Power up problem with 4870X2

[tool_462]

I just got a Visiontek 4870x2 for a great price. When I install it into my rig and plug in the PCI-e power, the PC won't even flinch when I hit the power button. Not even the slightest sign of movement from fans or lighting or pump.

Tried 2 different PSUs (Zalman 850w and OCZ 700w) with the same result. This leads me to believe a short in the card somewhere, any ideas where or how it could be shorting enough for the PSU's to not even power on?

Just popped a GTX275 in there and it works just fine, posting from the machine right now.

[texasreefer]

doesn't sound good bro, if you can get your money back that would be your best bet. Even if you find the problem could be a endless money pit. If you do to much to try and fix it, they're going to blame you for the symptoms.

[wez]

Try and remount the heatsink + backplate, and check if you see anything weird at the same time... also try a different pci-e slot, but no power at all doesn't sound very healthy :/

[tool_462]

Agreed, doesn't sound good at all.

I'm going to take the card apart once and see if anything is blatantly wrong, just wanted to get a 2nd opinion and see if there was some known issue I could have missed.

Hopefully Visiontek has a good warranty process.

[tool_462]

For what it is worth...

Took the card apart, found some staining under the heatsink as if it had been spilled on with some sort water cooling coolant (supposed to be a fresh RMA card.)

Washed it with 93% alcohol, baked it for awhile at ~160F and put it back together.

Works 100% fine now

[texasreefer]

These cards are pretty tough, I've had a couple spills/leaks myself and been able to recover by just killing power ASAP and heat drying every component. Consider yourself lucky

[viccan]

I just had a cooling spill on my 1st wc attempt anyways that's a whole different thread...
In any case the 4870x2 would power on but immediately hit max fan.. I shut it down as fast as a could move but it got soaked (barb cracked)
took it apart, and there was coolant everywhere.. The heat pads for the memory were saturated and I removed them completely.
hit it with the hairdryer for a good 30 min and popped her back in and she was perfect.. i cranked up the fan to 50 thinking it would keep it cool but it still idles right where it used to 63'
i turn the fan to 50% and it sits at 42' ...

i think i need some type of hs on the memory chips still.. i havent had any probs and benched with 3dmax 3x in a row np.
but still the back plate isnt even touching.. so get pads somewhere or just order heat sinks or let it go ??