Question CPU and motherboard for Dell T5820

[jamesdsimone]

Got to getting my Dell T5820 up and running. I out fitted it with a W-2145 and 4x16gb SK Hynix Supermicron PC2666 ECC DDR4. But when I booted it up I got no POST screen no video nothing except the fans spinning up. I have read that different MB part numbers only support certain CPU's. Of course Dell makes no mention of that which is one of many reasons I hate Dell. I found this guide.

Precision T5820 Hardware Upgrade Guide and Gaming Computer - Green PC Gamers

The Precision T5820 has all the base components to be converted into a high-end gaming computer. The Precision T5820 is a single socket Xeon based workstation. The T5820 Supports up 512GB DDR4 2933Mhz memory and 4 x 3.5″ Hard Drives. The T5820 also has an optional 950W Power Supply that...

www.greenpcgamers.com

The problem is my MB part number doesn't match any of those listed. Anyone have any knowledge about this. Dell's website is less than useless.

 

[Shmee]

Any bent pins? Try to clear CMOS? Also what GPU are you using? If I were you, I would return it to the seller if you cannot get it working.

 

[jamesdsimone]

Any bent pins? Try to clear CMOS? Also what GPU are you using? If I were you, I would return it to the seller if you cannot get it working.

I'd have to pull the CPU. I tried 2 different Quadro 2000's. I'd have to look at the cards to give you an exact model. I'll try clearing the CMOS. I only payed 130.00 for it. Between shipping and the time and effort of returning it it would be barely worth it.

 

[Steltek]

What is the part number on the motherboard? It should be on a white sticker on the edge of the motherboard.

If it isn't either X8DXD or 02KVM (which is what you need to use that processor), you can get a replacement T5820 motherboard that supports your processor on eBay for about $40

 

[jamesdsimone]

What is the part number on the motherboard? It should be on a white sticker on the edge of the motherboard.

If it isn't either X8DXD or 02KVM (which is what you need to use that processor), you can get a replacement T5820 motherboard that supports your processor on eBay for about $40

It's X30MX. Any idea which CPU's I can use? There is zero information on Dell's website. It will be a lot easier to change the CPU than the motherboard. I changed the CMOS battery still no POST/video. I can get a new CPU just want to be sure that's the problem.

 

[Steltek]

I came across a Geekbench score for a tested Dell Precision 5820 here. It shows the tested system configuration has motherboard model 0X30MX with a Xeon W-2255 10-core CPU installed.

As a result, I feel it is safe to presume that your system board likely only supports W-22XX series Xeon processors. A used W-2235 6-core will set you back $110+tax on eBay, with the 8-core W-2245 running close to $300.00 for the CPU alone. The 10-core W-2255 will set you back $400-$500. Those Xeons aren't worth the price in my opinion (i.e. the 8-core W-2245 is approximately performance equivalent to a 6-core Ryzen 5-5500).

Since you already have a CPU, a motherboard swap at $40 would thus be far more cost efficient. There is a video on Dell's 5820 service page here showing how to swap the motherboard.

Additionally, if there is still a Dell service tag sticker on the case, you could enter it at Dell's 5820 support site here by clicking on the blue button to get the original configuration of that system as it was shipped by Dell. This would probably include the original CPU that was installed in it (which, I suspect, will be some form of W-22XX processor).

Have you checked the system diagnostic lights per the preboot blinking power button assement shown here? If it is a CPU issue, power button will probably blink 2 amber, 1 white.

 

[jamesdsimone]

As a result, I feel it is safe to presume that your system board likely only supports W-22XX series Xeon processors. A used W-2235 6-core will set you back $110+tax on eBay, with the 8-core W-2245 running close to $300.00 for the CPU alone. The 10-core W-2255 will set you back $400-$500. Those Xeons aren't worth the price in my opinion (i.e. the 8-core W-2245 is approximately performance equivalent to a 6-core Ryzen 5-5500).

I have been looking around. You are right. Looks like the motherboard takes the W-22xx Xeon's. Kind of annoyed with the seller not indicating that in their listing. The W-22xx's are way over priced. I'm not paying 300.00+ for an outdated CPU. 40USD is about right for a used Xeon. Kind of defeats the purpose of tinkering with budget systems. The seller probably pulled the CPU and listed it separately for 300-400 dollars. I already messaged them for a replacement board.

