Building a computer? Need advice/suggestions? Come here!

[Cortexian]

Usually when it comes to RAM you're supposed to adjust your voltage to get the advertised speed and timings. Adjusting the speed and timings first is like unnecessary overclocking.

[Pooky]

Okay guys, I'm having a bit of a problem I'm hoping you can help with. I finally got my new graphics card in the mail. I uninstalled the drivers for the old one, even going as far as to remove it from the device manager. I install the new card, plug in the 6 pin power cord, and turn everything on. The monitor takes a while to come on, and when it does all I get is a gray box that says "Input not supported". I tried it several times but still the same issue. One of those times the picture did come up for a split second, then it just went to the box again. Old GPU works fine. Is there something I could have done wrong or should I just go ahead and RMA it as defective?

This is the GPU I bought: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...scrollFullInfo

And this is my motherboard: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport...ctID=c01701270

As far as I can tell, it should be compatible.

[=sw=warlord]

Your resolution is either too high or the refresh is too high or both.
Boot in safemode and set the adjustments there and then reboot.

[Pooky]

I'm not sure what you mean. I'm still using the same monitor and software video works fine. When I plug the new GPU in I can't get it to show a picture at all. Just the gray box.

[=sw=warlord]

I'm not sure what you mean. I'm still using the same monitor and software video works fine. When I plug the new GPU in I can't get it to show a picture at all. Just the gray box.

You say you're using a new GPU.
With me if I install a new GPU windows changes the resolution to max resolution and refresh.
Do what i said above and see how it goes.

[Pooky]

Yeah but, that assumes I can get into Windows at all. I haven't even made it that far. I just get a black screen as soon as I turn the power on.

[Amit]

Guys, he can't even see the POST.

Yo, just plug the card into another PC and turn it on. If you get the grey screen again, you know the GPU is borked.

[Pooky]

I would if I had one :\

[Zeph]

Plug the old card back in and start from the beginning. Before shutting down to take the card out, make sure you set the resolution to something low.

[cheezdue]

I'm looking for some advice on building my first rig. My budget is $1000 and I'll be using GTX 560 SLI later when I have more money saved for a second card. This is my current build so far.

Mobo: Gigabyte Intel Z68

Graphics: EVGA GTX 560 (Planning on buying a second one for SLI)

PSU: Corsair 750W

Processor: Intel i5-2300 Sandy Bridge

RAM: G.Skill Ripjaw Series 8GB (I'm contemplating if I should go 6GB just to save a few bucks :P)

HDD: Western Digital 500GB 7200 RPM

Monitor: Hannspree 21.5"

Optical Drive: Sony CD/DVD burner (I'm a Sony whore)

Case: Sentey Optimus Extreme Division Tower (Not sure if I should with this one instead)

That's pretty much it. I'm open to any suggestions as long it stays within my budget.