New (Refurb) Computer's Ports Not Working

[agaetis]

I just got a scratch/dent Dell Studio XPS 8100 and it seems like the DVI and HDMI ports aren't working on either the computer or the monitor (Asus VH222H). The VGA ports work on both, which I'm using right now.

My question is if there's any easy way to test the ports and how likely it would be that the cable itself is causing the problem instead of the ports (I only have one set of cables and most of the people I know only have laptops, which makes it hard for me to get another without actually buying them).

Thanks.

Edit: I just did a little more searching and it seems like it might be an issue with the settings for the video card(s), does it seem like that might be it? The processor (which I think has an on-board video card) is the Intel Core i5-650M and the video card is 1024MB nVidia GeForce GT 22.

I also found a difference in the types of DVI cables (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DVI_Connector_Types.svg). Which one of these should I be looking for in a DVI-DVI connection?

 

[agaetis]

Any ideas?

 

[Swampster]

Go back to the people you bought it from. There should be at least a 90 day warranty on a rebuilt unit.

 

[RebateMonger]

I also found a difference in the types of DVI cables (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DVI_Connector_Types.svg). Which one of these should I be looking for in a DVI-DVI connection?

I can't imagine anyone making a DVI-D (digital-only) connector these days. I haven't seen one in years. Most DVI video cards come with a DVI-to-VGA (analog) adapter.

 

[Gunbuster]

I find it hard to imagine that both video card and monitor are bad. You need to go over to a friends house or find a store that will let you test each individually (PC and Monitor) on known good hardware and cables.

 

[13black]

You want a DVI-D to go from the video card to your monitors DVI connector. Dual link I believe is only is only required for very high resolutions. A DVI-I cable will most times plug into the video card but not the monitor. A DVI-I male will not plug into a DVI-D female connector.

 

[13black]

I can't imagine anyone making a DVI-D (digital-only) connector these days. I haven't seen one in years. Most DVI video cards come with a DVI-to-VGA (analog) adapter.

Thats true for most dedicated video cards that support more than one monitor. On some low end motherboards however, they split the single Video out into a VGA and DVI-D connector instead of giving you an adapter. The onboard video only supports one monitor and connecting a DVI to VGA adapter to the DVI connector won't work. In this case I wouldn't expect that to be the case but the owners manual should spell it out.

 

[agaetis]

I also just started getting the BSOD when awakening it from hibernation, so I guess I'll send it back to Dell. Hopefully their return service is somewhat fast.

 

[Lanyap]

I also just started getting the BSOD when awakening it from hibernation, so I guess I'll send it back to Dell. Hopefully their return service is somewhat fast.

If you call Dell tech support and they determine it's a hardware problem like a bad video card then they will send someone out next day to repair/replace. If you call Dell customer support and request a replacement system then it may take several days to a week to receive the replacement. They will try to find an equal or better replacement in the current refurb inventory. I just went through both scenarios recently.

 

[bamacre]

If you call Dell tech support and they determine it's a hardware problem like a bad video card then they will send someone out next day to repair/replace. If you call Dell customer support and request a replacement system then it may take several days to a week to receive the replacement. They will try to find an equal or better replacement in the current refurb inventory. I just went through both scenarios recently.

Yup. And FYI, that model comes standard with a 1yr on-site warranty.