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September 4th, 2007 05:00

Optiplex GX620: heatsink problems & solution

​ I was given an 'as new' GX620 barebones computer a few weeks ago. The previous owner kept getting 'thermal event' problems post boot and thought I might be able to use the box for spares. I tried the usual fixes but concluded it must be a faulty mobo. Got a good deal on a refurbished unit from eBay and installed. ​
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​ Still had the same problems! Racing fan and shutdown in post due to a 'thermal event'. Hand wringing followed. After which I swapped out the power supply using one from a Poweredge SC440 - same 'event'. Swapped the fan - same! And finally I took the heatsink from the SC440 and fitted that into the Optiplex. And finally everything worked. ​
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​ This is a first for me. I've had racing fans before because I hadn't tightened the heatsink screws enough, but never a system shutdown because the heatsink didn't work! The idea sounds preposterous! ​
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​ Anyhow, I'm left with plus one GX620 mobo that'll find a home eventually and minus one SC440 heatsink - which is an easy enough replacement. ​
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83 Posts

September 6th, 2007 23:00

May I ask please what the heatsinks look like for each machine? Maybe you have part numbers? Just curious. :)

11 Posts

September 7th, 2007 03:00

Not too sure but if you head over to centrix-intl.com they sell original DELL heatsinks and have part numbers.
 
I should say that the SC440/SC430 heatsink covers the processor perfectly but I have to use the original Optiplex heatsink hood in order for it to fit with the fan hood.  The prongs on the top of the SC440 heatsink don't exact line up with the Optiplex hood - but close enough to use.  The effect is really quite remarkable - I don't just mean reduced fan noise - I mean near silent system operation.  Before the system shutdown after about 20 seconds with a racing fan, now it works perfectly.

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83 Posts

September 10th, 2007 02:00

Nice, I'll go take a peek.  Although my system is pretty quiet dropping a bit of the ambient noise just makes it that much better.

11 Posts

September 10th, 2007 03:00

Please bear in mind I tried the SC440 heatsink out of desperation - the original GX620 heatsink wasn't working!
 
I ran a GX620 for a few months the end of last year with the correct heatsink on a Pentium D processor and it was very quiet.  So I'm not sure if you'll get any noticeable benefit from swapping out your existing heatsink - assuming it actually works!
 
Hands down the quietest DELL systems are the SC440 servers - but of course not much use for home/gaming use without modifications.  A close second is the Precision 380 - I have to put my ear to the case sometimes to check it's powered up!
 
BTW a casual inspection suggests that with a bit of craft knife work an Optiplex GX620 mobo will fit a SC440/430 case - might give that a try next week.
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