 

[Steltek]

I have been looking around. You are right. Looks like the motherboard takes the W-22xx Xeon's. Kind of annoyed with the seller not indicating that in their listing. The W-22xx's are way over priced. I'm not paying 300.00+ for an outdated CPU. 40USD is about right for a used Xeon. Kind of defeats the purpose of tinkering with budget systems. The seller probably pulled the CPU and listed it separately for 300-400 dollars. I already messaged them for a replacement board.

A large majority of the people selling refurb Dell workstations probably have no clue that Dell restricts CPU changes on those machines to certain motherboards. So, it is always a buyer beware situation with Dell Precisions.

Dell could almost certainly easily support additional CPUs with a simple BIOS update (i.e. there probably isn't enough TDP difference at the socket between the W-21XX and W-22XX to make a difference); however, if they did that, then Dell wouldn't have the opportunity to screw customers over by forcing them to buy a whole new workstation.

 

[jamesdsimone]

Dell could almost certainly easily support additional CPUs with a simple BIOS update (i.e. there probably isn't enough TDP difference at the socket between the W-21XX and W-22XX to make a difference); however, if they did that, then Dell wouldn't have the opportunity to screw customers over by forcing them to buy a whole new workstation.

I've played with Dell/HP/Lenovo. Lenovo is by far the best. They use a proprietary PS but you can get up to 900w with 2 8 pin PCIe connectors. HP is pretty good, the biggest pain is they use a proprietary 5 pin CPU fan header which makes upgrading the CPU cooler a pain. PS's are ok and there are cables so you can use a standard ATX PS if you want. Then there are Dell's which have crap like limiting which CPU's you can use. I checked before buying and their CPU compatibility list makes no mention of it.

 

[Steltek]

I've played with Dell/HP/Lenovo. Lenovo is by far the best. They use a proprietary PS but you can get up to 900w with 2 8 pin PCIe connectors. HP is pretty good, the biggest pain is they use a proprietary 5 pin CPU fan header which makes upgrading the CPU cooler a pain. PS's are ok and there are cables so you can use a standard ATX PS if you want. Then there are Dell's which have crap like limiting which CPU's you can use. I checked before buying and their CPU compatibility list makes no mention of it.

I believe you can also get a 900 watt PSU module for your 5820 if you ever need it for a high end GPU. Best thing to do with purchasing refurb Dell systems is to get the Dell service tag from the system seller before purchase so you know precisely what you are getting.

Personally, I won't touch HP enterprise stuff anymore on principle since they required overpriced system support contracts to simply do BIOS updates on some equipment. I'd have paid a reasonable fee, but HPE's definition of reasonable wasn't even in the same planetary system with my definition so away it went.

 

[jamesdsimone]

I believe you can also get a 900 watt PSU module for your 5820 if you ever need it for a high end GPU. Best thing to do with purchasing refurb Dell systems is to get the Dell service tag from the system seller before purchase so you know precisely what you are getting.

Personally, I won't touch HP enterprise stuff anymore on principle since they required overpriced system support contracts to simply do BIOS updates on some equipment. I'd have paid a reasonable fee, but HPE's definition of reasonable wasn't even in the same planetary system with my definition so away it went.

The one I got has a 950w power supply with 2 PCIe 8 pin that I made sure of. I just didn't know about this idiotic CPU issue. I certainly would not buy any of these new. I never expected any support from HP so it wasn't a consideration.

 

[jamesdsimone]

Since you already have a CPU, a motherboard swap at $40 would thus be far more cost efficient. There is a video on Dell's 5820 service page here showing how to swap the motherboard.

Ended up getting a replacement MB for 35USD. It wasn't worth the aggravation to try to get a replacement from the vendor. Changing the MB was a royal pain since Dell shoe horns everything in. I haven't installed the CPU yet, I'll do that tomorrow. This better solve the problem.

 

[jamesdsimone]

Well booted up and nothing. Blank screen no beep codes. The power button LED shows one amber blink then solid white which is supposed to be normal operation. I replaced the stock CPU cooler and used a 4 pin to 5 pin adapter and splitter cable for 2 fans. Could that keep it from posting. I'll try a different video card but shouldn't any of those issues give beep error codes?

 

[igor_kavinski]

What's the new mobo model number?

 

[jamesdsimone]

What's the new mobo model number?

It's a 0X8DXD which is supposed to be compatible with W-21xx CPU's. I specifically ordered that P/N and confirmed that is what is written on the MB. I contacted the vendor who I bought the W-2145 from and they told me they tested the CPU as working before shipping.

