Installing an AGP video card into ECS 760GX-M

[d3r3k]

Hi all,

I'm trying to install another video card into this motherboard:

http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWeb/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?DetailID=504&MenuID=21&LanID=9

The integrated SiS 'Ultra256' card doesn't have any power to it at all
for OpenGL/DirectX applications and I'd like to replace it with a
better (albeit older) AGP graphics card.

I've physically installed the AGP card (older nVidia RivaTNT2 video
card) and have read the manual for the motherboard. I can't seem to
find the toggle in the BIOS that tells the computer to not use the
onboard video, and to use the AGP video card. The video card is not
recognized by windows, and if I plug my monitor into the AGP video card
there is no signal getting to the monitor.

I've obviously overlooked something or don't have all the info for
doing what I need to do. I don't believe what I'm trying to do is
actually difficult or anything, I just haven't found the right source
of documentation to explain it to me properly. If anyone could help who
has experience doing this, I'd really appreciate it!

Regards
-d3r3k

 

[Chris Hill]

Hi all,

I'm trying to install another video card into this motherboard:

http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWeb/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?DetailID=504&MenuID=21&LanID=9

The integrated SiS 'Ultra256' card doesn't have any power to it at all
for OpenGL/DirectX applications and I'd like to replace it with a
better (albeit older) AGP graphics card.

I've physically installed the AGP card (older nVidia RivaTNT2 video
card) and have read the manual for the motherboard. I can't seem to
find the toggle in the BIOS that tells the computer to not use the
onboard video, and to use the AGP video card. The video card is not
recognized by windows, and if I plug my monitor into the AGP video card
there is no signal getting to the monitor.

I've obviously overlooked something or don't have all the info for
doing what I need to do. I don't believe what I'm trying to do is
actually difficult or anything, I just haven't found the right source
of documentation to explain it to me properly. If anyone could help who
has experience doing this, I'd really appreciate it!

Regards
-d3r3k

If there is no way to turn off the internal video, and it isn't done
automatically, you may well be out of luck.

 

[d3r3k]

I agree. And this was a very inexpensive board so I am completely able
to accept that possibility.

However, why would anyone put an 8x AGP slot on their product if it
isn't useable? Is an orange plastic AGP 8x slot the 'spoiler' of the
mATX world?

-d3r3k

 

[David Maynard]

If there is no way to turn off the internal video, and it isn't done
automatically, you may well be out of luck.

Would make one wonder why there's an AGP slot, then.

 

[David Maynard]

Hi all,

I'm trying to install another video card into this motherboard:

http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWeb/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?DetailID=504&MenuID=21&LanID=9

The integrated SiS 'Ultra256' card doesn't have any power to it at all
for OpenGL/DirectX applications and I'd like to replace it with a
better (albeit older) AGP graphics card.

I've physically installed the AGP card (older nVidia RivaTNT2 video
card) and have read the manual for the motherboard. I can't seem to
find the toggle in the BIOS that tells the computer to not use the
onboard video, and to use the AGP video card. The video card is not
recognized by windows, and if I plug my monitor into the AGP video card
there is no signal getting to the monitor.

I've obviously overlooked something or don't have all the info for
doing what I need to do. I don't believe what I'm trying to do is
actually difficult or anything, I just haven't found the right source
of documentation to explain it to me properly. If anyone could help who
has experience doing this, I'd really appreciate it!

Regards
-d3r3k

Probably intended to automatically detect and disable when an AGP card is
plugged in.

Are you sure the RivaTNT2 you have is at least 4x compliant?

Also, try changing the 'init display' setting.

 

[d3r3k]

I think you are right. The way the manual for the mobo treats the issue
would definitely conform to that idea, something like this shouldn't be
a hang-up at all. Ah well, it was a long-shot. Guess that card will
have to go into the new linux server... headless linux server...


Thanks everyone for their help.

-d3r3k

 

[Chris Hill]

I agree. And this was a very inexpensive board so I am completely able
to accept that possibility.

However, why would anyone put an 8x AGP slot on their product if it
isn't useable? Is an orange plastic AGP 8x slot the 'spoiler' of the
mATX world?

Ecs. Says it all.

 

[Victor]

Also check the card for a jumper.Some like the Diamond Viper V770 TNT2
Ultra had a jumper to enable 4x.

 

[Bob M]

Hi all,

I'm trying to install another video card into this motherboard:

http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWeb/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?DetailID=504&MenuID=21&LanID=9

The integrated SiS 'Ultra256' card doesn't have any power to it at all
for OpenGL/DirectX applications and I'd like to replace it with a
better (albeit older) AGP graphics card.

I've physically installed the AGP card (older nVidia RivaTNT2 video
card) and have read the manual for the motherboard. I can't seem to
find the toggle in the BIOS that tells the computer to not use the
onboard video, and to use the AGP video card. The video card is not
recognized by windows, and if I plug my monitor into the AGP video card
there is no signal getting to the monitor.

I've obviously overlooked something or don't have all the info for
doing what I need to do. I don't believe what I'm trying to do is
actually difficult or anything, I just haven't found the right source
of documentation to explain it to me properly. If anyone could help who
has experience doing this, I'd really appreciate it!

Regards
-d3r3k

Because your TNT2 card won't work in an AGP 8x slot. You need to get a
newer video card that supports 8x AGP.

Bob

 

[sbb78247]

Because your TNT2 card won't work in an AGP 8x slot. You need to get
a newer video card that supports 8x AGP.

Bob

DING DING DING DING DING!!!! we have a winner. If the card is the wrong
voltage, you probably fried the agp slot! and if i recall correctly, the
TNT2 was a 3.3v card with a jumper that you just plugged into a 1.5 v slot.

you know that it is a real bitch to put that factory installed smoke back in
once you let it out.

HTH, GFIA, HAND

 

[David Maynard]

DING DING DING DING DING!!!! we have a winner. If the card is the wrong
voltage, you probably fried the agp slot!

If it's properly made a 'wrong voltage' AGP card isn't supposed to fit in a
'wrong voltage' slot. They're keyed.

and if i recall correctly, the
TNT2 was a 3.3v card with a jumper that you just plugged into a 1.5 v slot.

Even if so the odds are much better that a 'higher' voltage card, and the
AGP slot, would survive in a lower voltage slot than the other way around
because it's the slot that's providing the voltage and the card just 'uses'
it. It wouldn't work because the signals would never reach threshold but it
shouldn't 'fry' anything.

 

[d3r3k]

Hey guys,

The AGP card / slot is keyed, and fits just fine. The card is fine,
removed it an plugged it back into the Linux box - no frying occured to
the video card. I couldn't tell you if the AGP slot got fried as I
haven't tried putting a replacement AGP card back in there (will have
to wait until after payday). Even if I did fry it, as Mr. Hill said,
"It's ECS", and was very cheap - replacement is not a problemo. I
didn't look into the jumpers-to-get-it-to-go-4x so I can't report back
on that subject (totally lost interest now - will simply buy new AGP 8x
card and call it a day).

I want to thank everyone for their responses, and let you all know I
appreciate your time and insight into my *somewhat inane* problem! I
mean geez, how cheap can I be? LOL.

Regards,
-d3r3k

 

[bolo YEUNg]

Hi, I think i found d solution:

to turn off the onboard video, just go through d options in d Bios configuration, advanced bios features, video BIOs shadow (disabled). this option is enabled by default which uses onboard video. If you go disable have to use external video card. If u want to go to on board video again have to clear Cmos, using jp1. check manual...,
http://www.manualslib.com/manual/691555/Ecs-760gx-M.html?page=11#manual

Regards,
-B.Y