Dell Dimension Power/PSU problem

swimtech · Jul 16, 2008, 04:52 PM

Certain Dell Dimension computers - representative models are Dimension E5150 and E510 - can have either Intel or AMD processors in them - are seeing problems starting up/turning on.

Fortunately, this problem is easy to spot once the PSU is removed from the computer and the cover removed - the problem can be caused by capacitors that are faulty - showing visible swelling/buldging of the tops and possibly orange/brown material oozed from the tops of those capacitors as well.

Unfortunately, static power supply checking devices that use a load resistor(s) with LED indicators (widely available for $10-30), check the PSU as good even though it isn't, and removing the cover of the power supply may void the warranty if it still has one.

Checking by substitution may work - a standard ATX power supply with the 24 pin motherboard power connector and the secondary 4pin 12volt power connector has substituted for the faulty PSU just fine for testing purposes in those I've seen. However, be sure to double check/compare the wiring for your particular PSU/motherboard combination to insure that voltages are delivered properly should you decide to try this test method - damage could occur if a mismatch is attempted.

One resource is available HERE that shows the wiring colors and voltages for a 24 pin ATX connector, along with a note about Dell proprietary power supplies.

Just a heads up...

Jul 16, 2008, 04:52 PM	#1
swimtech HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,040 Rep Power: 124 System Specs	Dell Dimension Power/PSU problem Certain Dell Dimension computers - representative models are Dimension E5150 and E510 - can have either Intel or AMD processors in them - are seeing problems starting up/turning on. Fortunately, this problem is easy to spot once the PSU is removed from the computer and the cover removed - the problem can be caused by capacitors that are faulty - showing visible swelling/buldging of the tops and possibly orange/brown material oozed from the tops of those capacitors as well. Unfortunately, static power supply checking devices that use a load resistor(s) with LED indicators (widely available for $10-30), check the PSU as good even though it isn't, and removing the cover of the power supply may void the warranty if it still has one. Checking by substitution may work - a standard ATX power supply with the 24 pin motherboard power connector and the secondary 4pin 12volt power connector has substituted for the faulty PSU just fine for testing purposes in those I've seen. However, be sure to double check/compare the wiring for your particular PSU/motherboard combination to insure that voltages are delivered properly should you decide to try this test method - damage could occur if a mismatch is attempted. One resource is available HERE that shows the wiring colors and voltages for a 24 pin ATX connector, along with a note about Dell proprietary power supplies. Just a heads up... __________________ It's not so much getting your way that matters or not - what matters is how you go about getting it.