Help me pick the right desktop

Any chance that the issue is the motherboard? The T110.2 is a SMB tower server meant to be run without a graphics card in general I'd presume. The mobo doesn't even come w/ Sata III.

Specs: http://i.dell.com/sites/doccontent/shared-content/data-sheets/en/Documents/Dell-PowerEdge-T110II-SpecSheet.pdf

4 PCIe 2.0 slots:
Two x8 slots
One x4 slot
One x1 slot

I wonder if the cards that failed all required a 3.0 slot, or a x16?

No PCIe X16 could be the issue. Most card will run at lower speeds in 2.0 slots but, they might need the lanes of the x16 slots.

creayt

So there was a setting in the BIOS to change the integrated video from standard to distributed, which I changed to distributed. The only other card I have handy is the Quadro K220 which has no power connector and expects its fuel from the PCIe slot. The graphics slot on this board only gets you 25w though so that may be the issue w/ that one. I might try purchasing another card off of Amazon or something to try it out, though it's doing the same thing w/ the solid underscore instead of any boot sequence. Sure wish I had another card lying around.

creayt

The weird thing about this board is it's a PCIe G2 x8 slot w/ x16 connectors and a max of 25w.

creayt

I think I'll discard the unchewed bullet and stick it out until I build the new system as-is. I'm technically able to run all 3x 2560x1440 monitors w/ the 5750 running one through display port and a D3100 dock running the other 2, but the 2nd monitor through the dock is only running at 50 Hz and it's killing me. Some people say it shouldn't be perceptible ( some programmers even claim to work on a 30Hz 4k setup, wtf? ) but to me it's completely palpable w/ the cursor tracking and keyboard input appearing. I'm going to hunt down a dual-link DVI cable and see if the 5750 can't power 2 at 60Hz.

But then as soon as the new procs and mobos are out, it's upgrade time.

For the record, the 14 core Precision actually felt less responsive than this t110.2. It was very noticeable for me. So SCREW any processor w/ a baseline speed of less than 3.3.

Again, thanks everyone for your help and input on this. @MattSpeller, I'll definitely be spamming you for advice and insight as I dig into the puzzle of jaw-dropping performance on a budget.

creayt

Also if anyone has any tips on where to start in learning to system build the GF is going in on it w/ me and we'll be building our own desktops side by side, and she'd like to start w/ 101. Thanks.

MattSpeller

@creayt pcpartpicker.com --> has compatibility filter built in, makes it harder to screw up and faster to build out stuff

tomshardware.com --> best ___ for the money monthly charts are awesome, example below
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html

creayt

@MattSpeller said:

@creayt pcpartpicker.com --> has compatibility filter built in, makes it harder to screw up and faster to build out stuff

tomshardware.com --> best ___ for the money monthly charts are awesome, example below
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html

Very nice! I didn't realize it had compatibility validation. That's hardcore. Thanks.

creayt

Eureka. Apparently you have to.. wait for it... downgrade the bios.

http://level7systems.co.uk/en/dell_poweredge_t110_ii_and_pcie_video_card/

Going to try this and then throw the Quadro back in there. Fingers crossed.

creayt

Did a bit of soldering and wired 4 of those M2s together into a Raid 0.

JK. That's an 850 Pro in rapid mode.

Reid Cooper

That's completely insane. 4.5GB/s!!

creayt

@creayt said:

Eureka. Apparently you have to.. wait for it... downgrade the bios.

http://level7systems.co.uk/en/dell_poweredge_t110_ii_and_pcie_video_card/

Going to try this and then throw the Quadro back in there. Fingers crossed.

The bios downgrade didn't work, but further research suggests that the PCIe slot is only 8x ( but has connectors for 16 to fit a graphics card ) and provides a maximum of 25w through the slot. Because the Quadro I tried doesn't have a 6 pin power connector I'm thinking that's the problem with that setup, it just can't get enough juice through the slot.

I'm going to order two other cards off of Amazon, one with a low wattage and one w/ a 6-pin hole and see if either works.

creayt

Well F my F-ing life even the 26w card didn't work. Fan spun off of the power from the PCIe slot, but same BS w/ the solid underscore instead of boot sequence. Guess it's time to build a new rig.

:rage4:

mlnews

That sucks. Sorry.

creayt

@creayt said:

Looks like my dual-core laptop w/ an 840 Evo isn't too far off.

creayt

Sent the Precision back.

So scratch what I said earlier, this is my new case:

And my new plan is to attempt to get just a new motherboard and a new graphics card and transplant the T110's internals to it while I strategize and build skills for an OC Skylake build. That said, I need a little guidance:

You can transplant procs from one motherboard to another, right?
I'm a big foggy on sockets. My proc is a Xeon E3-1240 v2, which Intel.com lists as FCLGA1155. But, I'm only seeing LGA1155 sockets on, say, NewEgg. Googled it a bit and most people say "The Xeons should work in LGA1155 boards", but I'd like to be sure before buying because: restocking fees.

Thanks!

scottalanmiller

@creayt said:

You can transplant procs from one motherboard to another, right?

Yes, as long as the sockets are compatible.