Possible motherboard fault--help appreciated

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soliphony

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#39967 21-Aug-2009 20:41

Hi all, first-time poster, long-time reader.

I have a problem with my Dell desktop computer that I thought someone here may be able to help me with.

Currently when I turn on my Dimension 4700 it either:
1. Power light stays orange and CPU fan goes full-bore; or
2. Starts up as normal, but freezes part-way through loading windows and nothing responds.

So, I'm thinking there's something wrong on the motherboard. From what I've read there is a temperature sensor that could be faulty, so before I run off and spend more money, I'd like to confirm if there's a cheaper fix.

Does this make sense to anyone? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers in advance.

Regs

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Snowflake

#249543 21-Aug-2009 20:58

can you get into the BIOS and try to disable the temperature/overheating settings?

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soliphony

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#249546 21-Aug-2009 21:06

Just checked the computer, but seems to only want to turn the fan on at the moment so I can't access the BIOS.

I'll keep trying but the majority of the time it doesn't start up at all.

Regs

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Snowflake

#249549 21-Aug-2009 21:22

try taking the memory out and restarting. you should start getting some memory error beeps. if you dont get beeps, then that would indicate a more serious problem.

if you have more than one stick of memory, try taking it all out and leave only one stick in. if you still have problems, swap it for the other stick. if the computer boots ok with only one stick then its a good bet that your memory is faulty.

also try unplugging the power from everything except the HDD (i.e. disconnect FDD, CD, extra HDDs etc). see if that makes any difference. If you have another power supply to test with, do that - a failing power supply can cause the sort of issues you are seeing too.

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Snowflake
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soliphony

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#251367 28-Aug-2009 16:24

Been out of town for a few days so have only had the chance to try some things today.

I unplugged all the RAM and tried starting it up. I got no beeps, just the usual CPU fan going hammer and tongs.

To cover a few more bases I unplugged all but one HDD, one stick of RAM and video card, but the problem persists. I haven't currently got another power supply, but I'll see if I can find one to test with.

Thanks for the help so far.

Regs

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Snowflake

#251398 28-Aug-2009 18:09

no ram should result in beeps (unless no speaker/beeper attached). it shouldnt matter if a HDD is attached or not. perhaps your CPU socket has bent pins on it? or maybe there are cracks in the tracks in the motherboard?

following are some links from intel on identifying motherboard problems and preventing damage:

customer induced damage:
http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-030063.htm

preventing physical damage:
http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-021626.htm

Sales Engineer
Snowflake
www.snowflake.com

about.me/nzregs
Twitter: @nzregs