Power on from a 'cold' start

Question

I have a Dell XPS 8910.  The desktop restarts without any issues.  When it is turned off completely it will not start when the power button is pressed.  I have replaced the power button and the CMOS battery.  The issue still persists.  When I push the power supply reset button the fan spins up.  I can then press the power button and it initially goes orange and then white and the pc powers on.  The pc works normally other than the issue at startup after a complete shutdown.  I suspected that the issue was the power  supply.  I purchased an aftermarket power supply from Amazon, but the power supply connection for the motherboard did not match the board, so I returned it.  I am at a loss for what to do at this point.  Do I continue to use the pc as is and look towards buying a new one or do I try and find a repair solution?

Charlie Shaw · Accepted Answer

I have replaced the power supply.  I ordered one from Dell.  The initial one arrived damaged in shipment.  The second one arrived yesterday and I installed it.  Everything now appears to be working properly.

ProfessorW00d · Answer

Not sure what PSU you purchased from Amazon but the XPS 8910 has a standard ATX format power supply. You would need an EPS 8-pin (4 + 4) for the CPU and the SATA Slimline adapter if you have an optical drive. Only you can decide if it is worth investing in your current PC, or putting those funds towards a newer model.

Charlie Shaw · Answer

@ProfessorW00d​ thank you.  I'm just not certain that the issue is the power supply.

ProfessorW00d · Answer

@Charlie Shaw​   understood . . . which makes your investment decision more difficult. Considering that you found a work-around that does not seem to be too inconvenient, perhaps limp along with that solution until you are ready for a new PC.

RoHe · Answer

Have you actually run the full PSU BIST test for a PC with the PSU button?

Charlie Shaw · Answer

@RoHe​ I believe that I have, but to be honest I am not sure.  Can you possibly provide me with the steps to run a complete test?  When I push the reset button, the led goes to a solid green with no flashes or pattern.

RoHe · Answer

@Charlie Shaw - Full BIST instructions are at the link I posted above...

Other questions:

Are you using a power strip, surge protector or uninterrrupable PSU? If yes, remove those and plug PC directly into a working outlet.

Are you disconnecting PC from the mains after a full power-off shutdown (eg, unplugging PC from wall or turning off a power strip or surge protector)?

Are you sure the motherboard battery is correctly seated in its socket, it's right-side-up, and the battery is good? Don't use a cheap "no-name" battery, like from either of the giant online market places.

Charlie Shaw · Answer

@RoHe​ sorry for the delayed response.  We were out of town for a wedding.  It is plugged into a UPS, but I have tried it without the UPS (a new one) with the same non result.  The battery is properly seated and it is a name brand.  I have completely disconnected it from all power. I gladly welcome any additional ideas/suggestions.

RoHe · Answer

You probably will need to replace the PSU. Read this about replacing the PSU and possible adapter(s) required. There are lots other threads on this same topic too.

RoHe · Answer

Yea!  Glad the new PSU resolved the problem, as I suspected it would...

XPS Desktops

Power on from a "cold" start

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