First GPU causes PC failure to start.
First GPU causes PC failure to start.
I’m setting up a home workstation with four monitors now—two already installed and four more planned. This brings the total to six displays, prompting me to purchase a second GPU: an MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8BG GDDR6. I opted for this configuration over cards with six Mini DisplayPort adapters. My motherboard is an MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon AC, featuring three PCIe x16 slots. The first GPU goes into the top slot (ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 2080, 8GB GDDR6 OC), the second into the bottom slot (PCI_E6, PCIe 3.0 x3 PCH).
After installation, my system won’t power on at all. A brief (<1 second) flash appears without a boot. Removing the second GPU and keeping the first plugged in lets it boot, but moving the second to the first PCI slot (PCI_E1, 3.0 x16 lanes) works—both systems start up.
I’m puzzled: the card seems fine, not DOA. I suspect a power supply or BIOS issue rather than a hardware fault. My PSU is a 850W Corsair RM850X Black (80 PLUS Gold, fully modular). Interestingly, the BIOS shows the bottom PCIe slot as empty, even though the card is seated. I’m unsure about compatibility, BIOS settings, or power delivery and would appreciate any advice. Thanks!
By definition, the PCIe lane from the chipset often shares space with M.2 or SATA devices, which means it’s likely that disabling the PCIe slot is necessary if those connections are active. Refer to your motherboard manual to confirm whether this applies to your setup...
Reviewed the instructions and believe it's not the problem, appreciate your feedback.