Optiplex GX280 problem with power supply or system board

Question

My computer keeps cutting off abruptly. I've checked the manual and when it stops suddenly the yellow light is blinking. The fan runs really high, then almost stops, then runns really high again, then almost stops and this goes on for awhile. Then it suddenly stops. The lights on the back of the CPU remain green. i ran the dell diagnostics and they indicate that it's either the power supply or a system board problem. I ran the diagnostics using F12 at startup and the one for system board came back ok. How do I tell where the problem lies? I really need my PC for home office work!

patrickacox · Answer

Blinking amber light generally is a bad powersupply. Also look at the capacitors underneath the powersupply and check to see if they are bubbled or buldged on the top. The GX280 is known for bad capacitors underneath the powersupply. These machines get very very hot.   The fan problem can usually be fixed by replacing the fan/heatsink.   I have had to replace the processors if replacing the fan/heatsink does not fix the high running fan issue.

HowieSee · Answer

Sorry buddy, it's your power supply.   It's happened to about 5 of our GX280s so far (small form factor). Call dell, if under warranty, will replace without issue.

TECH111 · Answer

If it's a Dell GX280 Mini Tower check the Capacitors behind the heatsink and Under the CPU Fan. That row of Capacitor have a problem of swelling up and leaking, which is causing the Fan to race like it's about to take off and the PC to either shut down by itself or not turn on. I have replaced about 30 of these boards already within the last 4 months 2 of them today

Lordslady · Answer

Oh, yes...It's a small form factor chassis. I had 2 people today tell me to open it up and vacuum it out...Unfortunately, I'm not that technical and am not sure what to look for when you say capacitors that are bubbling or leaking...Do I need to remove the power supply in order to see those? It's no longer under warranty...I don't want to take it to a repair place if I can help it, they way they charge I may as well buy a new CPU! I'll try to get through this on my own. Any tips you have for doing this, I would appreciate SO MUCH. I know to of course unplug everything...I'm concerned about static - I don't have a mat or anything - is there a way to cut down on static electricity while I'm inside the CPU? Then do I need tools? And lastly - where is the best place to obtain the parts I need, quickly... Thanks so much for your help on this, guys!

patrickacox · Answer

You will be able to see the capacitors underneath the powersupply. They are little black round capacitors. They should be flat on the top. There are capacitors all over the motherboard and they are usually marked with a X on the top of them and they should be flat. If they are bubbled or krusty then it's time for a new motherboard. You can take one look at them and tell if they are bad.

As for as static electricity....when you open the case touch the chassis before you touch the motherboard. That would be a metal part inside in the case. You can also check the capactiors and never have to touch the motherboard.

You can also check the heatsink and make sure it is not clogged up with dust. I had a gx280 recently that was giving me the flashing amber light and all it was is the the heatsink for gummed up with dust.

I blew that out with a can of air and it worked fine after that.

You can see a few pictures of bad capacitors at this link:

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=195

Message Edited by patrickacox on 02-14-2007 06:18 AM

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Optiplex GX280 problem with power supply or system board

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