Hey guys, sorry I haven't been on lately. School functions are a horse.

Anyway, I have a "client" whose computer recently would not boot up after shutting down. He is relatively accessible, and I'll be checking out his computer tomorrow and Wednesday of this week, and I was hoping that by Wednesday I'd have a final action in mind.

His computer boots, but there are absolutely no beep codes. When plugged in, the light on the motherboard is correct (the computer in question, by the way, is a Dell Dimension E510, Power Supply Unit is Dell Model CX305N-00 at 305W), but the power LED on the front blinks a very dim orange every few seconds. My diagnosis was that his PSU was likely dead or underpowered, but since I don't know if his computer is under warranty (I have his service tag and express code, and will be contacting Dell on his behalf to verify this, but as it stands I want to assume what is replaced will fix it). I would like to know all possible tests to perform to verify the issue all at once (in one trip, can record the results and such but my trips are limited to tomorrow and Wednesday).

My tests thus far have been removing a significant amount of dust from within his chassis, and reseating the memory (using the eraser-trick), as well as switching which PCI port his internal modem connected to. I plan to do the paper-clip test tomorrow on the Power Supply Unit, but would like other possible diagnoses to examine.

The client in question does not want a replacement part ordered until it can be verified as closely as possible that this is the necessary replacement to make.

Thanks for any suggestions and overlooking i may have done,
Rodents210.

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Hi it sounds like a Power Supply Unit issue to me.

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I thought so. It seems to be letting through barely enough power for the LEDs, but the suddenness of its occurrence made me wonder if I overlooked any other possibilities.

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Dust-- as you know... is not good for cooling-- and "stock" Power Supply Unit's-- are often "just barely enough"... so it could easily be affected.
That Dell Power Supply Unit is not exactly a strong one to begin with...
Dell E510 and HD 3850 - [H]ard|Forum

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I'll run the test and make sure they get their replacement, then. If the component is still covered, I don't plan on recommending the purchase of a new Power Supply Unit. The way those Dell cases are designed, management would be hell. I'm not looking forward to installing the replacement into that thing as it is. xD;;

Anyway, thank you. I also will look into some other PSUs (hopefully with memory combos), in the event the warranty is expired.

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Yes i remember Dell cases

I would not throw too much money-- if it's off warranty-- you could get them a refurb or a build-kit at Tiger Direct... with specs that would blow that one away... for dirt cheap

Intel Core 2 Duo Barebone PC, Intel Core 2 Duo Barebone Computer Kit at TigerDirect.com

Barebone, Barebones, Barebone Computer System Kit, Barebone Kits, PC Barebones, Asus Barebone Kits, Barebone PC, Shuttle Barebone Kits. Mini Barebone PC at TigerDirect.com

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The most resource-intensive thing they do on that computer is play The Sims 2, and I have never heard a complaint for speed. As long as they are perfectly happy with their computer (other than this, of course) I don't plan on recommending a new build. I wasn't going to try and get them a higher wattage, but it doesn't look like it's necessary because their warranty still has a good 18 months left in it.

At this point, the only thing I am worried about is any chain-damage that the Power Supply Unit might have caused... Well, that's not exactly the truth. I'm not looking forward, at all, to having them call Dell for their new part. I'd be happy to be upfront with Dell and get them their component, but they're the type of people who'd want to handle that phone call themselves, and to be honest I've never had a replacement case with Dell that wasn't like pushing a stone up a hill. They can't understand a word you're saying, vice-versa, their diagnostics software doesn't detect a thing, and you can't get to a supervisor without at least an hour on hold (last time we called--and it was last time for a reason--my grandmother was on hold with them for almost 5 hours).

Well, rant over. I'll get back when the part comes and gets installed and mark the thread accordingly then.

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We actually used to have a Dell customer service rep-- who stopped in here... and was quite helpful a few times. I have not seen him in a while, though.

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Dell has good tech support, but if something needs replacing, the convenience drops from there.

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The problem indeed was the Power Supply Unit. It has been replaced and the computer is functioning; nothing was damaged when the unit died.

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