Is the Dell desktop PC failing to turn on?
Is the Dell desktop PC failing to turn on?
Dell Alienware Aurora R7
i7-8700
2 x16gb 2666 ddr4
1tb M.2 SSD
1070
850w original psu
Hello everyone, I was wondering if someone could check whether my PC is still saveable or not, and if there are any suggestions to try in order to fix the issue.
The system has been shutting down randomly for a few days—sometimes when under load, sometimes not. I think the problem might be related to the side panel that isn’t properly clipped.
Yesterday it again stopped unexpectedly, this time during low load. Usually I wait a few seconds before turning it on and it works fine. This time it didn’t, so I disconnected all connections (USBs, etc.), rearranged the RAM, and restarted. It now brings up the Windows recovery screen, but after half a second the lock screen disappears.
I removed the CMOS battery for 5 minutes, changed the RAM slots again, and tried another stick of RAM (same specs), but it doesn’t boot into BIOS anymore—it shows an amber light followed by a pause, then another pause, then goes blue. It still powers on the PSU, fans spin, and the PSU lights up.
When trying to turn it on, it rapidly switches between amber and off without any input—likely changing speed about four times per second. Occasionally it turns blue, which is the warning state after amber, then it stays off for a short time before shutting down suddenly. Usually the fans run at a high setting during these periods.
Currently, the PC no longer responds to the power button. The PSU test button works, and I tried removing the GPU, replacing the CMOS battery, but it remains mostly unresponsive. When plugged in for a while, it sometimes flips between off and on a few times per second, just like before. However, it occasionally turns blue, stays off briefly, then powers off abruptly.
Also, I left it unplugged overnight without any change.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
TLDR
Not responding to power button
Replaced RAM and removed connections
Swapped CMOS battery
PSU test works, fans spin, lights green
Unusual on/off pattern
This PC is affordable, has worked well for over six months, but I’m open to ideas if anyone has any.
i think their OEM power supply is finally giving up.
they tend to be among the least expensive and lowest quality choices in these prebuilt setups.
i would begin by disconnecting all components (every cable) and taking everything out of the case.
then reassemble the system on a non-conductive flat surface such as cardboard.
if you can find any compatible parts (other systems, friends, family, etc.), replace each one individually until you identify the source of these problems.
or you could take components to a local shop for testing.
The motherboard seems to have typical connections for most components except the power button area. It might have a unique proprietary connector that Dell prefers. You could likely fit an ATX standard power supply there. Make sure to verify the case size before proceeding.