Dimension 4600 compatibility issue with ATI Radeon Radeon 9800 se

Question

I have a:    Dimension 4600  Intel(R) 82865G/PE/P/GV/82848P Processor to AGP Controller - 2571 (865G Chipset)  1GB Ram  80GB Hard Drive  160GB Hard Drive  Pentium 4  2.40GHz  Nvdia 5200 FX (AGP)  Dell E172FP Color Monitor (17in Flat Screen)   My issue:    I tried to upgrade my card to a ATI Radeon 9800se. I followed all of the instructions to no avail.  I also used driver cleaner (after several attempts using the steps provided by ATI). I came out with  the same results.    After following the steps provided by Radeon to install the card I was unable to get my monitor to  function. The computer boots up, it does not beep signaling a improper installation, and my  speakers tell me window boots up. It sounds like the new hardware wizard pops up after the device  loads. THE MONITOR DOES NOT POWER ON. If I manually turn it on it immediately goes into  power save mode. I know the card has power because the fan powers on.    I am confused as to what the issue is. I don't have access to another compatible computer to test  the card out at the moment.   I would like to keep this card. I wouldn't want to go through the hassle of sending it back. However, those that read this post and can't  help me resolve the issue I would like your input on helping me get a card that is comparable to the ATI Radeon 9800. Message Edited by Sheisty on 04-14-2007 10:11 AM

Sheisty · Answer

I retract that statement about the fan. The fan comes on whether its connected to the power source or not.       I Personally checked and the card says 300w recommended and my system says I have 250w others are using the same card and it works. Perhaps its a bad card I wont be able to check it on another pc until Monday. Maybe this is what I get for getting a refurb card from ATI 60 bucks I figured I couldn't go wrong.:smileymad     Furthermore, to add insult to injury Dell Live Chat tech support told me the card is supported my system despite the fact.

Wirelicious · Answer

No immediate advice, at the moment, but I must say.. your best bet would be to just get a better video card.

An ATI Radeon 9800 is extremely outdated -- and here is one you should consider!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150210

Sheisty · Answer

Be that as it may. Its a $60 ATI card with a 1 yr. Warranty. Also, considering I have been using the 5200 the 9800 is a good deal. The 9800 will still surpass the 5200.

If I would get the card you suggested, it might be a waste. Im not the I need to run my games at the highest settings kind of guy. Also, if I decide to upgrade my PC (I've had this 4600 since I think late 2003) the card will be no good because i will definitely seek out something with PCIe. I game on the PC about one weekend a month. So for $60 bucks I think this card fits right in. If I played more I would be willing to pay for the card you suggested.

It's just burning me up that I know folks that are using this card and are enjoying it while the one I purchased is sitting in the box waiting for customer support.

http://shop.ati.com/product.asp?sku=2970123

Message Edited by Sheisty on 04-16-2007 02:06 PM

Sheisty · Answer

Perhaps I may do that after I figure out whats what with this card. And yes I did connect it to the spare molex dongle. I even tried to connect it through the hard drive and then connect to the psu as ATI recommends in its install guide.

Cypherus · Answer

If the card will not boot, it is most likely dead on arrival. In fact, most video cards have a high rate of DoA's after being manufactured (30% chance that the new video card is dead).   1.) I am not sure if this was ever applicable to the 9800 Pro, but did you make sure you plug the card into a spare molex dongle running off the PSU?   2.) You should really consider getting an nVidia 7600 GS AGP. Not only is it 2X faster, but it will give you adequate gaming performance that you demand. The 9800 is an out-dated card. Even if you only game one weekend in a month, at least you will not need to jump to PCI-e in the future when you have a 7600 GS AGP.

nissimd · Answer

I don't know that this applies to the 9800 cards but we had trouble with a 1300 in a 4550, the computer wouldn't POST. After much searching on the ATI support site I found a notice that the card did not work on some Dell machine. It could be sent back for a replacement that would work. Search the ATI site very carefully for information. BTW it took 2 weeks and 6 people to before I got the RMA to send it back. Then 4 weeks to get the card. The replacement did work.

Sheisty · Answer

Was the replacement card the same model or a entirely different model? In other words did they send you an identical 1300 card?

Bobman101 · Answer

There's a known incompatibility between older Dells and the newer ATi X1x00 line (X1300, X1600, etc.). This does not apply to the older ATi cards, like the 9x00 series (such as this 9800), and I think even the Xx00 series (X600, X800, etc.) should even work just fine. The problem here is probably a case of a DOA card. The PSU in your machine is enough. By any chance, did you look at the 4 disagnostic lights on the back of the computer to see if it's giving any error code?

Sheisty · Answer

That I did not do. Tommorrow afternoon i'll give that a shot. Anything in particular to keep an eye out for? Message Edited by Sheisty on 04-15-2007 09:56 PM

Bobman101 · Answer

You want all 4 of the lights to be green for normal operation. If you get a pattern that involves yellow, note it and compare it to this chart to see what it indicates as the problem.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4600/en/4600/sm/advtrbl.htm#1084976

Sheisty · Answer

I tried a couple of different tactics for connecting the card to the PSU. All of which are listed below in the order upon which I tried them. After each step I shut down the PC by touching the power button for about 1 second. Obviously with no display I can't do it via start menu. After the PC shut down I would disconnect the PSU connection and carry on to the next step.

The status results were kind of weird. Especially for the 2nd Tactic. Perhaps I should have removed the card from the PC and put it back in before trying a different connection? Or is this typical? Can a system be in normal operating condition even though the card is not connected to the PSU?

1. Tactic: Connected to an available PSU molex connection.

Result: A=Green; B=Green; C=Green; D=Green