Dimension 5150 doesn't start

Lights 123 are "other failure" according to the manual (I have an E510 which is identical).  An amber power light (not flashing amber) is a motherboard or some component on the motherboard. 

From past posts with this problem the motherboard is suspect, considering what you have done to try and isolate it.  Unfortunately only another Dell E510/5150 motherboard will fit and work.  These systems are BTX style and also have a Dell proprietary and undocumented front panel connector.  Even if you could get the front panel connections figured out, there are very few Retail BTX style motherboards.  If you changed to a retail ATX motherboard and case and reused what parts you can (would be very limited on parts) you will also need a new Retail copy of Windows, as the Dell supplied Windows will only install on a Dell motherboard. 

Used/refurbished motherboards are available for about $125.  That would be the least expensive way, if you decide on a motherboard.  A google search will turn up several sources for used/refurbished boards.   There were several different part number motherboards used during the production of the 5150/E510, the 0HJ054 part number board is the latest and most desireable model as the CPU can be upgraded (only to D945 max) if wanted. 

.

Hi Fireberd,

Thank you for prompt reply and advice.

I will tryto replace  MB  first.

.

Hi Muto,

Thanks for advice.

I tried it and it did work, started well.

I run diagnostic test by using dell resource CD.

All test passes except HD coz computer restarted again while HD diagnostic test was running. Power switch light was still green but BIOS restarted only after 2-3 minutes. It restarted again while I check setup and took another 3-4 minutes to reboot to BIOS.

I shut down power and restarted it but Amber still. I tried again after removing CMOS battery 2nd time. computer restarted with warning " system battery power is weak".

It restarted again and again while window was loading.

It is running HD diagnostic test now. Oh, it restarted again before diagnostic test finish.

Power switch light is green, MB light is green as well, not yet restarted, fans are running, HD is not spinning.

It restarted by itself after about 3 minutes but stopped again after bios.

I just noticed that CD drive power was off while amber light only was on.

I changed HD and tiy to install new OS. then It die off while copying installation files.

Power button light is green, fans are spinning, HD stopped, CD drive no power.

could it be PUS?

I appreciate your help.

Can you tell me a bit more about what you use the computer for, what you were doing at the time of the crash, and anything helpful from the Event Log?

I recently suffered a similar crash and found that it was my video card drivers needing an update.  Check your drivers, replace your CMOS battery, and re-seat all motherboard components, I.E. PCI cards, memory, power cables, IDE/SATA cables, etc.

Good Luck!

.

I understand that Muto.  I am trying to get an idea as to what the computer was used for at the time it first started to crash.  Gaming? Music? Video?  I acknowledge it may not be driver related.  There are a few things that could have gone wrong, but it depends on what the circumstances leading up to the crashing are.  If you are able to access any of the event logs from a crash that occured while you were in Windows, it may shed some light on what failed and why.

.

Thanks for your concern.

computer was just running whithout any heavy work at first crach.

I was not using it, I was on to share internet to other laptops.

In fact, I tried it without Graphic card since I can use integrated graphic on MB but non.

It happens few times without running/ booting window( disgnostic test, system set up)

Thanks

Aung

HI MUTO,

Thanks for advice.

Yes, I have replaced CMOS battery. my dell doesn't start anymore.

Yes, CPU fan is running well, PUS fan is running as well, even when power button light is amber.

CD drive doesn't work( can't open tray) that time but power supply to CD drive is there ( I used AVO meter and I connect and managed to run external cd drive from that power supply)

BTW,  My graphic card doesn't have any fan.

Yesterday, it boot to BIOS at least from the state with amber light after few minutes but not anymore today.

I am afraid to say that I have nno avaialble PSU to test.

I guess, I have to accept MB failure.

I may ask dell for quotation.

thanks for your efforts and advices.

Aung

.

Dear Muto,

Tthanks for advice.

Sorry for confusing post.

Initially, I suspect PSU because CD tray didn't eject while power button was amber or green ( system didn't boot).

Then I took CD power supply and connect to another DVD drive and found working.

Then, I took out PSU and jumpt start ( connect green and black) to use CD drive power.

It did work well and I used that PSU to run one DVD drive.

My original Cd drived works after I reinstall PSU in dimension although power button light was amber.

At that state, CD drive, HD , CPU fan and PSU fans are running with amber ( still) light.

I do agree with you that I should think about new system rather than spending some money on old system because I can't diagnose problem properly.

I can send it to a repair shop find out the problem but service charge will be about $50.

thanks again

aung

.

Thanks Muto,

I have decided to byt a new one.

Dell support also replied me that they don't keep parts for system which are 5 years or older.

I don't want to take risk to by MB form ebay.

I wil choose a new system

Thanks for your support and advices.

Aung