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Dell 8400 blinking amber light won't start, no diagnostic lights
Hello -
I hope Bev is still around as she has been so helpful to me in the past. I have and 8400 that shut off while I was working. I thought the power to the house went out...but it was just my computer. Blinking amber light on the power button, no diagnostic lights in back. Tried to start up, nothing. Read posts here about it and tried removing CMOS for 10 minutes, removing PCI cards and disconnecting all power and connections from drives to MB (no change...still blinking light, nothing else), then did the jumping test from green to black (yes, I probably should have done that first...) and got nothing on that. No fan, nothing.
Can I definitely say it is the PSU? If so, is the PSU from a 2400 interchangeable with this one? If it isn't, are there particular brands I should look for or stay away from when purchasing a new PSU?
Thanks so much!
speedstep
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March 31st, 2015 05:00
Blinking Amber means Bad Power Supply.
This particular model needs tin snips to cut a hole in the back for a regular power supply. If you buy the startech model it will fit without requiring case modification.
Or you can buy one from an OEM vendor.
The 400 Watt ATX12V 2.01 Dell PC Power Supply is compatible with standard ATX style versions of following:
Dimension Series Models: 1100 / 2200 / 2300 / 2350 / 2400 / 4300 / 4400 / 4500 / 4550 / 4600 / 8200 / 8250 / 8300 / 8400 / B100
Optiplex Series Models: 170L / GX60 / GX150 / GX240 / GX260 / GX270
Power Edge Series Models: 400SC / 600SC
Precision Workstation Series Model: Model 340 / 350
Smart Step Series Models: 100D / 150D
http://www.startech.com/Computer-Parts/PSUs/Dell/400-Watt-ATX12V-201-Dell-PC-Replacement-Power-Supply~ATXPW400DELL
ZakAttack
13 Posts
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April 4th, 2015 23:00
I installed the StarTech ATX400w for Dell PCs and everything is back to normal.
Thanks everyone!
speedstep
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March 31st, 2015 05:00
The supply from the 2400 may be too small. The 8400 will have C3095 305W to C4849 350 Watt power supply depending on CPU and other configurations. This is why I recommend a 400W replacement.You can always go with more than you need but never less.
RoHe
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March 31st, 2015 17:00
Dimension 8400 OEM PSUs here, here, here, here, etc, and there's always eBay.
Be sure to compare wattage, if new / used / refurbished, and warranty. :emotion-5:
ZakAttack
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April 3rd, 2015 00:00
Thanks Rohe.
I ordered a StarTech 400w for Dell and should have it in a few days. I will post back with my status.
RoHe
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April 3rd, 2015 11:00
Don't know that PSU, but if it has its own ON/OFF switch, you're going to have to cut a hole in the back of the D8400 case in order to install it.
Post back and let us know how it goes. I'm still using a D8400 and sooner or later, I suspect it's probably going to need a PSU too. So always interested to see what others are doing to keep these good old-timers running.
Ric N
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August 15th, 2016 12:00
A current update to the flashing amber light on the power button. My old workhorse 8400 recently experienced this issue. It was on it's second Dell 350W supply. Dell is now wanting over $60 for a replacement. Found a like for like replacement at StarTech.Com. It is a 400W supply and drops in with no modifications to the case.
Good Luck!