher frequencies require an overclocked system.
 

Icecoldk1ll3r

Commendable
Jan 1, 2017
4
0
1,520
Thanks Cin19 and Calvin.

Well after my initial investigation and doing a further check, I looked at a few components while waiting for my PSU to arrive.
In doing so, I noticed a slight issue with my CPU which had some slight damage on it on one of the pins. Then, I decided to return this CPU and get a replacement and started the process again with the new CPU.

Started the installation process again but only used PSU (current generic PSU), one RAM stick & CPU. Then finally got the magical single beep to show life with this build. So in the end, it was the CPU that was faulty and meant I couldn't boot up the system initially.

I have now got it to BIOS and by doing so, been able to install the OS on the SSD drive and get it started.
All seems to run fine at the moment. So added another RAM stick to get it back to my preferred spec.
Currently running at 1600MHZ as tweaked the BIOS and runs smoothly without issues so far. Voltage at standard (1.5v).

However, I will be using the new PSU soon as it will help with future projects that will be implemented and it is a better brand (named brand) and higher wattage output. So in the end, power was sufficient enough, just CPU wasn't up to standard.