Optiplex 7080 SFF - Alert! VR Heat sink not detected

Hi Sergio,

The same thing has happened to me and I found your post when searching for a solution.

I came across a workaround by sheer chance. If I let the PC boot normally then I'd get the white screen with "Alert! VR Heat sink not detected" after POST. But if I press F12 during POST and select one of the UEFI entries (the machine had Windows Server on its original HD and I installed ESXi onto a USB stick - with ESXi being the first entry in the UEFI boot list) then it would boot properly - even if I just chose the default boot entry. I swapped the CPU back to its original i5 and it booted like it should without the error but putting the i9 back I had to press F12 and just press Enter to get it to boot. Thank goodness for vPro and being able to access the boot menu remotely!

I'm still going to look for a proper solution and maybe even log a support ticket with Dell since all the documentation I've found says this machine supports an i9-10900.

I hope this helps you and anyone else who has this same issue.

Andrew

Thanks for sharing your case 3Toed, 

I hav the Windows Server 2019 installed, and the computer is running using the post boot trick as you described.

I did not tried put back the i5, but based on your explanation, this works.

I think that is an BIOS problem or something.

Thanks!

I upgraded my 7080 from i5 to i7 and got the same Alert and I am using the F12 workaround, it's a shame Dell save 2 cents by not fitting this as standard on all the 7080 motherboards. XPS 8940 have the same issue https://www.dell.com/community/XPS-Desktops/XPS-8940-VRM-question/td-p/7819596

I tried tech support who were no help and told me I have invalidated my warranty! The CPU is a CRU and the i7 is a Dell approved part so not sure how that is?

I found the Voltage Regulator part number, it's 612F7 or 0612F7, available from Dell in the US for ~$5 

Tried to purchase from Dell UK parts and they do not supply, they instruct me to contact a premium number 0871 231 1924, I've emailed the contact at the website  https://www.upgrade.co.uk/

@Jammy41007 these seem to be hard to find outside the US

I had to order mine from Amazon.com. With shipping to Canada it ended up being close to $40CAD. Folks in the US can order direct from Dell for about $5 with free shipping.

@speedstep 

This part applies only to Optiplex 7080 Tower Model, not to the SFF as related.

@all on thread,

I installed the last bios 1.3.10 and the same issue persists. 

https://www.dell.com/support/home/pt-br/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=h53vc 

I am also looking for the VR heatsink for 7080 SFF. 

I found a youtube video where the 7080 SFF have the VR heatsink, https://youtu.be/kd7PfjJqjdc. At around 5:40 of the video you could see the VR heatsink. Also noticed that the uploader is not very active in the comment section. Tried to ask once but never got any response so I just deleted my comment. Maybe someone could ask again. 

Hi @absolut_zero ,

This video laid down the affirmation of the compatibility of the VRM Heat Sync cover, as posted by @speedstep 

I Will try to buy this part to see if this solves this problem.

The unique problem, is that part is hard to find here in brazil. But i wiil try, and return with any news.

Best Regards!

Hello @Sergio Orru,

Keep in mind that if you have the stock cpu cooler in your system, the vr heatsink will not fit as the stock cpu cooler extends over the chokes. 

For comparison with the vr heatsink provided by @speedstep, here is a snapshot (cropped and zoomed in) of the vr heatsink from the video. 

Those metal cans are capacitors and they are taller than the heatsink.

Hi Folks,

Unfortunately Amazon is out of stock.

I bought a very cheap (£2.40) NVMe heatsink that I intend to mount with a suitably fashioned large paperclip!

Heatsink has arrived but when I attempted to fit I realised I need to get the Jr Hacksaw on it to take the corner off to allow for the high capacitor close by.

In the meantime I guessed correctly that the BIOS is just checking for electrical continuity between the mounting posts so I've temporarily shorted the posts with the said paperclip and it now boots fine without the F12 trick.

Dell may delete this as it isn't an proper engineered solution but may help those waiting for stock.

Jammy, 

Can you post a photo of this working around solution?

Best regards!

@Jammy41007 I recommend using self-adhesive thermal pads/tape to affix the heatsink to the chips. (example on Amazon) Those thermal pads/tape will keep the heatsink well in place, as well as ensuring good heat transfer from the components to the heatsink.

I pointed out with arrows. connecting with conductors to complete the circuit. It is work