Can a faulty logic board damage a graphics card?

Sorry just update my profile to show that I am running mountain Lion 10.8.3

My current GPU is ATI Radeon HD 4870 512MB.

As you can appreciate, due to me not seeing and information on my monitors I can't run Apple hardware test, although I'd love to, as this would give me a clue as to what was going wrong and where.

I did carry out a fresh install of 10.8 recently onto a SSD (from App Store). Mind you if I get things going again I might carry out a fresh install of 10.8.

It's funny that you mention the GPU slot, because I've always had issues with having to re-sit the card when apple sent me a replacement two years ago. I also noticed during my problems recently, re-sitting the GPU seemed to provide different results when booting.

So perhaps the connection strip on the GPU is the problem. I hope it's not the slot on the Logic board.

How easy is it to connect to a different slot?

Thanks

Mark

My plan was - to carefully plug in my new GPU and then carry out a carry out a Apple Hardware Test, clean instal of 10.8 etc...

But after forking so much out on a new GPU I really don't want to plug it in and watch it fry.

Not sure if this is normal, but the far right connector of the GPU connector strip isn't as long as the others.

EIther damaged or this is how they come. Just thought I'd include as it may help.

Thanks The Hatter

Well; come Tuesday when my Sapphire 7950 arrives I'll just have to plug it in and cross my finger that at least I can see something to further investigate.

FIrst I'm going to strip her down and make absolutely sure the DiMM slots are clean and tidy.

I can't run an Apple Hardware Test because I have no display.

I have no warranty.

The new Mac Pro's are unavailable to buy in the UK.

I ordered a ne w GPU (Sapphire 7950) to upgrade before my Mac Pro became unusable.

I don't want to blow my new GPU, but I have no choice but to plug it in so I can see what's going on.

The only alternative would be to purchase a second hand Mac Pro or to purchase a new logic board.

So is there a possibility that a problematic logic board could damage my new GPU?

THe Hatter - thanks for you patience in staying with me on this one. I'll try and return to this thread after the GPU goes in.

Grant - Wish you'd called by earlier. This is just what I wanted to hear. THANKS!!!

Just thought I'd update this thread.

My GPU arrived a day early, so I put the guts back into my Mac Pro, being extremely careful. Booted her up in safe mode with one monitor and a keyboard connected and it worked.

This obviously isn't a thorough test. So next I'll carry out a Hardware Test.

Howevr - what is the best procedure/order for plugging all the peripherals back in? Remove power cord and plug one device in, power up, shut down and continue plugging devices in like this. Or remove power and plug all devices in and boot in safe mode etc.

It's Thursday and everything is fine, although trying an Apple Hardware Test was unsuccessful. Keeping the D key pressed straight after the bong didn't seem to do anything. Really impressed with the Sapphire 7950 though. Definitely noticed a performance boost. Also just ordered a replacement PRam battery, concidering my current battery is four years old.

If everything stays the way it is, I can only comment that giving the old girl a spring clean moved some dust around the GPU causing it to overheat etc.

Never mind. I was planning on upgrading the GPU anyway, it just turned out sooner than later.