Dell rebuild

[jmhcs]

I have acquired a Dell 4100 that I believe has a blown motherboard (lightning hit). The post code is "00" when checked with a PCI Post Code Analyzer.

I have acquired an appropriate EPOX motherboard which I am goin to attempt to install. However, I just read that Dell also has a propriatary power supply and although it looks like it will work on a standard ATX mobo, the connecter of the power supply is actually compatible only with Dell.

Anyone know anything about this???:confused: :confused:

[Sterling_Aug]

If it is special, then chage it to a standard power supply.

I got some 300 watt ones from ubid.com for $27 each with shipping.

[jmhcs]

Seems like a good suggestion and I will pursue if neccesary. Are you familiar with the "00" post code??

[murray1]

:t :) :) :t
Check Out This link For BIOS Post Codes

http://www.bioscentral.com/postcodes/dellbios.htm

[jmhcs]

Been there. No reference to post code "00". Thanks.

[omega31]

Found this: Post code of "00" (http://www.bioscentral.com/wbb/thread.php?threadid=545&boardid=6&sid=117e5a5ac63221cf8ff4ebe3292aa999)

And this: http://groups.google.com/groups?q=post+code+%2200%22&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&safe=off&selm=a4c4c1a6.0202230924.6e2b4a0%40posting.google. com&rnum=2

[k8vol]

Most Dell power supplys are for Dell only MOBOs. but think about it that power supply has been stressed so why take a chance with it there is no saving if you kill a new mother board because your trying to save a little on a power supply. good luck .K8vol:)

[Snix]

If you're going to have to replace the power supply because it's only for Dell then you might as well buy a new case and power supply. The new power supply you'll buy probably won't fit the Dell chassis. Plus you're going to remove the fried motherboard.

[jmhcs]

As long as the mobo has standard mounting holes, etc., I believe I can make the new power supply work. Anyone out ther actually done this with a Dell?

[k8vol]

Well I know the power supply is standard atx because my nephew has replace two dell cases with new AMD mother boards and atx power supplies the only thing he had to work thru was the old dell board had a special connect for all the switches and leds on the case. one he made a small pc board with leads coming off that to plug in to the Mobo. (just in case he wanted to reuse the old board) the second one he just cut the wires and added connectors of the right style to it. (I think he got them from digikey a electronic supply house of part and things) both worked out just fine.

[jmhcs]

Just getting back to the rebuild of this Dell.

K8vol - Consider that that Dell may not have a standard power supply, at least in the 4100 series. I have used my ATX power supply testor and the Dell comes up dead. However, I know this one is good.

[k8vol]

well after relooking at my post i see that it's not very clear .
I was trying to say that the dell case will accept a standard ATX power supply .It looks like when you read it that dells power supply are standard they are not! but they are standard atx size. very sorry about that post if you got the assumption from my post. good luck with the up grade in that case.

[jmhcs]

After a few months, got back to this project. This is what I know:

This system may have been subjected to a power surge (via lightning)

1. Dell has a proprietary mobo (not sure of its condition).
2. Dell (after 1998) has a proprietary PSU but this one seems good
3. The POST code comes up as "00"
4. The Clock is working (have a tester)
5. The PSU powers up
6. A little green light in the center of the mobo lights up
7. Power seems to go to the drives
8. The system, although seems to power up, will not boot
9. I have tried different memory
10. I have reseated the CPU

Does it seem feasible the only thing wrong is the BIOS got corrupted. If so, can it be flashed?

If I can flash the bios (don't know how without the "A" drive working), this computer may be salvageable. Otherwise, I will strip out the parts and get all a non-dell mobo and PSU and rebuild.

Any final advice??

[k8vol]

well I would say the mobo is toast or power supply it's best to save what is good and go from there good luck . k8vol. usa.:p

[jmhcs]

Already got it stripped down. I will save the PSU, mem, CD-ROM, etc. and scrap the mobo. No more Dell Rebuilds. They are to proprietary. I have read much about why they are like that but to me it is all B.S. They just want to trap their customers. For the normal user, that may be fine but for the rest of us, it doesn't work. Thanks all.:t :t

[Snix]

Originally posted by jmhcs
They just want to trap their customers. For the normal user, that may be fine but for the rest of us, it doesn't work.

Couldn't have said it any better. ;)

[k8vol]

what processer did that old dell use ?? k8vol usa michigan.:confused:

[jmhcs]

I'm not at that computer right now but I believe it is a PIII Socket 370 933mhz.:)

[mcool61]

You may have already tried it but lightning frequently just damages the modem & if you remove it the rest of the computer works. I've seen it more than once.
Proprietary stuff stinks. I thought about upgrading a compaq once but the more i looked at it the more I thought it smelled so i just got it workin & sent it home.

[jmhcs]

Good suggestion - already been tried. I have used this fix with other computers but this one won't go. The four diagnostic lights on the back the case do not light either which in Dell's diagnostic page, indicates the BIOS is not loading. If I could get that to load, it seems everything would work - but I can't.

Final solution - I ordered a new Socket 370 mobo and will use all the components to put in another case.

Thanks for the suggestion. :t

[sm8000]

Should you want to consider another option, www.pcpowerandcooling.com sells PSU's that are Dell-wired.

[k8vol]

mcmelectronics.com has gigabyte atx MOBO that will run your cpu for 29.95 there in centerville Ohio . Ihave gotten many electronic parts for them over the years and are great to work with it my be a good low cost alternative to reuse the parts you have. good luck .k8vol.

[jmhcs]

sm8000 - Are you thinking this is a PSU problem? I actually seem to have power to the mobo and the fans all work. At least one of the drives seems to be hit with a start-up but doesn't continue. The power light on the front of the computer does NOT come on. Are you thinking this is PSU related?

K8vol - Thanks for the tip. However, I already have a Soyo i815EP Socket370 PIII/Celeron Motherboard ordered at what I think is a good price. I have no idea whether or not this is a good board.

[sm8000]

Originally posted by jmhcs
sm8000 - Are you thinking this is a PSU problem? I actually seem to have power to the mobo and the fans all work. At least one of the drives seems to be hit with a start-up but doesn't continue. The power light on the front of the computer does NOT come on. Are you thinking this is PSU related?

It may be since Dell and the like tend to install PSUs that are just enough to handle what they include in the package, but should you start adding drives then it is not enough. Especially since they are probably generic cheapo units that don't perform very near to their wattage rating. Should you want to upgrade, they want you to buy a new PC! I see that you haven't added stuff but just the same a new one might help you.