Another power supply problem

Question

I have a Dimension 2400.  The first time the power supply failed, Dell replaced my new tower with a refurbished tower.  I purchased the 3 year extended warranty after the power supply blew the first time.  It popped, sparked, smelled like ozone, and quit working.  The 2nd time, a Dell technician came to my house and replaced the power supply.  The 3rd time, same thing.  The 4th time was 2 weeks later.  That person told me to replace my surge protector, which I did, and also purchased a 1 year extended warranty on it.  This last time was 2 days later, it blew again.  The Dell technician on the phone told me because there was lightening and thunder in my area, he could not replace the power supply again.  I think there is something else going on here.  I spoke with a friend of mine who works on a helpdesk in this area and she said it's more than likely something with the motherboard.  Any suggestions?  I'm about out of patience.

makaveli_ie · Answer

It is possible that it is the VRM, but ur friend is right it is most likely the motherboard. because so many parts have been replaced you are entitled to a swap system from dell. what was the original warranty you had with the system ?? I used 2work there!

Kneeama · Answer

The original warranty that came with the system.  I bought the 3 year extended after the first time it blew up.  I'm not sure what VGM is??  I finally convinced the chat technician to replace the power supply unit after asking for his manager's name and requesting that I wished to have the full purchase price plus the cost of the extended 3 year warranty returned to me.  I called the tech who came to my house the last time and told him what had happened.  He says that he will check the house power for fluctuations and keep turning it off and on and if it blows while he is there, then he can request a new motherboard or a complete new tower.  If not, I will be responsible for replacing it the next time it happens.

speedstep · Answer

Make them give you the lightning story in writing.
If they misdiagnose the problem its not your falult.

The magnison moss warranty act says they gotta replace no matter how many times or give you your money back. Otherwise you can sue.

However all of this applys to what is given to you IN WRITING.

They can verbally tell you anything and it wont hold up in court.

You can also buy a surge supressor from Tripplite. They will also warranty or replace anything thats zapped after using it up to $10,000.

Kneeama · Answer

The original warranty that came with the system.  I bought the 3 year extended after the first time it blew up.  I'm not sure what VRM is??  I finally convinced the chat technician to replace the power supply unit after asking for his manager's name and requesting that I wished to have the full purchase price plus the cost of the extended 3 year warranty returned to me.  I called the tech who came to my house the last time and told him what had happened.  He says that he will check the house power for fluctuations and keep turning it off and on and if it blows while he is there, then he can request a new motherboard or a complete new tower.  If not, I will be responsible for replacing it the next time it happens.

Kneeama · Answer

Thank you.  I just purchased a Belkin SurgeMaster/2950 joules as recommended by the Dell tech that came to my house on Friday.  On Sunday, the power supply unit had blown again.  I am thinking there has to be something else that is causing the power supply to blow out, possibly the motherboard.  When I spoke with same Dell tech on the phone a little while ago, he said it could be any number of things, including the CD drive.  I guess I will just have to wait until he can come back with the new PSU.

robkelly13 · Answer

Your problem is you bought a cheap Dell product.  Dell uses the lowest quality products and they have poor quality control procedures.  Next time buy a Compaq or Gateway.

makaveli_ie · Answer

the vrm is the voltage regulator module! Dell are good systems without the rip off prices of the other makers! after 3 attempts to fix the problem you are entitled to a replacement system ask for the manager and demand it. as i said u are entitled to it but if you do not get it tell them you want the engineer to come with replacement psu,motherboard+vrm. sometimes it's hard but if u just get the rite person on the phone it will be sorted

Kneeama · Answer

Thank you.  I was insistent, which is when they relented and said they would replace the PSU one more time after they told me that they were not responsible for 'acts of God.'  If it blows again, I will demand an engineer to replace the motherboard, VRM, and PSU.  If that doesn't work, I want my money back plus the cost of the 3 year extended warranty.  :smileymad:

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Another power supply problem

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