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Go to SolutionIssues with Dell Dimension 8400
Here's what I've been experiencing:
High fan speed + Beeping
I would have 4 or more tabs open in Mozilla Firefox. Then suddenly, my monitor will blackout resulting my computer on high fan speed only.. I hold the power button to turn off, and when turning back on, I get high fan speed and beeping at the same time. (pattern: BEEP...BEEP...BEEP)
My workaround is to unplug the power from the back of the computer (for 3 days or so)
I can then turn on without high fan speed or beeping, but I would have to adjust the correct Time and Date. After a day or two, the blackouts/fan speed/beeping come back again....
Freezing
After logging in, using my computer for about 10 min. results in freezing.
Furthermore, I've tested by doing nothing and leaving the Task Manager open, and it would still freeze. Task Manager (performance tab) shows no high CPU usage and low activity on Page File Usage. There is no high fan speed or beeping until I hold power button and turn on again.
My comp is showing its years, but I doubt it's from a virus since I'm subscribed to Webroot SecureAnywhere.
So, which of these could be causing this or a solution?
- Replacing a new Motherboard (might be a struggle?):
www.ebay.com/.../281435662241
- Upgrading processor to Pentium 4 670 or 672?
ark.intel.com/.../Intel-Pentium-4-Processor-670-supporting-HT-Technology-2M-Cache-3_80-GHz-800-MHz-FSB
ark.intel.com/.../Intel-Pentium-4-Processor-672-supporting-HT-Technology-2M-Cache-3_80-GHz-800-MHz-FSB
- Upgrading to 4GB of RAM:
www.ebay.com/.../360553412754
356
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Posted November 8th, 2014 19:00
I would have to adjust the correct Time and Date. That suggests the motherboard battery is dead. So first thing is replace it: CR2032 3-volt lithium ion battery, ~$2 at discount stores.
While you're inside the case, use canned air to blow out all the dust bunnies, especially from the heat sink, make sure all fans are turning freely, and reseat RAM modules, PCI cards and video card in their slots.
See if that helps...
EDIT: Always power off, unplug and press/hold power button for ~15 sec before opening the case.
356
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Posted November 10th, 2014 08:00
monitor will blackout resulting my computer on high fan speed only.
This is a BAD CAPS symptom.356
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Posted November 10th, 2014 21:00
While it may be bad capacitors as Speedstep suggested, when the battery dies in my Dimension 8400, the monitor shows a black screen with blinking cursor in upper left corner and the fans go full blast...
356
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Posted November 11th, 2014 00:00
I have yet to change the motherboard battery and see if that solves the fan speed and freezing.
I'm not very experienced with the insides of computers fyi as I'll have a friend take a look.. but I haven't had the time, so I'll get back at this soon..
speedstep
11 Legend
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46969 Posts
356
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Posted November 12th, 2014 09:00
DL2032 CR2032 batteries are inexpensive. Getting them out from these systems however can break the socket.
http://www.amazon.com/Long-life-Lithium-Button-Batteries-Count/dp/B000EA1IJS
To replace the battery:
Record all the screens in system setup so that you can restore the correct settings.
Locate the battery socket on the system board.
Remove the battery by pressing on the tab, which will release the battery from the battery socket.
Insert the new battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up, and snap the battery into place.