Yep, I tried the card in the other slot, same results. I also tried it without a card, same beeps. (Not sure what, if anything, that means). Think this problably means I'm getting a new card?

Oh yeah, the brand is actually EVGA. But it was also bought before the cutoff for their 'lifetime' warranty (checked their site), so I don't think that helps any either. (My paperwork said a 1 year warranty as well).

Hmm ... if you get the same error with the card not in, that means it is probably something else. A memory error can also give 1 long and 2 short beeps.

Can you -*test*-('") the memory in another machine?

If you do have a bad card, then the mobo will react the same as if there was no card in the slot. This means due to the bad vid card, the mobo isn't getting any dectection or input from the card, as if there was not one installed.

Once again for the money, the video cards suggested in earlier posts are great. They will keep you going for years to come, especially the GTS 640.

Hmmm...that throws a wrench into the whole mess. I'll pop open the most recent Dell here and see if it'll fit the Ram I've got. On the Ram, is the only issue 'that it fits the slot', or will the newer (fairly sure i've got corsair GDRR3, ValueSelect brand) Ram not work on certain older motherboards even if it does fit?

Edit: I see the second reply now. Thanks Vegasr. I'll probably go the 'buy' route either way at this point. If it works, great. If not, I still get an upgrade once I find out what the real problem is.

Sorry to throw you off, rl - my mistake. Vegasr is correct - bad card will give the same error code as no card.

Just figured I'd give you guys an update. Right now, for the first time in a week...sitting in front of a real, modern and functioning computer. From all accounts, it appears to have been the graphics card as you guys suggested. And the new one is just now installed and running smoothly thus far. Thanks for all the help and I'll be sure to check back here for major issues in the future. Thanks alot guys!

Edit: Btw, in case anyone was curious...I went for the EVGA 7900 gs. Got it registered for the great warranty. And hopefully I'll never need to use it. (the warranty).

Good going and excellent price on the 7900 GS. Glad you're back in action.

Awesome, and I'm sure your loving the performance boost with the new card too.