Graphics Card Installation Help!!

[Tamali38]

I just purchased an NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT graphics card to install to my Dell Inspirion 530 desktop. The "expert" who sold it told me how to install it. I shut down the machine, removed all cables, and then the casing. I ground myself by touching the metal case and installed the card. It snapped into place with no issues. I replaced everything to turn on the computer. I was told to log on and disable the first graphics card, restart, and then install the drivers for the new one. I turned on my computer and the screen remained blank and the computer is making a "beep" sound four times in a row. If I have done something wrong, how do I correct this mistake?

I have tried the VGA connection from the motherboard and the new card but nothing has changed.

 

[richc46]

The fact that you hear beeps indicates a hardware problem; the card itself. I would reseat the card and then follow directions to install the driver again.
How to Upgrade Drivers for a Video Card | eHow.com
I think that the cause of the problem was the way that the card was installed; the card of course could be defective, too.

 

[Tamali38]

The fact that you hear beeps indicates a hardware problem; the card itself. I would reseat the card and then follow directions to install the driver again.
How to Upgrade Drivers for a Video Card | eHow.com
I think that the cause of the problem was the way that the card was installed; the card of course could be defective, too.

I'm not sure how to install the drivers when the system won't boot up. I have noticed that there are two fans I can see from the back of the computer. One turns on but the fan next to the power supply no longer runs. I have carefully taken out the new card and there is no difference. The card was brand new so I'm hoping it isn't faulty, but it doesn't seem like the big issue anymore.

 

[richc46]

Since you hear the beeps my point was reseat the card. If done correctly hopefully the problem will be solved and you can boot. Seems that you have tried that already. Try to boot in safe mode.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/123496-safe-mode.html
If this does not work, I will find the cause of the specific Dell beep code

 

[Patonb]

Googling "dell beep codes"
Documentation

States you got ram issues. Theres a good chance you bumped your ram.
Reseat your ram sticks.

The next issue is your psu might be under powered. But you should be okay.

 

[Tamali38]

I have reseated all four memory sticks and the graphics card. The system will power on now but there are still a few problems. I am stuck at the "dell" screen when the system first turns on. The fan next to the power supply still isn't working (all other fans including the one on the card seem to be working fine.) My keyboard and mouse aren't working (no lights are activated on either just like they weren't plugged in at all.) I do not know how to boot in safe mode without the keyboard working. You guys have helped me in at least getting the system back on. I appreciate your help thus far.

 

[Patonb]

Try clearing the CMOS: Documentation

Are you using the onboard monitor plug or 8600 output?

 

[Lottiemansion]

Hi,

Have you up rated your power supply?

I would recommend more than a 300W for the 8600GT card.

GeForce 8600 FAQ

 

[Patonb]

It should boot atleast on a 300W psu.... "though if its gotten old.... Kurr-plop

Something else got bumped or hit i think... or its setup odd

 

[MrNeeds]

I hope to god that the fan which has stopped working is NOT the CPU fan?!

MrNeeds

 

[thefabe]

OEM's like Dell are notorious for only putting in the basic required power supply here's a good PSU to graphics card list. Planning to upgrade your Graphics Card? Read First... - Windows 7 Forums
Fabe

 

[roy69]

The fact that one of your fans is not working tells me it is a PSU problem or a Motherboard problem. If the fan is connected directly to the PSU then this is your diagnostics compleated, PSU underpowerd. I would take your computer back to the expert who sold you the card. You may end up paying for a new PSU but he sold you the card, he should fix the problem.