computer wont start
 

I am having a problem with my Dell Dimension 5000. I tried the power button but nothing happens at all except the button is flashing amber. I have opened the computer up and with the power cable plugged in an LED on the motherboard is lit up called AUX_PWR. I tried the paperclip test on the PSU with the CD-ROM drive plugged in and the drive opened and closed. But when plugged into the motherboard nothing happens apart from the LED. Could it be a dead motherboard? I had no warning signs of failure, it has just happened out of the blue this afternoon.

Re: computer wont start
 

Paperclip test on the PSU???

Re: computer wont start
 

Too many possibilities to be sure. First off I'd suggest taking a careful look at the motherboard for any swollen or blown capacitors.

Re: computer wont start
 

Have you checked the oil levels?

Re: computer wont start
 

Agreed. It's a Dell thing if you experience the dreaded blinking orange power light, make sure to check your motherboard for blown capacitors

Re: computer wont start
 

had a look at the motherboard the capacitors look normal.

Re: computer wont start
 

It looks like this machine dates back to about 2005. At that sort of age I'd be looking initially at the power supply as a possible culprit followed next by motherboard. Googling this model throws up some reports of strange corrosion on the motherboard but at this stage I'm still going to go for failing PSU as most likely.

Re: computer wont start
 

Normally you bridge the power good signal to one of the 5v AUX inputs, this kicks the PSU into life. Handy for testing a PSU if you want to diagnose a possible faulty PSU (you should though disconnect the PSU from the board first otherwise you could make the situation worse)

Re: computer wont start
 

The "paperclip" method should not be used too often as it is a hard short, and not a soft semiconductor short it normally expects.

Re: computer wont start
 

As it's detecting a logicgate signal (5v) the paperclip short is irrelevant.. There's little current flowing.

Re: computer wont start
 

Most of the time the amber light indicates a power supply problem.

Re: computer wont start
 

computer said no!

lame joke, sorry. anyway have you opened up the PSU and looked at the caps? if in fact they are gone then don't bother buying a cheap replacement as you'll be better off trying your hardest to replace the blown cap, seriously good quality PSU or don't bother at all.

Re: computer wont start
 

That'll only tell you if the PSU turns on, and nothing about whether each of the half dozen different power lines are actually working.

Re: computer wont start
 

If i was to purchase a new PSU what are my options? will i have to buy the exact same version same wattage etc or can i upgrade to a newer higher wattage as long as it has the correct motherboard connector?

Re: computer wont start
 

Anything with the correct motherboard connector.