UNSOLVED
8400 Variable Performance
The initial error message was that a drive was missing, unsure which one as I ignored the message. Recent error message is
"PCI Express Card is operating in x1 mode". This was after the system crashed and rebooted automatically.
On reading the manual the Dell diagnostic lights are showing the following when the PC does not boot.
A Yellow
B Green
C Yellow
D Green
This indicates a possible graphics card failure. At the time the computer was not booting up at all. The problem is that the PC does not boot when the error occurs. Something is failing intermediately. When the system does not boot the fan then starts to accelerate.
This leads me to believe this is a hardware failure. The only external hardware installed is a Creative Zen Micro and Canon EOS 300D, neither created a problem when installed months ago. This is concerning as the error is intermittent at the moment.
Dell responded to this query promising to call to assist in removing and replacing the components in the PC to check for connection errors. They did not contact me when promised and when I quried this they came back to me as if I was a new customer stating that the PC had to be taken away to replace the optical drive. This was very confusing as they intially indicated that the problem was either the mother board or the memory card.
Do they know something they are not telling me and has anyone else had this problem?
167
0
Posted August 23rd, 2005 18:00
Steve
Thanks for your response, I am in the UK so not sure that I can use the OSTT but will give it a go.
The errors I have seen are as follows
1) "PCI Express Card is operating in x1 mode", this was after a system crash. Diagnostics were A&C amber, indicating possible graphics card failure.
2) "Hardware malfunction, call your hardware vendor for support. NMI Parity check / Memory parity error, the system has halted" Diagnostics were D amber, another error has occured.
3) On starting up "Drive 5 not found : Parallel ATA, PATA-1 (PRI IDE Slave)
4) Today, after downloading a Mcafee update on rebooting the system froze, I turned the PC off and as it rebooted the old problem occured, firstly B amber, then A&C Amber, the fan accelerated and the PC did not boot. I checked the PCI cards (?) were in place correctly, the only problem was the filler brakets were not aligned with the alignment bar. I resolved this and the PC booted ok, but with an A&D amber diagnostic, this soon reverted to all green.
Was this the problem, or is something more sinster occuring? Your help with this is most appreciated.
Andy
167
0
Posted August 23rd, 2005 18:00
Is the video card running at 16X now? Try removing the cards and carefully reseating them. If moving the brackets around affected the boot, then it sounds like something isn't seated properly. Read the 8400 user manual for details to remove/install the PCI-e video card so you don't break the green brackets.
Ron
167
0
Posted August 23rd, 2005 19:00
Ron
Thanks for your message. I have located the advanced properties via the desktop and the graphics card is at PCI Express x16.
Is this a good or bad thing
Thanks
Andy
167
0
Posted August 23rd, 2005 23:00
Andy,
Does that mean the video card is installed in the PCI-e 16x slot or that it's working at 16x?
Try this, go to www.lavalys.com and download/install free Everest Home software. Open Everest and expand list under Motherboard in left pane. Click on Chipset and look in right pane under PCI Express Controller. If video card is working correctly, it should say:
PCI-E x16 port #2 In Use @ x16 (and name of your video card here)
If it says "In use @ x1", you still have a problem with the card and you should contact Dell for replacement assuming it's still under warranty.
Ron
RonMessage Edited by RoHe on 08-23-2005 05:51 PM
167
0
Posted August 24th, 2005 14:00
Ron
Thanks, reads as PCI-E x16 port #2 In Use @ x16 nVidia Geforce
Thanks for your help and thanks to Steve also
Andy
167
0
Posted August 24th, 2005 16:00
:)
BigBrother
2 Intern
•
4801 Posts
167
0
Posted August 23rd, 2005 12:00