 

[Steltek]

Yeah, 0X8DXD is definitely a compatible board for that CPU. And, a single amber blink followed by a solid white power switch definitely indicates that you have a normally functioning machine (Dell has used that combo for years to denote a normal boot and operational state).

I am presuming any and all required power connectors are solidly plugged into the GPU, and that you have the video cable plugged into the right ports on the GPU and monitor ends, and that the monitor has power.

If so, in this instance, you may actually have a working machine but a BIOS setting may be interfering with the boot process. Specifically, it is a known thing for some Dells (even though it shouldn't make a difference) to have issues booting after changing a GPU if the Secure Boot option is enabled in the BIOS. Since you have no way to determine the BIOS settings (or, for that matter, what GPU was installed previously) on the board, you may need to try to reset the BIOS.

Try to clear the CMOS memory by:
1) unplugging the machine from the wall,
2) momentarily jumping the motherboard CMOS jumper pins with a screwdriver, and
3) plug the power back in at the wall and try to power it on with the GPU installed.

Hopefuly, you'll get a screen display.

If it still boots to a black screen, try the following:
1) unplug the machine at the wall,
2) push and hold the power button for 30 seconds,
3) remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard,
4) again push and hold the power button for 30 seconds,
5) replace the CMOS battery into the motherboard, and
6) plug the machine back in at the wall and try to power it up again with the GPU installed.

Hopefully, one of these two procedures will clear the BIOS settings and allow you to boot with a working display.

Once you are up and running, it might not be a bad idea to replace the CMOS battery as it could be approaching 7 years old depending upon when the system was manufactured.

 

[jamesdsimone]

I am presuming any and all required power connectors are solidly plugged into the GPU, and that you have the video cable plugged into the right ports on the GPU and monitor ends, and that the monitor has power.

The video card doesn't need a power connector but I'll try a different card then change the battery and reset the CMOS.

 

[jamesdsimone]

CMOS battery was only showing 2.5v so replaced it. I tried turning it on with the side cover off and it showed 4 amber and 7 white which is the correct error message for side panel being off.

 

[jamesdsimone]

Try to clear the CMOS memory by:
1) unplugging the machine from the wall,
2) momentarily jumping the motherboard CMOS jumper pins with a screwdriver, and
3) plug the power back in at the wall and try to power it on with the GPU installed.

Hopefuly, you'll get a screen display.

If it still boots to a black screen, try the following:
1) unplug the machine at the wall,
2) push and hold the power button for 30 seconds,
3) remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard,
4) again push and hold the power button for 30 seconds,
5) replace the CMOS battery into the motherboard, and
6) plug the machine back in at the wall and try to power it up again with the GPU installed.

I've tried both of these procedures and I still don't get any video output. I've used 3 different video cards. I get 2 amber blinks and then solid white on the power button LED. 2 amber blinks and one solid white seems normal. The CPU and video card fans spin up. There are no beep codes when I power it on.

 

[igor_kavinski]

There are no beep codes when I power it on.

Did you by any chance blow dust off it using a hair dryer or a blower or something like that?

 

[jamesdsimone]

Did you by any chance blow dust off it using a hair dryer or a blower or something like that?

No the interior was clean. It was a bare bones system so no CPU or memory. I'm using SK Hynix Supermicro PC2666 ECC memory. That is pretty mainstream memory. I replaced the CPU cooler with a Noctura. That is the only changes I made.

 

[Steltek]

Now, I'm just throwing things at the wall as the prior 5820s I had didn't have this particular issue and I don't have one of them for reference anymore.

Out of curiosity, how is your video card outputting to your monitor? Are you using HDMI or Displayport? I never saw it myself, but I very vaguely recall reading something somewhere about some 5820 BIOSes having issues with DP connections. Try connecting it via HDMI or even VGA if your alt card has the output.

Also, have you tried moving the video card to another slot? I'd suggest trying PCIE slots 2 or 4.

You might also pull out two of the DRAM sticks while troubleshooting.

 

[tcsenter]

OK two mobos not working. Time to consider another potential culprit. e.g. CPU?

 

[igor_kavinski]

Maybe try non-ECC RAM too?

 

[Steltek]

OK two mobos not working. Time to consider another potential culprit. e.g. CPU?

The original motherboard he had was incompatible with his CPU via artificial BIOS limitations by Dell, so you can't necessarily make that assumption.

Funnily enough, the power button LED diagnostics indicate the machine is working normally.

@igor_kavinski, it might be worth trying non-ECC memory. However, these things are also very picky about memory compatibility, so I don't know if it would make a difference or not.