If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Dell Precision: troubleshoot random electric discharge
Hello,
Every now and then I hear some electric sparkling/discharge coming from the chasis of my Dell Precision 670 ... are there any steps or hints to troubleshoot this by myself? how to find what kind of cable is loose or otherwise if this is due to accumulated static charge? or shall I just contact Dell to send me a technitian? I have no warranty coverage anymore .... 6 years old machine. I upgraded it couple of years ago to have the dual core MOBO and upgraded the CPUs to Paxville 2.8Ghz DC.. but I didn't upgrade the VRM though, would this be the reason? otherwise it works ok ... TIA, Best regards, Giovanni |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Dell Precision: troubleshoot random electric discharge
Hi!
Every now and then I hear some electric sparkling/discharge coming from the chasis of my Dell Precision 670 ... are there any steps or hints to troubleshoot this by myself? Make sure the power cord is securely connected to the back of the system. That's the only thing that springs readily to mind, because I've had that happen when a power cord was loose. Try another cord set if the trouble persists, and make sure the outlet you are using is properly grounded. You may also wish to examine the internal power connectors. Each one should be snug-to-tight in terms of fit. Anything that's loose indicates a problem, but usually the voltage and current drawn aren't enough to result in audible arcing. In the absence of any evidence to the contrary, I would believe that the VRM is the same for CPUs that this machine supported. Still, you might look for signs of distress--darkened parts, bloated capacitors, etc. You may also try operating the system in a darkened room. If something is arcing internally, that may reveal the cause. Dell may not have anyone left who knows how to work on that computer any longer. Even if they did, you will pay a fortune for their services. William |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Dell Precision: troubleshoot random electric discharge
On 9/7/2010 4:03 PM, William R. Walsh wrote:
Hi! Every now and then I hear some electric sparkling/discharge coming from the chasis of my Dell Precision 670 ... are there any steps or hints to troubleshoot this by myself? Make sure the power cord is securely connected to the back of the system. That's the only thing that springs readily to mind, because I've had that happen when a power cord was loose. Try another cord set if the trouble persists, and make sure the outlet you are using is properly grounded. You may also wish to examine the internal power connectors. Each one should be snug-to-tight in terms of fit. Anything that's loose indicates a problem, but usually the voltage and current drawn aren't enough to result in audible arcing. In the absence of any evidence to the contrary, I would believe that the VRM is the same for CPUs that this machine supported. Still, you might look for signs of distress--darkened parts, bloated capacitors, etc. You may also try operating the system in a darkened room. If something is arcing internally, that may reveal the cause. Dell may not have anyone left who knows how to work on that computer any longer. Even if they did, you will pay a fortune for their services. William It's not just the cost of the services. It nearly a 100% certainty that Dell has no spare parts fir the Precision 670. On the other hand, if someone in the United States has need for Precision 670 parts, I know where I can get my hands on them (probably for cheap), from 670's removed from service. I have not done any care and feeding of 670's, because they generate enough heat to keep ones house warm in winter. Very smooth running dual Xeons, though... Ben Myers |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Dell Precision: troubleshoot random electric discharge
Ben Myers wrote on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:36:12 -0400:
{...} because they generate enough heat to keep ones house warm in winter. Very smooth running dual Xeons, though... Ben Myers I *love* old electronics that doubles as a space heater in the winter! My old Tektronix o'scope from '69 is just wonderful in this regard! Dims all of the lights in the house when you hit the power switch too. LOL -- Bill Asus EEE PC 702G4 ~ 2GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC Ubuntu 9.10 Netbook Remix Linux |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Dell Precision: troubleshoot random electric discharge
On 9/7/2010 6:22 PM, BillW50 wrote:
Ben Myers wrote on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:36:12 -0400: {...} because they generate enough heat to keep ones house warm in winter. Very smooth running dual Xeons, though... Ben Myers I *love* old electronics that doubles as a space heater in the winter! My old Tektronix o'scope from '69 is just wonderful in this regard! Dims all of the lights in the house when you hit the power switch too. LOL I can get you some Precision 670's at a great price. You can do SETI computations and keep your house warm all at the same time, and still have enough CPU cycles left for some fast web surfing. Just say the word, tell me how many, and pay the (substantial) freight. Could also ship you a pallet load to save on per unit shipping costs. The Tektronix and a Precision 670 make a great pair... Ben |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Dell Precision: troubleshoot random electric discharge
On 9/7/2010 9:14 PM, Ben Myers wrote:
On 9/7/2010 6:22 PM, BillW50 wrote: Ben Myers wrote on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:36:12 -0400: {...} because they generate enough heat to keep ones house warm in winter. Very smooth running dual Xeons, though... Ben Myers I *love* old electronics that doubles as a space heater in the winter! My old Tektronix o'scope from '69 is just wonderful in this regard! Dims all of the lights in the house when you hit the power switch too. LOL I can get you some Precision 670's at a great price. You can do SETI computations and keep your house warm all at the same time, and still have enough CPU cycles left for some fast web surfing. Just say the word, tell me how many, and pay the (substantial) freight. Could also ship you a pallet load to save on per unit shipping costs. The Tektronix and a Precision 670 make a great pair... Ben And then there are the new-build desktops with dual core 1.6 Atom CPUs and the new low-power Intel D510 chipset. Put a pair together this past week. Four screws to mount the 6 inch square motherboard. I doubt that they draw more than 30w with the hard drive and CD burner going at full tilt. Quiet. Cooling fans never came on despite 90 degree temperatures. Powerful enough to do most run-of-the-mill office and web tasks easily and quickly. But, NO-O-O-O! Everybody gotta have the fastest baddest i7... Ben |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Dell Precision 420 | Bryan | Homebuilt PC's | 0 | May 2nd 08 10:28 PM |
Dell Dimension 8200- Random Artifacts & characters on Dell splash screen?? | James | Homebuilt PC's | 4 | December 6th 04 06:46 PM |
Dell Dimension 8200- Random Artifacts & characters on Dell splash screen?? | James | Dell Computers | 5 | December 6th 04 06:46 PM |
Please help troubleshoot my Dell XPS | VMB | Dell Computers | 6 | May 6th 04 03:09 AM |
DELL owned by General Electric ? | RS | Dell Computers | 8 | April 23rd 04 06:31 AM |