Dimension E520, dead, amber flashing

Best bet is to find a more recent used computer instead of sticking with the obsolete 12 yr old model IMO. Did you already try replacing the cmos coin cell battery? Cheap $2 fix if it works.

This a user to user forum. No marketing from us users :Wink:

I was wondering what are the symptoms of a failing battery?

Does the battery not recharge as the pc is used?

What is the typical lifetime of a battery (PC)?

Thanks

It occurs to that if I have a failing battery then would not the clock be affected. As I recall, the clock was working correctly.

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@species8350 wrote:

It occurs to that if I have a failing battery then would not the clock be affected. As I recall, the clock was working correctly.

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If Windows is set to auto-sync date/time from the internet, you wouldn't see the wrong time on the clock.

You want an inexpensive fix and a new mobo battery is probably as cheap as they come. And if a new battery doesn't help, then you'll get into spending $ on a very old system.

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@species8350 wrote:

Feel free to suggest cheap and used towers.

 

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If McCoy was using one of these to examine Species-8472, and it died ... he would tell Kirk "It's dead Jim" :Smile:

The market is full of used/refurbished/off-lease 3-5 year old Optiplex Towers (with 30 day or non-DoA warranties). If I was short on funds, that is what I would buy. But really, a new one would be better.

As everyone says, don't spend any more actual money on this antique computer. :Smile:

Thanks for responses.

I have now checked the battery, and it has plenty of charge.

I suppose that the flashing amber light and nothing else indicates a blown motherboard.

I will not look for a second hand tower.

Regards

Correction. I will look for second hand towers

Tesla 1856

I see a number of cheap Optiplex towers on e-bay.

There are a number from 2011-2012. I know, dated.

I am very confused regarding the significance of the numbering system. For example, 3010, 580, 9010,790, and 390. On the face of it, it looks like the best model is 9010. Do you agree.

Thanks

Ps. It looks like the Dell Dimension and Optiplex systems are contemporaries.

I ran across this thread from a link somebody gave me.  Hopefully by now you have an Optiplex 9010.  It's the best one from your list above.

Flashing Amber power button is BAD power supply.

SOLID amber power button is dead motherboard.