I reseated the card and got the same result. Furthermore, I checked
the voltage output and couldn’t detect any in the CRT or Video Out,
but I could detect just over a volt in several leads in the DVI,
leading me to believe the video card IS the problem, as you suggested.
Did you buy it new or on Ebay or somewhere?
I thought I was purchasing the card new from an online computer store,
but it came packaged as though it were refurbished. I will be more
careful about that next time.
It is a bit premature to suspect the video card. Even so,
if you had a spare (even a really old PCI card) you might
try it instead.
Having not built a system like this before, there are a lot
of little things you might've overlooked. Frankly I
practically do it on "autopilot" and might easily forget to
mention something, so the following is't comprehensive but
just a few random thoughts as they come.
Make sure there is no extra/unused standoff on the Dell
case. Frequently one 2nd to bottom on the left hand side
was used on Dell et al Intel boards but not on newer full
height ATX boards.
Try clearing CMOS. Check all jumpers. Disconnect all
non-essential parts, leaving only 1 memory module, video
card, heatsink+fan (and CPU of course). Drives and
keyboard/mouse/etc are not needed at this point.
Short the two pins to turn it on as you've done already, but
in worst case scenario you'd remove board from case, put it
on a non-conductive surface, _not_ an anti-static bag, along
with power supply and aforementioned parts, trying it
outside of case.
Take voltage readings of the power supply output, through
the back of the ATX connector while the system is in the
"on" but not POSTing situation you describe. That's
essentially what's happening to your system, it won't POST.
Although the obvious result is no video on the monitor,
that's sorta-coincidental most of the time. While it
"could" be a video card problem, more often it isn't.
Check battery voltage. Examine around motherboard for any
signs of physical damage, including around heatsink mounting
area. Double-check that memory is fully inserted, that
cards line up well, that the motherboard isn't slightly
off-center on the mounting studs. Occasionally OEMs use
unique mounting studs too so the final suggestion to remove
board from case (then clear CMOS) and retry it, would
eliminate this possiblity.
Generally when the video is a problem you will get beep
codes. Perhaps not always but it's to be expected.