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May 15th, 2022 22:00

Dell Precision T3600 PSU Cable Failure

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 seconds
2: Connecting the PSWD jumper plug to the RTCRST turned all diagnostic lights and fans off instantly
3: 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.

11 Legend

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47K Posts

May 16th, 2022 03:00

@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 BOARD3600 POWER BOARD5810 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 


 

 

May 16th, 2022 10:00

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.

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