[materix12]

Computer is a C521 Dell Dimension desktop. Just installed a VisionTek Radeon 256M X1300 PCI SFF video card. My monitor plug-in wouldn't fit, but an adapter came with it, so I plugged it in that way. However, my Monitor won't turn on at all with it. The card turns on, as I can see and hear it (the fan mostly), and my computer boots up fine. But the monitor light goes orange, and there's nothing there.

I installed the drivers before installing the card. Anything I can do ... ? I called Dell before hand and they told me it was one of the only compatible cards for my slim case. Please help! :(

[Hybr!d]

Monitors do not come on in this case because they are not getting a signal from the GFX card.

Make sure it is seated correctly and the monitor is plugged in properly.

If it is fitted correct and is compatible with your motherboard I would have to say it is faulty, drivers do not come into it at this stage.

Can you fit the old card back just to make sure the PC functions as normal as a test?

[materix12]

Yes, I did that. That's how I get my computer back up so I can do things like asking questions in these forums, thank goodness. I'll try re-seating it and making sure it's in there good. But I was wondering, if the adapter that connects to the Graphics Card fits my monitor plug-in, are there still ways it could be wrong? Or should it work like that?

Thanks a ton! :)

[Carbon]

Could also be a crappy PSU but I doubt it, not a very power-hungry graphics card. Reseat will probably fix it, make sure it's in there solid. You're using a VGA-DVI adapter? Shouldn't matter too much.

[thingie2]

Is there a 6Pin power connector on that card? If there is, have you plugged the PSU into it? Also, which PSU do you have?

If none of that, like Carbon said, try a reseat, if still no joy, I would say the card was DOA.

[materix12]

Okay, I think I narrowed down the issue. It seems as though my box (i bought the card off of ebay) came with a DVI-A adapter for the card. However, the card says it should have come with a DVI-I adapter. Could this possibly cause my issue .. ? The connectors for my DVI-A don't even look like the connect for my 3D card. My 3D card has alot more holes for it.

[Carbon]

What is your monitor's spec? DVI or VGA? What is the adapter from <-> to? I'm confused.

[materix12]

Dotum]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/DVI_Connector_Types.svg/181px-DVI_Connector_Types.svg.png

The DVI-A is what came with it.
The DVI-I is what should have come with it.
Think it's a feasible issue? :(

[Carbon]

Yes, I know what a DVI plug looks like. What I'm asking is what the adapter is TO and FROM. Is it DVI-I <-> DVI-A? DVI-I <-> VGA?

[materix12]

The DVI-A plug is the one that goes into the video card(the adapter). But the connectors for it fit a DVI-I (in the diagram). So I was wondering if this was my issue.

Hope that helps!