Dell Precision T3600 PSU Cable Failure

Question

I have a Dell Precision T3600 series (2012-2013) that will not go to BIOS. Instead, it gives me the following diagnostic LED signal: Amber Power LED, Amber Blinking 1, Amber Blinking 3, Amber Blinking 4. (Only LED 2 is off completely.)I researched and found this LED configuration to mean that the computer is recieving power, but the PSU cable might not be connected to the motherboard. I checked the connections and they are solid.Does this indicate a problem with the PSU to Motherboard cables, or a problem with the motherboard itself? I do not know what the main power rail is but I am researching.If it is the latter, is there any way I can localize the issue on the motherboard by reviewing the motherboard layout/schematics, so I won't need to purchase an entire motherboard replacement?I have attemped various configurations with my system, including but not limited to: different power outlets; changing the CMOS battery, and attempting to run it with the CMOS battery out; trying to run the computer without the CPU power cable connected; attempting to run it without the GPU; moving the PSWD jumper plug to different places like the PWR_REMOTE connector, RTCRST connector, and an unammed 2 pin connector next to the main power supply connector.All failed to make any difference, except for:1: Connecting the PSWD jumper plug to the PWR_REMOTE connector turned all diagnostic lights and fans off after about 3 seconds2: Connecting the PSWD jumper plug to the RTCRST turned all diagnostic lights and fans off instantly3: Disconnecting the CPU power plug caused the lights on the GPU to turn on, but the diagnostic lights gave the same symbol.I also tried, just for good measure, the steps listed here:No dice. Ideally I would not like to order any replacement parts except for small components. I feel like throwing out the entire motheboard is a waste. Thank you for any help you are able to provide.   EDIT: I just learned what rails are. Is it possible/safe for me to check the voltages on each pin on the cable from the PSU with a multimeter? To ensure each one is outputting the right current? Or could I check the voltages on different parts of the motherboard? (I would only be able to if schematics/layouts were available, and if the problem is on the top or bottom layers)   And again, thank you.

speedstep · Answer

@SpaceFace58

Your 13 year old system has bad power supply. There are no soft fixes for physically bad parts.

This is NOT a standard power supply.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSaNCLuyuwo

3600 POWER BOARD5810 POWER BOARD

https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/attachments/dell-atx24-2-jpg.138617/

When searching "Dell 685w" and you'll find PSU for T5810/T7810/T7910 (DP/N K8CDY & CYP9P). All Precision tower connect PSU and motherboard through a power distribution board:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-20-Dell-Precision-T3600-T3610-Power-Distribution-Board-Backplane-0599RD-/133214763492

You can see that design of these two PD board are different and thus the corresponding PSU would not be inter-changeable. No 685w PSU designed for T3600 PD board unfortunately. The correct PSU options for T3600 should be:

- 635w (DP/N 1K45H & NVC7F) Reference here
Dell-D635EF-00-635W -Power-Supply T3600 1K45H NVC7F 124235878712

- 825w (DP/N 6MKJ9 & RHHKV) Reference here
PSU-T5600 Precision H825EF-00 825W 233541194164

- 1300w (DP/N H3HY3) Reference here
Precision T5600-T3610-T5610-T7600-T7610-1300W PSU

SpaceFace58 · Answer

Hi sorry, I don't believe this is a solution, as I have a functional 635W PSU and its corresponding power distribution board. I don' t believe this is the problem.

Precision Fixed Workstations

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