Sudden "No Display" with POST side effects (680i)

Need some help here before sending back my GPU as fried. Quick system summary

Windows XP
4GB Pioneer DDR2
Intel Quad Core
2x 1TB WD HDDs
650 PSU
EVGA 680i mobo

*Sapphire HD 2900 PRO 512MB GPU*

So, I was in the process of hooking up a third 1 TB hdd (as a backup) and i decided to hookup to the mobo the forward (built into the case) Firewire, USB, and audio jacks that I had previously ignored. 2 of the 3 jacks were directly under the GPU (which is massive) so I removed that, hooked in the components, and replaced it.

Power button...long error beep, all four GPU red lights go on (unusual) and I get a 1d post code from my mobo. This is apparently a problem with the 680i and has SOMETHING to do with the memory controller. Details are very hard to come by.

I followed the instructions so far at http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.asp? [...] page=1&key and I progressed from 1d to c1 and finally FF which SHOULD mean I am free and clear. (In fact, I can tell that windows is booting up. The computer sound is distinct and after a minute i cant reboot by simply pressing the power button just like in windows)

problem is...no display. After the initial problems were fixed, on boot the 4 alert lights on the GPU stay off (1 goes on for a second on bootup...but that MAY be normal). Still, my monitor gets no signal. It can tell that it is plugged into something, so the issue is not monitor or cord related. Must be GPU, BIOS, or mobo.

I have tried resetting my CMOS via the jumper. I do not know if I successfully reset the BIOS, but the problem continues. I have a few more things I will try. One is using a (MUCH) older GPU I have laying around and testing that. Second is to test one of the other 2 SLI GPU slots on my mobo. If that works...is there a functional difference between the primary AGP slot (colored blue) and the 2 SLI slots (black)?

If neither of these works, are there any other ideas or must I replace the card?