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GPU not functioning in PCIE slot 1 while operating correctly in slot 2

GPU not functioning in PCIE slot 1 while operating correctly in slot 2

E
EPIC_GT
Member
219
08-17-2017, 08:10 AM
#1
PC Specifications:
- MOBO: ASUS H170-PRO
- CPU: i7 6700
- GPU: Asus ROG RX Vega 64 8gb
- PSU: be quiet! system power 11 750w
- RAM: 2x16 G.Skill Trident 3600mhz
- SSD: SanDisk 1TB SATA
Hello everyone, I recently acquired a used RX Vega 64 and have been testing it out. Initially, I connected it to the first PCIE port but received no startup response. After switching to the second port, it functioned properly. Interestingly, my previous GPUs (GTX 970 and GTX 1060) worked in the first slot, which led me to suspect a problem with the RX Vega itself.

In the first slot, the RX Vega’s fans continue spinning even when the system should be idle, which is unusual for ASUS hardware but occurs in this slot when the GPU actually boots. Additionally, before this issue, I was using a Corsair 550w PSU and thought that might be the cause.

I have tried several fixes:
- BIOS update
- CMOS reset
- BIOS settings adjustments (disabling iGPU, configuring PCIE display, setting link speeds to gen2/gen3)
- Enabling Fast Boot
- Adjusting cooler tension
- Cleaning GPU and PCIE pins
- Removing RAM and SSD temporarily to rule out interference

I haven’t tested the GPU on another system yet, but I hope this helps clarify what might be going on.
E
EPIC_GT
08-17-2017, 08:10 AM #1

PC Specifications:
- MOBO: ASUS H170-PRO
- CPU: i7 6700
- GPU: Asus ROG RX Vega 64 8gb
- PSU: be quiet! system power 11 750w
- RAM: 2x16 G.Skill Trident 3600mhz
- SSD: SanDisk 1TB SATA
Hello everyone, I recently acquired a used RX Vega 64 and have been testing it out. Initially, I connected it to the first PCIE port but received no startup response. After switching to the second port, it functioned properly. Interestingly, my previous GPUs (GTX 970 and GTX 1060) worked in the first slot, which led me to suspect a problem with the RX Vega itself.

In the first slot, the RX Vega’s fans continue spinning even when the system should be idle, which is unusual for ASUS hardware but occurs in this slot when the GPU actually boots. Additionally, before this issue, I was using a Corsair 550w PSU and thought that might be the cause.

I have tried several fixes:
- BIOS update
- CMOS reset
- BIOS settings adjustments (disabling iGPU, configuring PCIE display, setting link speeds to gen2/gen3)
- Enabling Fast Boot
- Adjusting cooler tension
- Cleaning GPU and PCIE pins
- Removing RAM and SSD temporarily to rule out interference

I haven’t tested the GPU on another system yet, but I hope this helps clarify what might be going on.

Y
YoYo7
Member
75
08-17-2017, 08:40 AM
#2
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
PSU: be quiet! system power 11 750w
Also, before this I had a corsair 550w PSU and upgraded thinking that was the issue.
So the Be Quiet! unit is brand new?
MOBO: ASUS H170-PRO
BIOS update
For clarity, please state the BIOS version you're using right now for your motherboard.
Remove the discrete GPU from your system, then use DDU in Safe Mode to eliminate all GPU drivers (intel, nvidia, amd), reboot, power down and reinsert the GPU into your first PCIe slot to test if it powers on.
On a side note, if you manage to run off the second PCIe slot, check GPU-Z for the VBIOS version of the GPU.
Y
YoYo7
08-17-2017, 08:40 AM #2

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
PSU: be quiet! system power 11 750w
Also, before this I had a corsair 550w PSU and upgraded thinking that was the issue.
So the Be Quiet! unit is brand new?
MOBO: ASUS H170-PRO
BIOS update
For clarity, please state the BIOS version you're using right now for your motherboard.
Remove the discrete GPU from your system, then use DDU in Safe Mode to eliminate all GPU drivers (intel, nvidia, amd), reboot, power down and reinsert the GPU into your first PCIe slot to test if it powers on.
On a side note, if you manage to run off the second PCIe slot, check GPU-Z for the VBIOS version of the GPU.

J
Jonbbi
Junior Member
28
08-17-2017, 04:26 PM
#3
I have a few pieces of questionable guidance, but it would help to understand.
Check your old card again and verify if you achieve the full x16 bandwidth during a benchmark. This confirms the system supports x16.
Your second slot only provides 4x bandwidth. It’s possible your Vega card has a physical defect affecting full x16 performance, which might be linked to its history of sale.
Examine all the pins on the card and the traces connecting them closely.
With some thin tape—ideally Kapton—you could cover the pins and test if the card functions in 8x mode. This would indicate a problem with the pins or internal PCIe connections.
Refer to the wiki page for PCIe details: it lists the pin count and shows where to cut off pins after the full outline.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCI_Expres...e_Slot.png
"PCI Express ×8 cards end at pin 49"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCI_Express
J
Jonbbi
08-17-2017, 04:26 PM #3

I have a few pieces of questionable guidance, but it would help to understand.
Check your old card again and verify if you achieve the full x16 bandwidth during a benchmark. This confirms the system supports x16.
Your second slot only provides 4x bandwidth. It’s possible your Vega card has a physical defect affecting full x16 performance, which might be linked to its history of sale.
Examine all the pins on the card and the traces connecting them closely.
With some thin tape—ideally Kapton—you could cover the pins and test if the card functions in 8x mode. This would indicate a problem with the pins or internal PCIe connections.
Refer to the wiki page for PCIe details: it lists the pin count and shows where to cut off pins after the full outline.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCI_Expres...e_Slot.png
"PCI Express ×8 cards end at pin 49"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCI_Express