Dell optiplex 790, graphics not working on Win7 64-bit

Question

I work on Dell optiplex 790 that has two graphics cards: embedded Intel (with VGA output) and 'normal' ATI Radeon (with DVI output). Unfortunately only the first one works. Although both cables (DVI and VGA) are connected to my display, when I change mode to DVI, I get a blank screen. I tried to install drivers from the dell site, but problem persists. I was also told to change video settings in bios, but there were no setting related to switching between cards. What could I do now?

Answer 1

first, try re-booting with JUST the DVI connected. it may be that defaulting to VGA as primary is causing you problems. if that still fails, go into your display properties and look for dual monitor settings and see if it's showing up as a second disabled monitor that needs enabling.

Also try getting latest drivers from the AMD/ATi site rather than from Dell. the Dell ones are usually just OEM branded anyway.

http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx

if you don't know exactly what RADEON it is, they have an auto detect tool:

http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/Pages/auto_detect.aspx

Answer 2

Optiplex 790 Machines will only use the built-in graphics card or an expansion card but not both. You first need to go into the BIOS and disable the integrated graphics. This will allow the BIOS to recognize the card. Bear in mind that because the BIOS was programmed this way on purpose, you cannot run both at once.