T3600 will not turn on

Question

I have not used my PC for the last two days and now it won't start. Pressing the power button does nothing - no leds light up etc. However, after opening the case, I have noticed that the radiator on the motherboard was quite warm - so there must have been some kind of power supply working, I guess. I have found this old topic :https://www.dell.com/community/Desktops-General-Read-Only/T3600-will-not-power-on/td-p/4606829 Following those instructions I have pressed the tiny button on the back of the unit. Green light on the PSU does light up and so do the fans. Does this mean that somehow my motherboard gone faulty or can I do some further test to see what is going on?

I have also noticed that when I reconnect the power cable the "1,2,3,4" LEDs a the front light up for a very short time - amber colour.

Any suggestions are welcome...

bradthetechnut · Accepted Answer

Green light on PSU simply means it has power according to one of our Rockstars. If any of the 1 2 3 4 lights would stay on, that would mean something. It would also mean something if the power light turned orange. It sounds like either a dead MB or PSU, more likely the MB, but can't diagnose from here.

A few things to try - reseat CPU and try it. Reseat RAM chips one at a time and try to power on after each one. Remember to unplug in between. If you can, make sure it's not the HDD. Those are a few things I would try before considering having a pro technician fix or a newer computer.

T3600 Owner's Manual

T3600 Diagnostic Lights page 51

bradthetechnut · Answer

The T3600 is 7 yrs. old and the life of the CMOS battery is around 5.  A low battery can cause all sorts of bizarre problems.  If it's low, it's a cheap fix.  Lithium is recommended vs. alkaline.  I'd be remiss if I didn't mention it.

mglowka · Answer

Thanks for your suggestions. I have sent it to the repair shop in the meantime. They've confirmed it's a motherboard so it is going to be replaced.

bradthetechnut · Answer

You're welcome. :Smile:

Precision Fixed Workstations

T3600 will not turn on

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