Greatone1601

Check the sequence of the four Diagnostic Lights on the back panel, the XPS G3 Troubleshooter is HERE.

Bev.

I did. no lights at all which indicates a pre-bios error...the fan just kicks on full blast over the heatsink, and nothing....i wonder if the processor or the mobo are done.

Greatone1601

If you are comfortable working around computers, you could try the following:

Note: The only 100% method of testing a PSU, is to install a know working power supply.

Unplug the cord from the power supply, hold the power button in for about 15/20 seconds, open the case, unplug the 24-pin power connector from the motherboard and jump the Green wire to one of the Black wires, reconnect the power cord and power the system, if power supply's fan and the hard drive run, then the PSU should be good.

Note: Do not remove any wires from the plug, use a small piece of wire or a paper clip as a jumper.

Power supply checks out and the system still does not work, again remove the power cord, hold the power button in for several seconds to discharge the residue power, reconnect the 24-pin connector to the motherboard.

Remove all the PCI cards, the video card [if applicable], memory, all peripherals, disconnect the data and power cables to all the drives, check that the front panel cable is connected to motherboard, with nothing else connected to the system, reconnect the power cable and power the system on.

If you do not get any beep codes and/or there is no change in the diagnostic lights, then it would appear that the motherboard has died.

Bev.

I am plenty comfortable and will try that. However if the powersupply is no good, why would the fan power up at such high levels of power like  a vaccuum cleaner? I'm thinking of taking the 10k raptors out, the video card, sound card, and recycling the rest. Its not worth spending money on fixing it I got my use out of it.

Greatone1601

I agree with you about the power supply, but to check the motherboard, a 'know' working power supply must be used.

Bev.

I may go back to this problem and try to fix it....I think the processor has failed or the mobo...it's an Extreme Edition P4 which I know runs very hot....and I used it for gaming for endless hours...I think something just went. How could I figure if the mobo or the P4 is no good?

Greatone1601

The only method, I know of checking a processor, is to install it in another compatible system, or try a different processor.

Maybe another member has a better idea.

Note: Processors very rarely fail.

Bev.