Dimension 8400 shuts down at random

bruce --

Based on your description, I would first suspect the power supply (PSU).

I have an 8400 and I also keep a few extra 8400 stock Dell PSUs on hand for testing. 

There are devices you can use to physically test the PSU.  The best of these devices is a voltage multimeter.  A second option would be a PSU tester, such as this $7.00 model.  http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PS-101

However, the multimeter offers much more information about the functioning of your PSU, and can quickly eliminate the guesswork (if indeed the PSU is malfunctioning).  Let me know if you wish more help on the topic.

 

Message Edited by mccarthy001 on 06-30-200602:54 PM

Hi Mac thanks for the reply and the input

Did a little more digging (through the forums) and found out that Dell knows about the power supply problem and have substituted a different part number for replacement units. Basically anyone who purchased an 8400 between june 04 and Mar 05 can expect to replace the PSU. my initial shut down was 1 week after the warranty ran out. Oh btw Dell will also try and tell you that the mother board should be replaced but unless you are still under warranty your looking at 250+ to do that.
Thanks again
Bruce

Bruce,
Unless you're including installation charges, you're off by a factor of almost 10. You can buy an OEM Dell motherboard for the D8400 from Centrix for only $29. They're having a clearance sale, so you might want to stash one away just in case, though I hope you never need it.

http://www.centrix-intl.com/

Ron

Thanks for the sale info. Dell parts dept wanted $210 for the mother board plus shipping plus taxes
Bruce

Very interesting.  Just got off Dell Chat where they came to the conclusion that I need to replace the system board.  Six months ago I replaced the OEM hard drive.  Are these the symptoms?  Will the system board replacement (under Warranty) solve the power supply problem?

My intitial problem was blue screen, followed by clicking and "error auto-sensing ...", the chat people had me remove all connections one by one until the said it was the system board.  Is the power supply part of the system board?

 

No the power supply is separate and is only $51 direct from dell but you can get it cheaper from one of the secondary suppliers.
Dell refuses to recognize the power supply problem and will only admit to it when threatened with escallation go as high as you can on this one and dont settle for Im very very sorry sir but we do not recognize this as a warranty issue.
Dell knows all about this problem but have instructed thier reps to deny, deny deny

Good Luck I hope your still under warranty my computer dropped out 1 week after

Bruce