Alienware Aurora R7 not turning on

Question

Hello, I have had my R7 for around 5 years. It has worked well since I got it, and the only modifications I've made have been adding more RAM and an SSD. I use this computer daily. Last night I turned it off (admittedly I often leave it on overnight), and this morning it would not turn on. The light on the back has not turned on, and it behaves as if it is not connected to power at all.

I have done basic diagnostic stuff such as verifying the power cable and outlet are working and opening it up to check that connections are secure. I've tried using the button on the back, things such as holding the power button while plugging it in, and others things that I've seen online with no signs of life.

I am wondering what my next course of action should be. There are some local computer repair shops I could bring it to, but I would like to be cost effective and am unsure if dell might be of help. My warranty expired in 2019. I am concerned that it is a PSU issue because the light stays off and never turns green, but frankly I don't know enough about computers to be sure that this is the issue.

Thanks

jmeyer2030 · Accepted Answer

I have resolved this issue.Since the BIST wasn't turning the LED on, it seems pretty clear that the PSU wasn't working based on other things I have read online about this. I went to best buy and got a EVGA 850 BQ power supply. I got it set up and the computer is now working! It came with all the cables I needed and more which was awesome. I'm not sure that that was the most optimal PSU to get, but it works. I have also been noticing some of the issues that I was having before being resolved, such as random crashes. I probably saved around $100 in diagnostics and labor by going this route so I'm elated.For other people that have this issue and the BIST isn't turning the light green, I would recommend buying a new power supply and hooking it up yourself. I dislike that Dell recommends sending it in for diagnosis when that will cost more money and time than you likely need to spend when the repair is something you can likely do yourself. There are some good videos on YouTube about how to do this, and it probably won't take much more than an hour to replace the PSU.

Vanadiel · Answer

Try unplugging from the wall, removing the cr2032 battery from the mobo, pushing the power button for 5 seconds, then putting it back together. If you have a spare cr2032 battery replace it instead with a new one. The battery might be dead.

Removing Coin Cell Battery

JOcean · Answer

@Vanadiel is spot on with that advice. I am wondering though, if you press the button on the PSU the green light should come on and you should hear the fans start up. From your comments it would appear that is not happening. Can you confirm that? This Dell support page has more information.

(edited)

Chino de Oro · Answer

Possible that your power supply is dead. Review this YT video to get some idea about replace/upgrade your power supply without having deal with repair shop.

A standard ATX power supply with 140 mm depth with fit as OEM. Select a modular type to use only the cables you need for better cables organization.

jmeyer2030 · Answer

@Vanadiel​ Thank you for the quick response, I replaced the PSU and it is now working.

jmeyer2030 · Answer

@JOcean​ Thank you for the response. That would be correct. I think the key in this issue is that the button did not do anything for the fans and light. I got a new PSU and the computer now works.

jmeyer2030 · Answer

@Chino de Oro​ Thank you, that is exactly what I did. Saved a bunch of money and time not dealing with a repair place

JOcean · Answer

@jmeyer2030​ Happy to help out!

Vanadiel · Answer

Ah yes, I had that happen myself a few times. I find PSU's after 5 years or so start getting out of spec on the 12 volt rail. Random crashes are the warning signs.

I was able to troubleshoot that myself by observing the voltages while using the system, and seeing it drop out of spec under load. With these system you unfortunately cannot see it because they don't have the sensors that retail boards have.

Good thing you have a PSU with a BIST button!

Alienware Desktops

Alienware Aurora R7 not turning on

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