Computer beeps with new video card?

Question

I installed an old GPU (I upgraded GPU's a few months ago) into a used HP computer I bought on ebay.  The GPU is a Radeon HD 5850.  I also put in a new 700w PSU.

When I turn on the PC the screen is black.  The BIOS beeps multiple times (didn't count sorry...i'll count tomorrow) and nothing comes up.  My first thought was that it had to be the GPU since it hadn't been used for a few months and the PSU was new.  I took out the GPU and connected the monitor to the motherboard.  The computer runs fine now with no issues.

So, obviously it's the GPU causing the problems.  Will counting the beeps just tell me which part (ex. gpu, ram, etc) has the issue, which doesn't matter at this point since I know it's the GPU, or does the number of beeps also tell me specifically what's wrong with the GPU?

Any idea why the GPU is causing problems?  It fits into the pci-e slot perfectly.  The fans on the GPU are spinning fine.  The screen just stays black and the bios beeps multiple times when I put the GPU in there.

Chris · Accepted Answer

Haha!  No.  It's definitely compatible if it's PCI-Express.  

First off, you seem to have a bit of knowledge about PCs, so if this is all rudimentary stuff for you, I apologize.  That said, it never hurts to check your fundamentals!

The beeps are from the motherboard, so they won't tell you anything about the video card specifically.  From the looks of it, it won't tell you anything you don't already know, but it would still be worth looking up just in case.  Just Google your motherboard's name with "BIOS beep codes."  This is an example:  http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/cs-010249.htm

Generally, a manufacturer has the same beep codes with all of their motherboards.  Since this is an HP PC, you'll need to research that particular model.

I wouldn't immediately point fingers at the video card.  Issues with those are uncommon.

As for your problem, I can guess a few possible scenarios:

1.  The card isn't seated completely.  Don't be afraid to put some pressure on it.  When you put the card in, look at the contacts going into the PCI-E slot.  If you see the gold contacts at an angle, it's not in all the way.  I've installed numerous video cards, and I've STILL messed this up installing into a crowded case.

2.  Possibly faulty PCI-E Slot.  If the PC has two PCI-E slots, try out the second one.  If you bought it on eBay, there's no telling.  It's likely the seller never tested the PCI-E slots, so they could definitely be faulty.

3.  Did you remember to hook up external power?  A 5850 probably has two power connectors, right?

4.  Disable onboard video.  Uninstall all drivers for onboard video, boot into safe mode and run Driver Sweeper (Google it, great program), and disable onboard video in the BIOS.  NOTE:  Now that I've written this, I feel like this is the most likely scenario.


All that said, the first thing I'd do is plug that card into a working PC.  If you've got a PC with AMD video already, even better.  Plug that sucker in, and see if she boots.

Anonymous · Answer

Video Card On Computer

Anonymous · Answer

That's called a post code, check your motherboard manual for what the beeps mean. It could indicate the cards are bad, perhaps there's something wrong with the video card slot or the card isn't getting correct power. Edit: To the guy above, it's only going to beep if there's something wrong in 99% of cases...

SIDtheKid · Answer

WELL BS  on most comments,  the problem is .... wait for it..... THE IRQ  interrupt settings are conflicted.. YOU have two video cards installed. DUHHHH... SO.  you get an error  code......  the answer is .....
PULL card  start computer with F10 bios setup and  change interrupt  settings  on the video interrupt. 
OR   go into DEVICE  manager from CONTROL PANEL and change the DRIVER  address for the existing video  card. YOU can ADD A  DEVICE with the driver DISK from the package of the NEW GPU..  LOOK up the install instructions for the new card ,,, they tell you how to make this work.....

Paul · Answer

If your monitor does not illuminate and the motherboard beeps, it means that there is a hardware problem. Count the beeps, and if there are pauses between them. If you have the manual, or another computer, look up what the number of beeps means.

Modon · Answer

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Ram · Answer

Check if the beep sequence is like this
One long, two short beeps - if so the graphics card is faulty!

If its anything else here is the possible beeps and their reasons
1 short beep . Normal POST-system OK
2 short beeps .. POST error-error code
No beep Power supply, system board
Continuous beep _____________ Power supply, system board
Repeating short beeps ...... Power supply, system board
One long, one short beep -. System board
One long, two short beeps -.. Display adapter (MDA, CGA)
One long, three short beeps -... Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA)
Three long beeps - - - 3270 keyboard card

if its the case with one long and two short beeps, may be your Graphics card is not compatible with your motherboard!

Your Saviour · Answer

Don't go near Modon's company, that "grantees" satisfactory repair. I grantee that if you can't unnerstan Inglish (which most repair manuals are written in) you cant "grantee" shiite.

? · Answer

Not compatible.

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Computer beeps with new video card?

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