Dell precision T5500 freeze after boot and fans ramp up

Question

For a few days the PC hasn’t been able to start. Sometimes I manage to reach the Windows loading screen, while other times I don’t even get an image on the screen. What happens is that at some point the computer freezes and the fans start increasing their RPM for no apparent reason.

I tried disconnecting everything (HDD, DVD burner, fans, 2-CPU riser, GPU), I tried remounting the CPU heatsink, I removed all RAM sticks except one and tested by swapping different RAM sticks always the same problem.

The first few times I tried turning it on, I was getting a front-panel LED message:
1-blink, 2-3 off, 4-blink amber power (Non-System board Regulator Failure. A power failure has been detected on a plug-in component such as VRM, Video Riser, or Memory Riser).

Now I no longer get this error even after putting everything back together, but it simply freezes whether I try to go into the BIOS, let Windows boot, or run a diagnostic. I replaced the PC’s PSU after mine became faulty about a year ago, and if I run the test with the button on the back it seems to be working.
I checked the entire motherboard but I don’t see any defects (to the naked eye).

mazzinia_ · Answer

Hello, what about the cmos battery ? Have you replaced it or ?

tonno0d8701 · Answer

I tried with a cmos battery that I took from a working motherboard, but I haven’t tried with a new one.

mazzinia_ · Answer

mmm, well ... as a test should be ok unless the charge is valid for the working mb and is not enough for this different mb ( to play safer a new battery would be better, but probably is not the issue in this case )

Tried a cmos reset ?

tonno0d8701 · Answer

I tried resetting the cmos but without success; I’ll try with a new battery.

tonno0d8701 · Answer

After replacing the battery with a new one, I reached this screen. At that point, the fans started spinning faster, and I could no longer interact with the PC.

mazzinia_ · Answer

The keyboard not found ... is real or is writing this with the kb actually plugged ?

tonno0d8701 · Answer

I didn’t have the keyboard connected at that moment, but I didn’t have time to plug it in before the PC froze.

mazzinia_ · Answer

turn off, plug the kb , start , be quick to F2 ( hopefully before it freezes )

user_d3b9df · Answer

(i changed account beacuese fo the site)I can enter the setup utility, but the problem is that it freezes there as well. After 10/15 seconds from startup, the PC completely freezes. Sorry if I don’t respond quickly, but the site doesn’t allow me to send messages fast.

mazzinia_ · Answer

That's ok, don't worry. Well, you tried all that's feasible to try. Only thing now is maybe going down to minimum configuration and see if something changed

user_d3b9df · Answer

I’ve already tried disconnecting everything except 1 CPU, 1 stick of RAM, and the GPU.

mazzinia_ · Answer

Well, feels an hardware issue ( mb )

Carl Andrew · Answer

Hey Tonno, How are you doing? This is Carl Andrew The problem you are facing sounds like you're dealing with a serious hardware issue. The error code you initially received (amber blinking LED) pointed to a problem with the power regulator or risers, such as the VRM, video riser, or memory riser. Since you don't see the error now and the fans ramp up after booting, it suggests the problem might still be related to power delivery or a component not functioning properly. Here are a few steps to help narrow it down: Power Supply (PSU): Even though you replaced the PSU, it might still be worth testing with a different one, or using a PSU tester to ensure it's delivering the correct power to all components. Motherboard Check: Since there are no visible defects on the motherboard, it could still have internal damage, like a blown capacitor or a failed power regulator. A professional inspection might be needed if you're not comfortable testing this yourself. Memory Riser and CPU Riser: You’ve already disconnected these components, but it's worth double-checking if the risers are properly seated. If there's any bend or damage in the connectors, it could cause these issues. CPU and Heatsink: Since you've remounted the CPU heatsink, also ensure that the CPU itself isn't damaged. Overheating could trigger a shutdown, causing the fans to ramp up. Testing Components: Try to test with minimal hardware, for example, just the motherboard, CPU, one RAM stick, and PSU. If it boots up, gradually add components one by one (like RAM, GPU, etc.) to see if one is causing the issue. BIOS Reset: If you haven't done this already, try resetting the BIOS to defaults by removing the CMOS battery for a few minutes, then reinstalling it. If all else fails, it may be time to consider professional repairs or replacing the motherboard if it's found to be faulty. I hope this will help you in your problem.

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Dell precision T5500 freeze after boot and fans ramp up

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