Area-51 R2, no beeps, post

Question

Hello everyone,

I am the owner of an Alienware Area-51 R2, I've been using my computer since 2016 and I haven't done any changes to the default factory settings from the manufacturer. I had an issue with power surge the other day when I was using my desktop. I did get a warning which stated that the overclocking has failed and asked me to restart the computer.

Now the computer doesn't boot into windows. No post, no beeps, and the input-output devices such as keyboard, mouse, monitor, and speakers aren't receiving power or at least aren't being detected. I thought this must have something to do with BIOS and hence I reset the CMOS with the jumper. I also unplugged and replugged every wire from the motherboard to make sure it isn't a glitch. I tried using a single RAM on the 1st slot. It didn't work, then I tried removing all the memory, but I hear no beeps. I removed the GPU, I hear no beeps. All fans seem to be functioning and all the components are receiving power, including the GPU and all the internal lights seem to be functioning too. I even tried to discharge the board by unplugging the main power chord and holding the power button for a min or two. At this point, I have no way to tell if its a motherboard, CPU, or PSU issue as I have no spare parts. If anyone faced the same issue or something similar, I would like to seek help.

r72019 · Answer

You could try unplugging everything, discharging flea power for 10 seconds, and replacing the cr2032 coin cell battery on the motherboard with a brand new one.  But the timing of the failure with a power surge doesn't sound good.  Prepare for the possibility that the cpu or mobo could have been fried.  You should look into a good sine wave UPS.

speedstep · Answer

power supply failure

BIST is where you start removing everything and only plugging in power cord.

CMOS battery may be bad also.

https://www.dell.com/support/article/en-us/sln308658/power-supply-unit-psu-built-in-self-test-bist-desktop?lang=en

Seth Jovi · Answer

Thank you for your time and help. I appreciate it. I did perform the BIST test as you suggested and the result is that the PSU seems to be okay. I did replace the CMOS battery recently so I guess that is ruled out. I found your suggestion to be useful as it now eliminates one suspected component from my list. I would like to know if there are more tests such as this to check if there is anything wrong with the CPU without the removal of the cooling block or the CPU from the motherboard as I have no extra thermal paste. By eliminating both the CPU and the PSU from the list, I believe I'd be able to figure out where the problem lies.

Please if you do have more information, share it here. Thank you!

IrishDannyboi · Answer

The same thing has just happened to me also did you find a solution?

Dannnyboi · Answer

I have been told the mother board is dead is. Is there a way to purchase another? It would really help me here if someone knows,   thanks

r72019 · Answer

They are readily available on ebay but another option is to look towards a new pc the cost far exceeds value for their oem board.

Alienware Desktops

Area-51 R2, no beeps, post

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