Optiplex 960 SFF, problem code 1 & 3, would someone please assist

Question

Hello,

I hope everyone who reads this is well and working on becoming great.

I am asking if someone could provide some assistance please.

I own a Optiplex 960 SFF. The power supply was buzzing very badly so I decided to replace it. Found that they were very expensive so searched for a less expensive one, I am not wealthy, nor even ok right now... Found two tested units on ebay for $25 shipped, great deal I thought, get two as they are apparently know to fail often. However, did not realize that I needed units with the pico or mini ATX motherboard connection. The ones I bought were from Optiplex 380's.

After getting them, I figured I could cut the old pico or mini atx connector and wire off the old one and reuse it. Used a volt meter and diagramed all the voltages on old vs new, colors of wires, etc. Got all that done in the last few days, removed the pins with paper clip tool, etc. Soldered up and heat shrink or taped the wire connections, tested the connections to make sure all voltages were corrrect and matching old unit, etc.

Installed new unit, wires were a bit long but all was working fine. Was updating w7 64 from microsoft site, had a lot of downloads as the os was recent re-install. About 3/4 thru the installation of 120 updates the computer just went poof (no noise or smoke) and just turned off, black screen. Thought maybe something happened with the updates, so waited about 2 minutes and turned system back on.

Now system will not boot to bios, getting error codes 1&3 with blinking amber color, service manual indicates could be motherboard, power supply or peripherial problem. Tried re-booting etc, wiggling the 24pin motherboard connections, one time it started back up but quit soon after.

So, anyone have any ideas on what could have happened? The LED on the back "goes on" when the ps button is pushed, so the manual says motherboard might be bad. Any ideas on how do I tell if it's the motherboard or something else? I have re-tested the 24 pin motherboard ps connector, all the voltages are correct and even all the ground wires are working fine according to contuity test. I am just a beginner computer repair person, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe

Joe93a · Accepted Answer

Hello,

Hope everyone is doing good this week, living more.

The new ps has seemed to work, went to post fine and then os loaded fine. Ran all the os updates and passmark burn in test and performance test programs. All working at original specs.

Therefore, solution = obtain exact dell p/n replacement or exact equivalent per dell support or knowledge from forum.

In this case a oR225m worked as replacement for R225m [235e-00] in a unit with the Core 2 quad T9600 processor.

Would not suggest trying to rewire a new mini/pico atx motherboard connector onto another unit. I had pulled all the pins and soldered the new wire connections, all voltages and grounds tested as valid, however ps apparently failed anyway. Not sure if optiplex 380 ps output components are somehow different from 960 model, or if just the one I had failed. The spec voltages on the 380 unit were all the same except for a one volt different on one output. Including time spent researching substitutes, the many hours reworking new unit, taking apart many times and such, it still did not end up working for long. It worked fine for 15 minutes then failed. Therefore, just try and find a new unit replacement or two used units, as apparently these ps units fail somewhat often are are getting scarce. Ps units pulled from never used "new" units that have been taken apart for selling the parts are available if you search extensively. I figure two of them would be enough to last you longer than the expected life of the motherboard and related components.

In addition. the SFF size does not really have enough room for barely any length wires from ps to motherboard. The reworked unit that I tried had only about 2-3 inches extra wire and still did not fit very easily or well. Removing 20 pins (2 empty pin slots and 2 ground (black) wires did not need adjustment) and soldering all the wire connections took a long time.

Thanks to especially Osprey and also rdunnill.

quote for the day = A Great Tomorrow is created from good decisions today, so go that way!!!!

osprey4 · Answer

Hi Joe,

Sorry to hear about that. It's going to be difficult to figure out what is going on. I would have suggested putting the old PSU back on but it appears that's no longer an option. The blinking amber light indicates a possible power supply or motherboard problem. Just testing voltages does not guarantee that the new PSU is good.

Joe93a · Answer

Hello Osprey,

Thank you for your reply.

Was not aware that just checking voltages would not make sure the ps was good....

What does not make sense is that it just quit working about 15 minutes after starting up fine. Is there a way to test either the motherboard or ps? I dont really want to spend good money chasing bad in case it is not he ps. It's a nicer unit with C2E cpu and such so I would like to try and fix it. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Joe

ps: sorry for delay in response, I was up late trying to figure out what was wrong.

osprey4 · Answer

I'm reluctant to suggest putting the old PSU back on, but that seems the best way to tell if the motherboard is good.

Joe93a · Answer

Ok, thanks for suggestion, will try to rewire the old unit and see what that does. Hope you have a great day!

Joe93a · Answer

here's a good link for pic of bad caps, to help you know what to look for en.wikipedia.org/.../Capacitor_plague

Joe93a · Answer

I appreciate everyone's assistance, thank you

would anyone know, the original was a Dell p/n r225m , mfg modelF235E-00

the other units on Ebay vary on the dp/n, such as r224m, etc

as long as has the mini ATX, same 235w, and same ouput voltages, all should be fine

or would you suggest I need to find the exact same dp/n

rdunnill · Answer

I suggest buying the correct power supply; there are a couple of used ones on eBay for $75-ish.

Joe93a · Answer

that is a good idea also, I have found what is described as a "pull from new unused parted out system" for 90 with shipping, that I figure is the best idea, to go with a new as can be found unit,

the caps on the motherboard are all good

What do y'all think, would having shorted the green to black wires oin the motherboard connector to test ps voltages with the 4 pin connector hooked up (forgot to unhook the 4 pin) caused any problems with the motherboard? I read that the 4 pin is just peripherial power supply and none of the hd, card reader, nor dvd player was hooked up.

osprey4 · Answer

Joe, I don't think you need the exact same part number, as long as the model and form factor matches.

Joe93a · Answer

Hi there, thanks for the info

Earlier today I was able to find an exact match R225m, for a good price 35 plus shipping, last one left.

Hopefully its the ps not the motherboard.

Will let you know how it turns out

Have a great week

osprey4 · Answer

Crossing my fingers, Joe.

osprey4 · Answer

Thanks for the update, Joe. And appreciate your positive attitude!!

ludorachgia · Answer

replace your power supply with bigger wattage 300-500w cost about 30-50bucks

ludorachgia · Answer

your power supply is bad. replaced power supply with big wattage 300w-500w cost about 30-50 bucks

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Optiplex 960 SFF, problem code 1 & 3, would someone please assist

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