Question : Problem: NVidia NVS 440 causes screen to go blank

I just finished building my new PC with the following specs:

Abit P35 Pro motherboard
Intel Q6600 Quad Core processor
3GB Crucial Ballistix DDR2-800 RAM
WD Raptor 150GB HD
Seasonic S12 650W Power Supply
Windows XP SP2

For my graphics card, I have selected the NVidia Quadro NVS 440. I have two of them.

My monitor is an HP LP1965 19" LCD.

Here's my problem:

When I install the NVS 440 card into the PCIe slot and try to boot up windows, I get a blank screen. I know windows is booting properly, including loading my desktop, I JUST CAN'T SEE IT.   The last thing I see before the screen goes blank is the windows splash screen.

So I went out and bought a PNY NVidia GeForce FX5200. When I remove the NVS 440 from the PCIe slot and replace it with the FX5200 (which goes in a regular PCI slot), the comptuer boots, I can see the screen, windows loads, and I'm ready to go, no problems whatsoever.

In addition, I bought a PNY NVidia GeForce 7300 GS, which goes in a PCIe slot.  Again, when I removed the NVS 440 and put the 7300 into the same slot, the computer POSTs, boots, loads and displays my Windows desktop, and then displays the "New Hardware Wizard".  Exactly what you would expect to happen.

I am using the latest BIOS from Abit. I'm using the latest everything, considering I built it this past weekend.  I've also updated windows with all patches and service packs, etc.  

Since everything works with the FX5200 AND the GeForce 7300GS, I know Windows isn't corrupted. And since it is a new build, it isn't an issue of old/incompatible drivers.

I did NOT install the FX5200 or the 7300GS drivers.

I checked the bios and the PCIEx is set to be the primary display card. The only other option in the BIOS is PCI.

I checked the motherboard, and the auxiallary power for the PCIe slots is plugged in.

I have my RAM set at 2.2V and 4-4-4-12 timing, which is the recommended setting according to Crucial.

When dealing with the NVS 440, I am plugging my monitor into the primary port of the graphics card (the one furthest away from the motherboard), and have my monitor plugged into the primary jack (labeled "1") on the required splitter (DMS-59 to dual DVI-I cable; PNY part # 91004086).

What could be the problem? Is the NVS 440 incompatible with my motherboard? Could the cards be faulty?  Is it a voltage issue that I need to adjust in the BIOS?  An interrupt level incompatibility?  Not enough of a power supply (unlikely, considering they are 2-d cards)?

Should I try installing the NVidia drivers and THEN install the NVS 440?

Finally, it seems I am not the only one to have this issue:

http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showtopic=47401

The common link between this fellow and myself is that we are both using Quadro NVS cards and HP flat panel monitors.  I have asked him for the other specs on his machine and will let you know when I get them.

Any help you guys can provide will mean the world to me.  There is nothing more aggravating than looking at $900 worth of graphics cards sit on my desk and not inside my computer.

Thanks!

Answer : Problem: NVidia NVS 440 causes screen to go blank

kemckay I have never tried installing inserting  2 different video cards ...Not a good idea. You can't just swap video cards around.
re-reading everything,
unfortunately I think you have more serious problems and have spent an exhaustive time on this and its time to look over what has happened, lets just go thru them see if we can put them in some type order:

you have had problems installing windows to start with,
>When installing windows, I encountered the oft-mentioned 34 minute hang problem.  <
 if one of the slots on the mainboard is not functioning properly  may have caused the 34 minute wait. Hardware fault.
Setup stops responding with 34 minutes remaining
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/828267

Did you have a full functioning AV before activating the OS on the internet? the Balaster worm warning.
Did you actually delete the partition prior to installing windows? this a clean install.
Otherwise you performed a repair reinstall.
 Steps to Clean Install XP
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/clean.txt

How big is the PSU? To run 2 cards you'll need a minimum of around 460 watts.
Otherwise windows will disable the card to save resources for itself.

You mention you have 2 nvidia 4400,>>
I should be able to use 2 Nvidia Quadro NVS 440's without a problem.<< but  you swapped one around with the FX.<< may have corrupted the PCI slot.

If I put the FX5200 in the PCI slot and the NVS 440 in the PCIe slot and boot, I get the problem.<< yes

>>There are two PCIe slots.  One is x16 architecture/x16 bandwidth.  The other is x16 architechture/x4 bandwidth.<< and you swapped the one of the nvidia with the FX.
You said>>
Now, if Windows is corrupted, why would it work with a PCI video card and a different PCIe video card, just not the NVS 440?  << maybe the driver for one of  the nvidia is still in memory.
Since the 2 nvifdia cards are the same you woudl have to remove all of them so windows knwos what is what.
Have you downloaded the latest drivers? and not installed them off the cd,
http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us

It is not  easy to resolve this problem or pin point it in type unfortunately  so you'll have to do some reading.
As mention on the web page forwarned is forearmed
Video/Graphics Cards : ISA - PCI - AGP - PCI Express Adapter Cards - Page 1
VIDEO/GRAPHICS CARDS: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/AGP.htm

As i see it you need to ensure your windows is functioning properly , use the most up to date drivers only.
Test out the video card/s nvidia,
install one only at any time to another computer or get a Tech to test them individually.
Then that would rule out the nvidia, you may have damaged the mainboard or corrupted the pci slots on the mainboard hot swapping them over and around with the FX
Do you have an onboard video too? or is that the FX?

you may have clean install your windows.
uninstall the FX before installing the nVidia4400, install the nvidia drivers before inserting the Nvidia cards.
Good Luck, if I missed anything awe shucks :)
Merete