Unsolved
3 Posts
0
681
January 17th, 2022 17:00
XPS 730x, beep code (GPU or RTC?)
Been trying to fix up an old 730x. However, I'm plagued by a beep code every time it turns on. Everything else on the motherboard looks and sounds fine (fans turns on, LEDs blue, etc), but the board gives off one long and six short beeps. The only other thing going on is that the monitor displays no signal (tried multiple monitors/cables with same result) Not sure whether that means a real-time clock issue or some kind of GPU issue. I've tried replacing the CMOS battery, using a different GPU, giving one of the hd 4850s a complete cleaning, resetting the BIOS, and clearing the CMOS. It seems that the graphics cards are fine cause they worked normally in a different desktop, but nothing I've tried has stopped or changed the beep code. Any suggestions are welcome, thanks!
redxps630
11 Legend
•
15.9K Posts
•
81.6K Points
0
January 17th, 2022 17:00
there are three PCIe x 16 slots. try use a very simple video card that does not require 6 pin power in these slots.
also remove all three ram and install only one back in DIMM1.
in a no post situation although the beep codes may tell you something, in the end you still follow the standard diagnostic steps. remove everything connected to mobo except one ram and one simple gpu, and psu only.
replacing cmos battery w new one and clear cmos (jumper reset) are good steps you already took.
if by doing everything you still could not get video, consider the mobo is bad. they are not too expensive to replace. I think the cheapest one goes for $49 on ebay now including cpu and heatsink.
r3dex3
3 Posts
0
January 18th, 2022 18:00
Removed all the things and put in a single RAM stick (also removed all RAM to double-check the mobo would give an error for that, it did) as well as a really basic GPU with no power connector. No change at all to the beep code, would you recommend getting a whole new CPU and heatsink or could I salvage those from the current system?
redxps630
11 Legend
•
15.9K Posts
•
81.6K Points
0
January 18th, 2022 21:00
is the cpu currently in socket the original Dell one? if it is the Dell i7-920 (most common standard basic cpu) you could try a different i7-920 although it is very unlikely the cpu is the cause of motherboard beep.
do you plan to replace Dell oem board? it may be one of the cheapest option of x58 ATX board although sometimes you may run into a good inexpensive aftermarket x58 too.
you could salvage the Dell cpu and heatsink although most people flash the bios to A11b then try the cheaper Xeon equivalent of 6 core i7-980x/990x etc. The Dell air cooler is not very good at keeping cpu cool when overclocked.
r3dex3
3 Posts
0
January 19th, 2022 14:00
I believe the CPU is actually the i7-956. Instead of buying a used mobo for the 730X I was thinking about getting a new one (plus new CPU) and reusing the case and dual hd 4850s. Could that work? Do new boards support crossfire for old radeon cards, or is there a work-around for it? Seems like that would be a better investment than trying to recover an old PC.