AGP Video Card Problem

[dblot]

I'm trying to install an AGP video card (ATI Xpert 128) on a Soyo 6KL motherboard (Intel LX chipset). It has an AGP slot (1X bus speed), but when I installed the card the system just gave one loud beep and then froze. The card is fine, because it worked in a different machine and a different AGP card did the same thing when I tried it on the Soyo motherboard. Both machines were running Windows 95b. Is there anything I can do to get the Soyo motherborad to accept an AGP card or do I need to stick with PCI cards?

[DaveW]

Uninstall any previous video drivers reboot and you should get a install window for standard vga driver. Then you should be able to install the AGP card. If you still get a lock-up you can go into the BIOS and in the integrated Periferals disable the "assign IRQ for VGA".

[glc]

95B doesn't support AGP without the USB supplement.

[dblot]

I did/do have the USB supplement installed. But would that make a difference in the initial boot up sequence before the computer even begins loading the operating system? The other machine I installed the ATI card in (where it worked) has the same version of Windows 95 and also has an LX motherboard.

[SARGE]

Both of my cards are flaky on new mobo. AGP quit suddenly and won't even go on screen. PCI does ok until add drivers, then boots past the start info and black screen at loading Windows. Can't help but think it's a setting I'm missing, but as glc as said, this isn't rocket science; is for me.

[glc]

dblot - check your AGP slot very carefully for foreign material and bent/broken contacts. Do *not* install/remove cards with the power supply plugged in - remove the power cord.

[SARGE]

glc, I've always left power plugged in, but pc turned off. I do this so can wear a wrist strap and have a ground source. However, while fussing with video card so many times (btw, it WAS a bad new card), I had set up as stated with pc turned off. When I pulled card out, pc started.How it bypassed the start button is beyond me. You do have an excellent point, but I'm so sensitive about static elec.

[goodcanuck]

ATX cases and PS - it is "suggested" that you unplug them as well as have the power off.

[systempat]

Power off ??
My ATX case has a switch on the power supply on the backpanel that is a hard off. The LED on the ABIT mobo goes out. Is that the equivalent of an unplug ?

[WJWheels]

Originally posted by systempat Power off ?? My ATX case has a switch on the power supply on the backpanel that is a hard off. The LED on the ABIT mobo goes out. Is that the equivalent of an unplug ?

Yes!

[dblot]

glc--I did have the power cord unplugged when I put the ATI card in the first time. As I switched cards a couple of times in that machine during the course of the day as I tried a different AGP card and finally put the old PCI card back in, I may not have unplugged it each time, but pretty sure I did. I'll check the AGP slot as you suggest. This is the first time I've tried installing an AGP card on this Soyo MB, so I'm wondering if there's some driver or BIOS setting that I'm missing that needs to be changed or updated for the board to recognize the card. Thanks for the response.

[LawyerRon]

ATX boards still have power going to the board with the front panel switch off.

[dblot]

The Soyo SY-6KL MB is an AT board in an AT case, if that makes a difference.

[glc]

OK - if it's an AT, you are safe leaving it plugged in. Check the BIOS - there should be a setting for "initial display" - PCI or AGP. Check Soyo's site for a bios update. It is possible that your power supply doesn't have enough oomph to properly power an AGP slot. Have you checked with ATI and/or Soyo to see if there are any issues with this particular combination?

[dblot]

glc--I have sent a problem report to ATI, but they warned that they get a lot of email so don't expect a quick response. Isn't that encouraging? I haven't contacted soyo, although I have checked their web site. There's not much on their web site about this LX board since it's not a current product. Couple of driver updates for the chipset, one of which I've had installed from the beginning with this board and the other doesn't have anything to do with AGP from its description.

[dblot]

glc--I forgot. I did notice that BIOS setting for AGP/PCI and did try the ATI card with it set to each. The first time it I put the ATI card in it was set to PCI. When I noticed this setting after putting the PCI card back and checking the BIOS setup, I changed it to AGP and tried the ATI card again. No difference. Still just a loud beep and a blank screen with nothing.

I think what that BIOS setting does is just tell the machine which slot to check first for the video display card. Becuase when I put the PCI card back in for the last time, that BIOS setting was still on AGP and the machine still booted just fine with the PCI card.

[SARGE]

Had the same problem. First time agp card went bad 2nd day. New card gave a beep, then 8. I began thinking mine wouldn't take an agp either. I double checked the seating and copper could be seen on end opposite the screw. Kept rocking it back and forth, but was afraid of cracking something. If yours has an arm at end of slot, engage it first, then set the screw. Worked for me.

[WJWheels]

I've seen them work loose and even taken the top screw out that holds the *board to the slotplate. This lets both fit tight without fighting each other.