Cold boot issue with 7970

[hoedownjack23]

Hello,
I just bought a Powercolor PCS+ 7970 and have encountered an issue where, usually, once I turn my computer on, I receive an error beep (supposedly memory) and the computer doesn't boot. If then I quickly turn the computer off and back on, the computer posts and boots normally. I already RMA'd one of these with a similar problem. I have tried two separate motherboards (ASUS M4A78LT-M and MSI 870-G45, both with newest bios versions) and the issue persists. I also reset the CMOS a couple times without fixing the problem. I have tested the card, the memory, and the PSU in another computer (similarly spec'd) with no problems. Also, a Sapphire 5870 2GB works without any issue in both motherboards. I am not sure if it is a compatibility issue or what. I am wholeheartedly confused and would like any help, thanks.

Also, when it was booted, it performed spectacularly running both Furmark and Prime95 simultaneously without error and playing games rather well and benchmarking properly.

System Specs:
AMD Phenom II X6 1090t
MSI 870-G45
2x2GB G. Skill 1066Mhz (tried also 2x4GB Kingston 1333mhz)
Powercolor PCS+ 7970
Some ASUS DVD/CD drive
Cavier Blue 1TB HDD
Cosair TX650w

Again, thanks.

 

[Phusius]

7970's generally have this issue, your not alone. luckily for me i hardly ever turn my PC off... so it doesn't bug me to much xD

 

[Xzibit]

Have you tried BIOS 2 on the card ?

-7970s come with 2 BIOS next to the Cross-Fire bridge there is a switch with 1 & 2. You can flip between the two. Try your luck and see if that helps.

Also check PowerColor to see if they made changes internally or provide a Bios update if its a different design then referance.

Cold boot and memory non-post might mean memory going bad or bad timing/incompatability. Overclocking ? Tried auto settings ?

Might want to run a memory test to rule that out. In your PC, not sure if you ran the test on the other or yours.

 

[fullinfusion]

Bitch!!! Bitch at the manufacture and tell them your sick of the problem. Ask them for a test bios or something for you to try.

I had a 5970 that had a cold bug.. A dude from another site was talking to Sapphihe and they gave him a bios that he ended up sharing to fellow 5970 owners with the same problem.
It sure cured the problem

 

[hoedownjack23]

Well, after a couple more hours of troubleshooting, I think that it may be the power supply. At first, I didn't think that it was the problem because I tested it in the other computer and it worked well. Then I tested the other computer's PSU (also a Corsair TX650) in my computer it worked no matter what I did to it. Subsequently, I tested my PSU and the problem occurred. Now, this may end up not being the problem, but this is what I'm pursuing for now. Thank you all for your help and time.

 

[fullinfusion]

Glad to hear its the Psu! Good luck with your further testing.

Make sure to keep us posted

 

[manofthem]

7970's generally have this issue, your not alone. luckily for me i hardly ever turn my PC off... so it doesn't bug me to much xD

Yeah not to disagree with you, but only issue I had booting/posting we're with my faulty 7970 that was replaced. Running 2 now and no issues at all like described above. OP glad you figured it out! RMA that faulty corsair.

 

[Phusius]

Yeah not to disagree with you, but only issue I had booting/posting we're with my faulty 7970 that was replaced. Running 2 now and no issues at all like described above. OP glad you figured it out! RMA that faulty corsair.

It may be my PSU as well, it even did it with my 7950. My 750x PSU is kinda old I dunno, also my ram is mismatched, I have 2 pareema sticks and 2 patriot g2 sticks... might need to swap those out someday to be safe, again I dunno and I don't feel like doing trial and error lol

 

[Xzibit]

Well, after a couple more hours of troubleshooting, I think that it may be the power supply. At first, I didn't think that it was the problem because I tested it in the other computer and it worked well. Then I tested the other computer's PSU (also a Corsair TX650) in my computer it worked no matter what I did to it. Subsequently, I tested my PSU and the problem occurred. Now, this may end up not being the problem, but this is what I'm pursuing for now. Thank you all for your help and time.

You mentioned your 5870 was running fine which has a 2 6-pin.

Check if the 6+2-pin connector wires are loose on the PSU or using the adapters for the power.

Could help you narrow it down.