Problem with AsRock X58 & four GPU's

[vesa]

Hi,

Does anyone have a clue about this problem:
I tried to put four gpu's (2 x 8800gt & 2 x 9800gt) to AsRock X58 Supercomputer mobo. System didn't boot at all, no signal from any gpu. It works fine with three GPU's with slot combinations 1,2,3 and 1,2,4. I have latest bios (1.4).

I don't need SLI, just eight outputs. Don't ask me why

 

[outlw6669]

Your PSU is probably not up to the task of powering all four GPUs.

Please post your full system specs including the brand, wattage and +12v amperage of your current PSU.

 

[vesa]

I'm using Xilence 800w PSU.

+3,3V +5V +12V (1-4) -12V +5VSB
28,0A 32,0A 18,0A 0,5A 3,0A

 

[scrumhalf]

Yeah, I'm going to go ahead and say the PSU isn't going to have the juice to run all 4 of those cards. Try booting with 2, then 3, and let us know what happens.

 

[vesa]

As I wrote, booting with 3 is working fine. I'm just wondering that it doesn't do anything when I try to boot with four. Can't get even to bios, just a black screen.

Anyway, I already ordered Chieftec CFT-1200G-DF. Is it any good?

Should I get some of these instead:
Corsair HX1000W
ZALMAN ZM1000-HP
Cm Real Power Modular 1000W-E
OCZ PROSTREAM 1000W
Xilence 1000W REDWING

 

[outlw6669]

Yes, if your PSU is under powered it is entirely possible that it will only give you a black screen.
As your system works with each of the cards in up to a 3 card solution, I am leaning heavily towards the PSU being at fault.
I have no experience with your current brand Xilence but a quick look at their web site does not leave me optimistic about it.

I am not sure about the Chieftec branded PSU but I can say that the Corsair HX1000w PSU you list is of exceptional quality.
If I remember correctly, it is truly a 1.2Kw PSU that is under rated to 1Kw.
It should have no issues powering your rig.

On a side note, if all you are doing is powering 8 monitors, you would be much better off with a different set of GPUs.
Something like 4 4650s would give you a very power efficient system and a moderate amount of 3d power if it is required.
As you can probably get all for GPUs for about the same cost as a 1Kw PSU, it may be something to consider.

 

[vesa]

Thank you for recommendation. I will consider Corsair.

This rig is definitely not for just eight screens. Even 9800gt's are bit underpowered for this use, but I need to use one slot models and can't go for water cooling. It's a embedded product that will be first seen on 1st of april in Frankfurt. So, if you happen to be there it's free beer for the advice (in case it works)

 

[vesa]

... and can't use ATI cause it's Linux system and ATI drivers suck in OpenGL use ...

 

[theAnimal]

4 9800GTs do not require a 1000W PSU. They use <=100W apiece.

A good quality 750W such as Corsair TX750 is a good choice.

 

[scrumhalf]

Sounds interesting! Since I doubt I'll be making any trips to Frankfurt, post us some pics/info after April 1st and let us know what you've cooked up!

 

[masarwar]

... and can't use ATI cause it's Linux system and ATI drivers suck in OpenGL use ...

I have to agree with that

Dunno what happened to ATI.. you cant even get a decent video playback without messing with Xorg.conf

 

[vesa]

4 9800GTs do not require a 1000W PSU. They use <=100W apiece.

A good quality 750W such as Corsair TX750 is a good choice.

I'm bit confused now. Is it still possible that it's PSU issue, even though I have 800W PSU, it's the **** quality that can be the source of my problem? Anyway, I have to take this option off the equation so I'll buy that 1000W Corsair and see if it makes any difference.

 

[theAnimal]

I'm bit confused now. Is it still possible that it's PSU issue, even though I have 800W PSU, it's the **** quality that can be the source of my problem? Anyway, I have to take this option off the equation so I'll buy that 1000W Corsair and see if it makes any difference.

The quality of the PSU is as important as the amount of power available. How many total amps/watts are available on the 12V rails (should be on the label)?

 

[vesa]

The quality of the PSU is as important as the amount of power available. How many total amps/watts are available on the 12V rails (should be on the label)?

