PSU Failure?

sigmae · 07-01-2009, 02:51 PM

Hi, today when I went to turn on my computer, something odd happened. The screen was blank (no POST or not even BIOS) and the 4 Led's on the back of my system were all off. My computer is a Dell Dimension 4700 (specs to follow).

The odd thing is that my intake fan is spinning at max speed without stop and the front LED is a steady amber. I followed all the basic steps and ensured my PSU was at the right voltage, reinstalled all memory modules, and took out my gaphics card and connected my VGA to on board graphics. I even took out all unnecessary PCI cards, USB devices, and sound.

The power supply is sending power as in the off position there are some LEDs on the mobo that are on and shining green. What can the problem be?

Thanks for any help!

Specs:
Pentium 4 520 w/HT
1GB DDR2-400MHz RAM (4 x 256)
160GB HD (Sata I)
On Board graphics (I took out my 8600 GT PCI-E x16)
IDE DVD Burner and DVD Drive and Floppy

**wrench97** · 07-01-2009, 03:08 PM

Try clearing the CMOS but a lot of the time an amber front light and not lit led diagnostic lights on the back is either a power supply or motherboard failure sometimes both.
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1052769

sigmae · 07-01-2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrench97

Try clearing the CMOS but a lot of the time an amber front light and not lit led diagnostic lights on the back is either a power supply or motherboard failure sometimes both.
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1052769

Thanks for the quick reply!

I reset the CMOS, but the same problem occurred. The problems are exactly the same. I'm guessing either my PSU or Mobo are done? If so how could I pinpoint the problem?

Thanks again!

**wrench97** · 07-01-2009, 03:59 PM

Easiest way if you have access to one is to swap in another PSU if not, and you have a digital volt meter> Test your power supply with a multi meter

**FreoHeaveho** · 07-02-2009, 01:43 AM

http://www.webmadeeasy.net/ComputerD....htm#wp1054081

07-01-2009, 02:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
sigmae Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Windows XP SP3	PSU Failure? Hi, today when I went to turn on my computer, something odd happened. The screen was blank (no POST or not even BIOS) and the 4 Led's on the back of my system were all off. My computer is a Dell Dimension 4700 (specs to follow). The odd thing is that my intake fan is spinning at max speed without stop and the front LED is a steady amber. I followed all the basic steps and ensured my PSU was at the right voltage, reinstalled all memory modules, and took out my gaphics card and connected my VGA to on board graphics. I even took out all unnecessary PCI cards, USB devices, and sound. The power supply is sending power as in the off position there are some LEDs on the mobo that are on and shining green. What can the problem be? Thanks for any help! Specs: Pentium 4 520 w/HT 1GB DDR2-400MHz RAM (4 x 256) 160GB HD (Sata I) On Board graphics (I took out my 8600 GT PCI-E x16) IDE DVD Burner and DVD Drive and Floppy Last edited by sigmae; 07-01-2009 at 02:59 PM.

07-01-2009, 03:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,592 OS: Win7	Re: PSU Failure? Try clearing the CMOS but a lot of the time an amber front light and not lit led diagnostic lights on the back is either a power supply or motherboard failure sometimes both. http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1052769 __________________ Power Supply and Selection

07-01-2009, 03:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,592 OS: Win7	Re: PSU Failure? Easiest way if you have access to one is to swap in another PSU if not, and you have a digital volt meter> Test your power supply with a multi meter __________________ Power Supply and Selection

07-02-2009, 01:43 AM	#5 (permalink)
FreoHeaveho TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 3,213 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 64 SP2, Windows XP Professional SP3, Mac OSX Leopard My System	Re: PSU Failure? http://www.webmadeeasy.net/ComputerD....htm#wp1054081 __________________ PC Wizard-VGA 2009 Charts-Power Supply Info-Multi/Single Rail PSU?-Speedfan-Driver Sweeper