This post is more than 5 years old
2 Posts
0
7057
November 2nd, 2011 03:00
What's wrong with my Desktop?
I've just moved to switzerland with my Dell Desktop XPS 410 that I bought in the U.S. I was told by Dell support that I would only need an adapter to plug in my computer here, that a converter would not be needed since the voltage label on my computer hard drive and monitor has the voltage marked as 115/230 and 100/240, respectively. So I plugged in my hard drive and there was a loud pop and then a burning smell coming from the hard drive. It will not turn on. What is wrong and what should be done now?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice,
Rebecca
No Events found!
fireberd
11 Legend
•
33.4K Posts
•
112.8K Points
1
November 2nd, 2011 04:00
If the power supply is marked 115/230, is there a switch on the rear of the power supply to change from one voltage to the other? If there is you must move the switch to the correct voltage. If this is the case and you did not, you probably ruined, at least, the power supply.
fireberd
11 Legend
•
33.4K Posts
•
112.8K Points
1
November 2nd, 2011 06:00
The power supply is in the PC Tower (not the "hard drive"). The hard drive is only one component inside the PC case.
See this back view of the tower from the Dell manual Click Me Item #1 is the power supply. To the left of the AC power cord jack is a small switch to set for the correct AC power voltage. From this, I would suspect you did not change the AC power voltage and the power supply is what "smoked" and at a minimum will have to be replaced. You will have to get a new power supply, as this uses a standard ATX power supply you should be able to get one locally that is for the AC "mains" voltage where you are now. The Dell OEM power supply wattage is rated at 375 watts, however I would recommend at least a 450 watt power supply.
This is an example of a PC power supply. Click HERE
rherwatic
2 Posts
0
November 2nd, 2011 04:00
Would the power supply be just the power cord or also within the hard drive? Also, I flipped the switch and it still didn't work. There was a pop and I blew out an electrical fuse.
osprey4
6 Operator
•
34.2K Posts
0
November 2nd, 2011 06:00
Hi Rebecca,
You might want to bring your PC to a computer shop and have them test it. Unless you're comfortable working with computers, I'd leave this repair to the experts.