Why Won't My Computer Turn On with a GTX 650 VGA Card on a Samsung H61S1 Motherboard?

Many enthusiasts and gamers often encounter peculiar behavior when they attempt to use a new video card with their existing motherboard. This blog post explains a common issue that arises when using a GTX 650 VGA card with the Samsung H61S1 motherboard. Specifically, the computer may not turn on when you use the new card, while it functions normally when you unplug the new card and use the onboard graphics instead.

Faulty GPU

The problem you are experiencing is likely due to the motherboard's design and configuration, which may not support using both a PCIe GPU (like the GTX 650) and the onboard GPU simultaneously. This is a common issue with many motherboards that support dual graphics configurations, but it requires careful setup to work properly.

POST and Onboard GPU Detection

During the Power On Self-Test (POST) process, your computer detects the presence of both the GTX 650 card and the onboard graphics. In many motherboards, the onboard GPU is designed to disable automatically when a PCIe GPU is detected during POST. As a result, your computer is unable to display anything on the connected monitor when you plug in the GTX 650 card, leading to a non-responsive or unbootable system.

Solution: Connecting to the Correct Graphics Output

To solve this issue, you need to connect the monitor to the proper graphics output. Here are the steps to follow:

Ensure that the GTX 650 card is properly installed in the PCIe slot, and the onboard GPU is not connected to the monitor. Connect your monitor to the PCIe slot using the appropriate video port (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.). Once the system boots, you can switch the default display output to the onboard GPU if preferred, or leave it set to the PCIe card for optimal performance.

Further Considerations

It's important to note that while this setup works, it may not provide the smoothest user experience, especially if the onboard GPU and the external card have significantly different performance levels. In such cases, using the onboard GPU for basic tasks and reserving the PCIe card for demanding or graphics-intensive applications might be a more practical solution.

Conclusion

The root of the problem lies in the motherboard's design, which prioritizes the use of the external GPU over the onboard GPU. By connecting the monitor to the correct graphics output, you can ensure that your computer functions as expected. However, always consult your motherboard's user manual or manufacturer's support resources for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance on your specific hardware.