My Optiplex SX270 won't boot

Question

The pc won't boot when the power button is pressed.  The green led on the power supply is lit and there is an amber led inside the pc that is also lit.  How do I go about resolving this problem?  Is there a phone number to call for tech support?   Thanks!

trbbcllp · Answer

Hold the power button in for about 5 to 10 seconds.  The machine should power off.  Press it again and see if it powers back on.  If you it won't, check the capacitors on the motherboard and see if they are bulging at the top - may need a new motherboard.  I know we have replaced several hundred motherboards on our GX270's due to a recall.

Quits · Answer

Thanks!  Yes, at least one of the capacitors has leaked out of the top.  I contacted Dell and they are going to send a new motherboard and power supply as my pc is still under warranty.

trbbcllp · Answer

Great!  Good luck with everything.

RWat · Answer

To trbbclip: Was there a general recall for the motherboards on the GS270's? I have 200 that are 2 years old and we are replacing as they fail. (1 or 2 a week). It would seem that Dell would save money by sending us a couple hundred boards via ground rather than express us a couple of motherboards a wee.

trbbcllp · Answer

We had to contact our Dell rep to get a mass replacement started.  We actually brought the problem to their attention.

Jbirk · Answer

We have many SX270s. I have replaced at least 15 motherboards on these computers.

Here is what they do:

1. they fail to turn on. They just play dead even though the light inside and nic light is lite up.

The solution is a replacement motherbaord not Power Brick. We have had mabye 1 Power Brick in all need replacement. I guarantee you, it is the motherboard.

If you don't believe me, switch power bricks with a working one. You will clearly see the problem stay with the computer not the power brick! I am afraid Dell is sending you an un-needed part.

Good news is an SX270 motherboard replacement is very easy! It takes about 5 to 7 minutes and you will need a #2 phillips screw driver as a minimum. A small flat one and can of spray air would be good too.

Disconnect everything, remove the hard disk from the motherboard, open it, remove the and fan shroud and disconnect the two power calbes. Remove the heatsink and processor.

Remove all 5 Silver screws, the 4 green screws, and 2 black screws, and remove the chasis switch plug and the front speaker plug if you have one.

Lift the board out and remove the front Power button, speaker, and USB thing and snap it on the new board. Replace the 2 black screws. You may use a small flat screw driver to flex a piece of plastic up. You will see what seems in the way.

Now just slide the board through the back and lower it down. Then use the green screws and screw the green heatsink bracket down, put the 5 silver screws back in, processor, heatsink and fan shroud, and connect fan power and chasis switch. Add memory, close, and hard drive.

The system will power up.

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My Optiplex SX270 won't boot

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