+3,3V +5V +12V (1-4) -12V +5VSB
28,0A 32,0A 18,0A 0,5A 3,0A

See:
http://www.xilence-lab.de/News-Details-Engl.19+M5a4d2d862a0.0.html?&L=1

 

[theAnimal]

+3,3V +5V +12V (1-4) -12V +5VSB
28,0A 32,0A 18,0A 0,5A 3,0A

Yes, but an 800W PSU cannot actually have 72A (or 864W) available on the 12V. PSU labels will usually list the total available for the 12V.

 

[vesa]

Yes, but an 800W PSU cannot actually have 72A (or 864W) available on the 12V. PSU labels will usually list the total available for the 12V.

It actually says 20A per rail and 660W total.

 

[outlw6669]

It's a embedded product that will be first seen on 1st of april in Frankfurt. So, if you happen to be there it's free beer for the advice (in case it works)

If you get it working, make sure and post where it will be on display.
Guessing it is going to be attached to one of the stages for the musik fest
Don't worry though, I would not hold you to the free beer

I spent a good deal of time looking for official 4-way SLI power requirements or similar issues.
Unfortunately, I was unable to locate anyone with the same issue or any official power requirements.

The best logical argument I have is still for a underpowered PSU.

Your PSU:
660w/12v = 55a combine on the +12v

Each 8800gt/9800gt has a TDP of approximately 110w:
(4*110w)/12v = 36.66a

All current Intel Core i7 CPUs have a TDP of 130w:
130w/12v = 10.833a

The x58 chipset alone has a TDP of just over 24w:
24w/12v = 2a

Just your four GPUs, chipset and your CPU have a TDP of 49.5a leaving only 5.5a available.
This does not even account for the power draw of your motherboard, cooling fans, hard drives, RAM or the add in cards taking up the rest of your slots.
Even assuming the the highly unlikely possibility that you are still within your 55a envelope, many lower quality PSUs are incapable of delivering their rated power.
It is quite possible that your system is tripping your PSUs over volt protection when trying to run all 4 GPUs.

Anyways, that is the best explanation I can come up with for you.
I can not be 100% sure the PSU is the primary issue but, in any case, it should be upgraded.
Best luck getting it running, it may be interesting to see what you are doing with it

 

[theAnimal]

If you get it working, make sure and post where it will be on display.
Guessing it is going to be attached to one of the stages for the musik fest
Don't worry though, I would not hold you to the free beer

I spent a good deal of time looking for official 4-way SLI power requirements or similar issues.
Unfortunately, I was unable to locate anyone with the same issue or any official power requirements.

The best logical argument I have is still for a underpowered PSU.

Your PSU:
660w/12v = 55a combine on the +12v

Each 8800gt/9800gt has a TDP of approximately 110w:
(4*110w)/12v = 36.66a

All current Intel Core i7 CPUs have a TDP of 130w:
130w/12v = 10.833a

The x58 chipset alone has a TDP of just over 24w:
24w/12v = 2a

Just your four GPUs, chipset and your CPU have a TDP of 49.5a leaving only 5.5a available.
This does not even account for the power draw of your motherboard, cooling fans, hard drives, RAM or the add in cards taking up the rest of your slots.
Even assuming the the highly unlikely possibility that you are still within your 55a envelope, many lower quality PSUs are incapable of delivering their rated power.
It is quite possible that your system is tripping your PSUs over volt protection when trying to run all 4 GPUs.

Anyways, that is the best explanation I can come up with for you.
I can not be 100% sure the PSU is the primary issue but, in any case, it should be upgraded.
Best luck getting it running, it may be interesting to see what you are doing with it

TDP is not power consumption.

 

[outlw6669]

TDP is not power consumption.

I know, but it is the maximum the part is rated to draw.
This just shows that, when the system is fully loaded, it is entirely possible that his PSU is not up to the task.
This is especially true if his is a low end unit.
Unfortunately, as I was unable to locate any valid reviews which points me towards it being a low end unit.
As I already stated, it may not be his primary problem, but it should still be upgraded.

 

[vesa]

S**t....

I changed the PSU but the result is the same. I even got unofficial new bios from ASRock but it didn't help either. I even changed the motherboard. The weird thing is that they got it working at ASRock. The only difference is the make of the GPU's. We have XFX cards and they have Asus and Gigabyte.

 

[vesa]

Problem solved! (Kind of..)

For some weird reason this XFX combination of two 8800gt's and two 9800gt's is cursed. They all are perfectly working and no matter which order you put them in they don't work. I have combination of 9800, 8800 and two 9600gt's and it works. Weird ha?

I now ordered four PNY's 9800gt's. Let's see how it kicks.