My Studio XPS 9100 desktop computer shuts down completely without warning

Hi, 

How often does the machine shuts down in a span of an hour??

If it shuts down for every couple hours or minutes, can you leave the machine in BIOS and observe.

How about in safemode?? Have you tired running the machine with 1 memory at a time.

Regards

Unfortunately, no pattern. It started 06 Aug. 2015 & stopped 16 Aug. 2015. About the only thing I did was to put it back in sleep mode during the night when not using so I’m thinking a over heating problem even though computer is in a full (deep) cool basement @ about a constant 74’F. at least in summer months. I also tried a floor fan during that time period but sure didn’t like the air blowing on my feet/legs J….. On 16 Sept. 2015 it totally shut down @ 12:05 PM (noon), 8 PM & 8:39 PM. SO, I brought out the floor fan and NO problem since INCLUDING a very LONG day yesterday from early morning until midnight using computer off & on. After midnight in sleep mode but I kept fan on anyway, it’s just a small fan. This morning no problem. Thanks for checking, Greg 18 Sept. 2015 @ 9:00 AM

I hope I didn't come across like the problem is solved. Even though as I type this out on 20 Sept. 2015, computer STILL up & running, I consider the floor fan as a temporary fix & would still like to get it resolved WHAT is causing my computer to shut down. At the moment, it sure looks like an over heating problem but WHY? Thanks, Greg

If the external fan is helping, consider these possibilities:

1. Reboot and press F12 before Windows starts to load. Go to Utilities partition and run the fan diagnostics. If the fan fails, you'll need to replace it with a Dell OEM fan which has a sensor in it that BIOS has to see.

2. If the fan passes, it's possible the thermal paste on the heatsink dried out and/or the locking mechanism that holds the heatsink in place is loose or broken. Check the manual for instructions about the heatsink. If you remove it, you'll have to clean the top of the CPU (don't take CPU out of its socket) and bottom of the heatsink to remove old thermal paste. Then apply a thin coating of new thermal paste, eg Arctic Silver, and reinstall and lock the heatsink in place. If needed, you can check youtube for vids about cleaning the surfaces and applying fresh thermal paste.

Thank you for response. I did all tests & got message: "all tests passed". Greg 02 Oct. 2015 At the MOMENT, floor fan SEEMS to have solved the problem for days now but would STILL like to KNOW WHY I have the problem?

Then I guess you have to think about removing the heat sink from the CPU and replacing the old thermal paste with fresh paste...

Thank you

You're welcome.

Post back and let everyone know if the new thermal paste solves your heating issue.

It's safe to assume that these shut downs are a warning of a complete break down if not taken care sooner than later, correct? It has shut down a couple of times in last couple of days WITH floor fan on... NOW I'm trying with side cover OFF with fan blowing into back left side. I was surprised how WEAK the CPU fan is but then again don't know WHAT to expect? And I'm SURE having side cover off NOT good for dust control?

You risk frying the CPU if you don't find/fix the cause of these temp-related shutdowns.

Have you checked to see if the heat sink is firmly locked in place? I can't guarantee new thermal paste will solve the problem, but it's something relatively easy and inexpensive to do.

If the fan is wimpy, it's possible it's starting to fail because it may have to work overtime to keep the CPU cool if the thermal paste (or heat sink, itself) has failed.

Thank you. I'll get brave enough one of these days to reseal. At the MOMENT, having cover off & running floor fan towards the back is working.