Did you update your BIOS first?

thanks for answering and im sorry but im not pc literate but im trying!! could you tell me how to update my bios? thanks and sorry for being so naive.

thanks for answering and im sorry but im not pc literate but im trying!! could you tell me how to update my bios? thanks and sorry for being so naive.

hi bev. i think i should also add i have windows 7 professional 64bit installed. i have added ram as well. i also have the latest bios but having windows 7 do i need different bios? im confused.

noob2004

You don't need a different BIOS update, for Win 7.

Did you install the processor and the memory at the same time?

Also, check the colour of the power button LED, is it solid, or blinking and the sequence of the four 1-2-3-4 Diagnostic Lights located on the front panel.

Page 53, Here:

ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_xps_desktop/xps-400_owner%27s%20manual_en-us.pdf

Bev.

no i didnt install processor and ram at the same time. the light is solid am=
ber. thx bev. what else?

noob2004

And the four Diagnostic lights on the front panel are....?

A solid amber power LED could indicate a possible memory issue, first try the following to see if they make a difference.

Quote:

A device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.

Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see page 74).

Remove and then reinstall any cards (see page 76).

Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see page 76).

Bev.

BIOS UPDATE is not optional. MUST BE DONE BEFORE CHANGING CPU.

The bios will require the copper heatsink or it will shut down solid amber almost immediately. Either processor works when all of the required steps have been done.

XPS400 Dimension 9150  DXP051

Pentium D 960 requires:

1. Latest Bios

2. Performance Copper heatsink as it uses 130W

3. DDR2 5300/6400 Ram, Low Density, Non ECC, Non Buffered.

http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/Dell-memory/XPS/XPS+400-upgrades.html

http://ark.intel.com/products/27522/Intel-Pentium-D-Processor-960-4M-Cache-3_60-GHz-800-MHz-FSB

Both versions of Pentium D 960 (SL9K7 - D0 - 95W) or (SL9AP - C1 - 130W) will need DELL

1. I also recommend Arctic Silver 5 (Thermal Paste).

thanks for the help everyone. question, if i bought the SL9AP - C1 - 130W instead of the SL9K7 - D0 - 95W 960 processor woukd that be the cause of my problem?