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May 17th, 2024 18:39
Dimension 8300 Power Supply issue
I have an old (very) Dell Dimension 8300 I use exclusively offline for CAD. It's been a stalwart until this morning. I went to turn it back on and nothing. No power on light, no fan, etc. When I open it up there is one tiny green LED lit when plugged in on what I assume is the motherboard. Can anyone please help with diagnostic advice? Is the PSU bad?
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RoHe
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May 17th, 2024 19:15
The LED on the motherboard means it's receiving "flea" power from the PSU so PSU is getting power from the outlet, but flea power isn't enough to boot the PC. That LED should be on 24/7 whenever PC is connected to a working outlet.
If you use a power strip, surge protector or uninterruptible PSU, remove them and plug PC directly into a working outlet. Then disconnect all external devices, except mouse, monitor and keyboard. See if PC boots now.
Look at diagnostic LEDs on back of PC. (See page 54, here.) They may not be on if PC's power button is off after you press the power button. But check and note error code, if any.
You could test the PSU with a small multi-meter or by doing the "paperclip" test. Follow instructions carefully. If this isn't something you can do yourself, maybe you have geeky friend who can help...
If PC passes the paperclip test, it's still possible the PSU is faulty, or the PC's power button module failed. Here's a replacement button module, but check around for better prices...
Most standard generic ATX power supplies, with a 20-pin or 20+4-pin main motherboard connector, with or without it's own on/off switch, can be installed in the D-8300. If you use a PSU with its own switch, you will have to modify the back panel of the case, by cutting a hole for the switch. You should get one that's at least 450W.
And then there's the question about how much money you want to put into a PC that's ~20 years old...