UNSOLVED
4300 dead
My co-worker had a Dell Dimension 4300 that was about 2 years old and died from a power surge. He gave it to me for free, along with his new copy of win XP that he just bought 2 weeks before the power surge.
The computer will not power up at all, no diagnostic lights, and two leds flashing on MOBO. So I figured a new power supply, maybe a a different MOBO will fix it. I buy a new power supply and nothing changed. I get a used MOBO on Epay that had a COU in it, now it will power up but the screen stays blank, and the power button is a solid yellow. There are no diagnostic lights on the back lit up
I get a different video card and still will not display. The power button is glowing a steady yellow, the fans are running, the hard drive shows activity at start but there is nothing on the screen.
I try different RAM, take battery out to reset bios, reseated the processor and still no luck. Naturally the seller on Epay says it worked just fine when he removed it.
Should I try another MOBO and CPU or just throw this thing away?
The computer will not power up at all, no diagnostic lights, and two leds flashing on MOBO. So I figured a new power supply, maybe a a different MOBO will fix it. I buy a new power supply and nothing changed. I get a used MOBO on Epay that had a COU in it, now it will power up but the screen stays blank, and the power button is a solid yellow. There are no diagnostic lights on the back lit up
I get a different video card and still will not display. The power button is glowing a steady yellow, the fans are running, the hard drive shows activity at start but there is nothing on the screen.
I try different RAM, take battery out to reset bios, reseated the processor and still no luck. Naturally the seller on Epay says it worked just fine when he removed it.
Should I try another MOBO and CPU or just throw this thing away?
shesagordie
12 Elder
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46017 Posts
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Posted January 23rd, 2007 03:00
SO2315A solid amber, usually means a failed motherboard. Sometimes this can be resolved by unplugging the power cord and press and hold power button for 15+- seconds, then replug the cord and turn on as usual. But, in most cases you need to replace the motherboard.You could try removing all the PCI cards, the video card and memory, disconnect the data and power cables to all the drives, then check that the front panel cable is connected to motherboard, with nothing else connected to the system, except the power cable, power the system on. If you do not get any beep codes or no LEDs in the back, then it would appear that motherboard has died.A new Dell OEM D-4300 motherboard can be purchased for $69.99, free S&H, from here,
This model was made by Dell about five years ago, not two. Personally, I would think twice about putting any more money into a system this old.Bev.===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.- Did that with no luck. Also removed all memory and other cards to see if it beeps, which it did not. The led light on the MOBO is also solid amber, no green on it. The diagnostic lights are also dead.
I tried reseating the CPU, tried the other CPU and it reacts the same. When I power it up, the cd light flashes, the hard drive light flashes, then it just sits there with a solid amber light on the power switch. ManyDimensions
1318 Posts
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Posted January 23rd, 2007 08:00
Bev is right.....but....Before you start chucking parts out the window or buying new, try these inspections.Carefully remove all devices and cables from the motherboard. You can leave the CPU and heat sink in place.Remove the motherboard from the computer case.Carefully inspect the case where the motherboard was attached. You are looking for signs of arching to the case. If yes, discard the motherboard and case. This means the pror surge warped the case chassis.Visually inspect the bottom of the motherboard for signatures of arching or burned traces.Visually inspect the top of the motherboard looking at all the capacitors for signs of bulging, splitting, or burnout. If yes, discard the motherboard.If nothing is noted the motherboard may still be usable, but likely not.The next test is to reassemble the motherboard into the case chassis making sure there is no contact between the case chassis and motherboard except at the mounting points.Install one known good memory module of correct specification for this computer.Install one known good video adapter card (even if the motherboard has onboard video)Install front panel connector and PSU connections. Nothing else.DO NOT ATTACH ANY DRIVES, ACCESSORY CARDS, OR OTHER CABLES TO THE MOTHERBOARD.With the case still open, attach the power cord but DO NOT PRESS ON/OFF BUTTON.The staus lights on the back should momentarily flash and there should be a green glowing LED lamp lighted on the motherboard. If not. Stop right here.If you have stopped at this point. Re-evaluate your investment in this comptuer. It is likely the installed motherboard is bad and a new replacement motherboard may not be the only issue you will face. If this is a just for the fun-of-it project, then get-er-done!Let us know by posting back.
mombodog
2 Intern
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12735 Posts
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Posted January 23rd, 2007 02:00
Message Edited by mombodog on 01-22-200710:56 PM