Alert! Chipset heat sink not detected. System halted!

Vadersun,

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.

If the retaining clip for the chipset heatsink is not properly attached or is missing, a desktop system will not complete POST and may display the error message: Open the system up and put the clip back.

Alert! Chipset heat sink not detected.
System Halted.

 

If I have located the clip, but it won't stay put, how do I get it to remain in its designated position?

 

-- Vader the 2nd

Vadersun,

Here is a picture that may help you out.

NOTE:

The chipset heat sink is not the same as the processor heatsink. Refer to Figure 1 below to help identify the chipset heat sink.

Vadersun,

Is there a place on the motherboard that holds the clip in place?  I don't know of any easy way to attach the clip. You may just need to play around with it until it is on the board.

I had the same problem and took it to a computer repair shop. The technician welded the piece back in properly with new glue. The clip was found down in the corner with dust on it, so it was probably shipped that way, not welded in properly. Dell gave me the advice to take it somewhere, because my warranty was up and  they stated that Dimensions are too expensive to work on. It cost me 85.00 to have it repaired and it is working fine.