8400 Case Won't Close Securely

Question

When unpacking my new 8400 the bottom of the clamshell in the back of the computer seemed to be a little loose. When I opened it up for the first time and closed it again I noticed that the top latch clicks into place but the bottom one does not. I can open the clamshell case by pressing only the top button; it's not necessary to depress the bottom one at all. It doesn't close properly.

Also, the 2 metal tabs on the back of the computer, which I assume are for locking it shut, have very sharp edges and extend past the mold lines of the case when closed (as near as I can get it to closing). Besides the fact that they stick out too far for my liking, the holes don't exactly line up. Getting the hasp of a lock through there would be difficult at best.

Has anyone else experienced these case problems on the Dimension 8400s? My overall impression of the case is that it's fragile and cheesy so maybe what I have is par for the course.

shesagordie · Answer

Alleged Customer.

No, it's not par for the course. The case should close both easily and securely, if you are not satisfied, contact Dell's Tech, Support and request the case/tower be replaced, under Dell's 21 day [from the date of the packingslip/ invoice] total satisfaction policy.

Bev.

AZtoSD · Answer

Ditto. The case should close securely and snugly. The holes on the metal tabs should line up perfectly. I agree they do stick out a bit, at about a 45 degree angle--but shouldn't be sticking out any further than some of the plugs in the back. Sounds like your system got knocked around a bit during shipping and the case got out of alignment--probably one of the swivel joints has been bent. Contact Dell right away and have them replace.

IMO, the 8400 case--while mostly plastic--is pretty sturdy and well designed. After yours is fixed, I think you'll probably agree.

Dimension 8400
P4 530 3.0GHz, HT, 1MB L2 cache
1GB DDR2 @ 533 MHz
Gigabyte 128MB PCX-5900
160GB SATA
16x DVD-ROM & 16x DVD+RW (dual layer)
SB Live! 24-bit
19" M993s CRT

captainalias · Answer

I encountered that same problem too when I was changing my CPU fan.  I found that I could close it when I set the tower upright, instead of laying it on its side.

Alleged Custome · Answer

Thanks for everyone's input. Tech support had me try pressing the case closed "really hard" and it finally closed securely. I did this while the case was upright. My previous attempts had been with it lying on its side. It still doesn't "click" when it catches, but it does close securely and I have to press both top and bottom buttons to open it.

FWIW after I got it closed I asked the tech support rep how come the top seemed to click into place easily but the bottom one required more effort. Response: "Some of them are designed that way". Whatever.

pakirri · Answer

For captainalias

Hello to all they are new and you pardon if I do not speak l'inglese but altavista use to me, I wanted makes a question you, the fan that you have changed l'hai bought or she has arrived to you from the Dell? is the fan delta? I do not understand why it has 4 you spin that impeller and if it must necessarily be attacked on the motherboard. I can directly use one fan to the local p0wer source with molex? Thanks to all

NVRambo · Answer

The case has been used in the Dimension 43XX/4400/45XX/82XX/8300/and now 8400 systems with few mods - though substantial venting has been added for the 8400.

When on its side, the hinges can flex so that the case is a bit hard to close. Usually
one can just snap/lock one side at a time after being sure no cables are in the way and that all is lined up.

It's not that uncommon for the top or bottom to take a couple firm tries to lock.

Locked Topics – Desktops General

8400 Case Won't Close Securely

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