Video card not initializing but computer still boots up!!?

[grss1982]

As the title says, when I boot up my computer everything is humming a long but the monitor is on standby mode. However throughout this whole process I actually hear the Windows 7 intro sound, which tells me the computer is ready.

Now when I disconnect the monitor's DB-9 cable from the GTS-250 video card and plug it in instead to the built in VGA, I'll see the Windows desktop. And then I decide to completely turn off the computer and while turned off connect the DB-9 cable back to the GTS-250 and surprise...surprise.....everyhting is working again. It's like the only way around this is to turn off the computer and turn it on agian.

So any idea on what's causing this?

1) Video card dieing?
2) Video card not getting enough power?
3) Mobo-related issue?
4) PSU not handing out enough juice?

TIA for any ideas.

P.S. Specs got overhualed:

MY RIG:Intel C2D E8500|G31M-S2C|512MB Inno3d Nvidia GTS-250 with one 6-pin power connector|4GB DDR2-800|Seagate 500GB SATA|W.D. 250GB SATA|LG DVD-RW IDE|17" CTX LCD (1280x1024)|Silver Stone ST-400|Antec 300|Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit)

Second P.S.: It's been a while since I last visited here.

[ratdude747]

Re: Video card not initializing but computer still boots up!!?

db9? thats a serial cable connector (also used on the original color monitors in the dos days). you mean 15 pin VGA?

clean the contacts on the slot and card. if you can try another card in the slot (borrow one if you need to).

if the card has a power conenctor, check the pins for corrosion

what model mobo and PSU are you using?

is your BIOS up to date? it might help to update that.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Video card not initializing but computer still boots up!!?

So you say the onboard graphics kicks in first. Go into the BIOS, find the VGA Boot From (or similar) option, and set it to PCI-E. That should do it.

[370forlife]

Re: Video card not initializing but computer still boots up!!?

So you say the onboard graphics kicks in first. Go into the BIOS, find the VGA Boot From (or similar) option, and set it to PCI-E. That should do it.

Agreed.

[TBoneit]

Re: Video card not initializing but computer still boots up!!?

It sounds to me as if the onboard is set to be first and then in windows the video card is set as the main monitor.

[grss1982]

Re: Video card not initializing but computer still boots up!!?

Thanks for the tips everyone. Looks like it was indeed a BIOS setting. God grief, I'm getting old.