Help with no POST

[makesmefez]

I need help with a Dell Optiplex 3010 that I acquired. Up until last weekend, I was using it strictly to stream content to my television. It is a pretty fresh install, very minimal use/software other than streaming.

Last weekend, it began locking up and going to BSOD. Critical error. I opened it up, blew it out, and reseated RAM, and then it had no POST at all. No video, nothing. It has error indicator lights on the front, which flashed lights 3 and 4. Dell support materials say this is a RAM problem. I switched known good RAM into the machine(3 different sticks) and nothing changed. It is under warranty, so after talking with support, they agreed that it was a motherboard issue, and sent me a new motherboard. I installed this last night.

Nothing changed, other than the flashing 3 4 error lights are now solid 3 4 error lights. I changed to different RAM sticks. Same situation. All the wiring seems ok, and in the right places. The hard drive spins. Just no POST. I'm at a loss.

So what else could it be? Can a weak power supply cause this? Or a failed processor (it is an intel core i5)? I dont really want to fight with DELL support to get more parts shipped. I'm completely open to suggestions.

 

[Ketchup]

Dell support is probably going to ship what they think needs to be shipped. So any suggestion as to what part is causing this would probably fall on deaf ears with them.

The only thing I would suggest is that, since their first part replacement did not fix the issue, they should just send you a replacement system entirely.

 

[Virgorising]

Dell support is probably going to ship what they think needs to be shipped. So any suggestion as to what part is causing this would probably fall on deaf ears with them.

The only thing I would suggest is that, since their first part replacement did not fix the issue, they should just send you a replacement system entirely.

:thumbsup:

And, if you hang in calmly, bet they will. Dell support is worldclass. No way should you be having these issues with yr new Optiplex!!!!

I am amazed they send you a new board for YOU to install; very unusual they would give that assignment to an owner.

 

[Gunbuster]

Dell rarely outright replaces a system. If things get really bad I've seen them send a "hero kit" that's basically a sack full of every single FRU for the system.

 

[makesmefez]

:thumbsup:

And, if you hang in calmly, bet they will. Dell support is worldclass. No way should you be having these issues with yr new Optiplex!!!!

I am amazed they send you a new board for YOU to install; very unusual they would give that assignment to an owner.

I was kind of surprised they would do that too. Happy though. It is incredibly easy to switch out.

Anyway, I got back to them on a chat support. From what I described, they think the motherboard they sent me is DOA. So they are gonna send me another one, with new memory. I hope it works this time.

 

[Smoove910]

Next time you are on the phone with them, let them know your hourly rate for component installation.

Basically put, it's not your damn job to get a box under warranty back in working order.

 

[Virgorising]

I was kind of surprised they would do that too. Happy though. It is incredibly easy to switch out.

Anyway, I got back to them on a chat support. From what I described, they think the motherboard they sent me is DOA. So they are gonna send me another one, with new memory. I hope it works this time.

I am not in the least surprised. Dell, via the determination of Michael Dell....has evolved some the best CS on the planet.

What does surprise me, since i am a rabid fan of the Optiplexes, am on my new/used 980 right now....is you got a bad board in the first place. the Optis are made to last. And, to be worthy of they who are in charge of such big purchases, making those purchases en masse.

I think you are doing great, with great attitude, and Dell will see you thru on this so you end up with the healthy Opti you deserve.

And, the Optis have excellent interactive tools for IT pros and Dell to diagnose remotely. If U enable them, I mean. But, obviously, not with a system which won't even POST.

Also as you now know, meticulously engineered diagnostic lites.

Re replacement, I know from a friend who only buys lappys....they will indeed do a replacement when necessary.

 

[makesmefez]

Just an update on this for anyone who cares:

I received a second motherboard and replacement memory, installed them, and still have the came error, no POST and 3-4 diagnostic lights illuminated when its powered on.

Dell is now sending me another motherboard(the third), a power supply, and an I/O panel replacement.

I'm happy to get the replacement parts, but damn... wouldn't it have been simpler and more cost effective to just send a new PC by now?

 

[Virgorising]

Just an update on this for anyone who cares:

I received a second motherboard and replacement memory, installed them, and still have the came error, no POST and 3-4 diagnostic lights illuminated when its powered on.

Dell is now sending me another motherboard(the third), a power supply, and an I/O panel replacement.

I'm happy to get the replacement parts, but damn... wouldn't it have been simpler and more cost effective to just send a new PC by now?

For your remarkable patience, I am sending you a Ferrari.()

Yes, you are being logical re they should have replaced the whole puppy. but, remember, you are now coming to that in retrospect. I think initially, for Dell, shipping costs both ways might have been an issue.....so they went the most logical, cost efficient route re parts. After all, it's not a lappy.

Again, it is very rare you get a bad Optiplex.

Can't wait to see what this ends up having been!!!!

 

[makesmefez]

Well, I got my third motherboard, a new front i/o, and a power supply. Installed them all.. same error, no post.

So, back to dell support. They agreed to send a processor, as that and a power button were the only things left. But they would not let me install it myself. Had to have a local repair company come and do it. Which is odd, because i have switched the current processor to three different motherboards now.

Anyway, the repair place called, and showed up with a new processor (intel i5).
Installed in 5 minutes, worked perfectly.

Done deal. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[Virgorising]

Well, I got my third motherboard, a new front i/o, and a power supply. Installed them all.. same error, no post.

So, back to dell support. They agreed to send a processor, as that and a power button were the only things left. But they would not let me install it myself. Had to have a local repair company come and do it. Which is odd, because i have switched the current processor to three different motherboards now.

Anyway, the repair place called, and showed up with a new processor (intel i5).
Installed in 5 minutes, worked perfectly.

Done deal. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

OUTSTANDING!!!!

And anyone who disses Dell....I do not wanna KNOW. They arranged for an actual professional human to show up and do do this? A MAZZZZZZING.