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PC Woes!

  • 26-03-2009 2:33am
    #1
    dub45
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 12,448 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    Have a Dell XPS420 just over a year old - turned it on this evening and was greeted with what sounds like a fan gone mad loud 'wind' noise and nothing else.

    Anybody any suggestions as to what the problem might be?


Comments

  • #2
    esskay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 220 ✭✭esskay


    On a lot of PC's the fan speed is controlled by the motherboard/bios. when the pc turns on the fans start at full speed and then the motherboard kicks in and sets the speed.

    To troubleshoot it remove/disconnect all components from the motherboard (processor, RAM, HDD, CD/dvd-rom, etc) and power it on again. If the motherboard is functioning normally you should get an error (beeps). If it does beep power it off and put in the processor (and heat sink of course). Power it on again, there should be a different set of beeps now (due to lack of ram). Next insert the ram and see if the bios loads (if you don't have on board graphics just power it on and see what happens, it should slow the fans down to normal speed if it is working). Next fit the graphics card and then all the other components one at a time and see if any of the stop your pc from booting. If one does you have found your problem.

    If the motherboard does not beep with no components installed there is a very good chance you need a new motherboard.

    If you need help you can find all the manuals for your pc here.

    Best of luck,
    Esskay


  • #3
    dub45
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 12,448 Mod ✭✭✭✭dub45


    Thanks for the prompt and helpful reply. I should have mentioend that the fan starts 'wailing' as soon as I turn on the power at the socket - in other words the power switch at the front seems bypassed? Would that help narrow it down at all?


  • #4
    esskay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 220 ✭✭esskay


    Again, when you power on you pc at the wall the motherboard is what controls it. If there are leds on your motherboard the will be lit as soon as it has power. Then when you press the power button you instruct the motherboard to power up the rest of the pc. From what you say it does indeed sound like you motherboard is the problem. The troubleshooting tips I posted above should give you a definitive answer. I have seen problems before like this caused by a faulty processor but it is rare so troubleshooting is your best bet. If the PC is under warranty or you are not sure about removing the components you may be best to leave it alone and log a call with Dell support incase you invalidate your warranty or get a local computer company to have a look at it.

    Hope this helps,
    Esskay.


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