Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    #21
    Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

    I've seen caps in GX270 towers fail before - even on stock systems.
    I doubt you pushed it over it's limits, you just discovered what was inevitable.

    Comment


      #22
      Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

      i think the main problem was then cheap caps and the cooling-but i think with a little better cooling they would last longer.
      but ibm is dumb too. ive seen sff ibm p4s with bulgy lytics right next to the heatsink (which was getting very hot since one of the 2 fans cooling the hs failed woulda been nice to put polymers right next to the heatsink

      Comment


        #23
        Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

        Originally posted by shovenose View Post
        i think the main problem was then cheap caps and the cooling-but i think with a little better cooling they would last longer.
        but ibm is dumb too. ive seen sff ibm p4s with bulgy lytics right next to the heatsink (which was getting very hot since one of the 2 fans cooling the hs failed woulda been nice to put polymers right next to the heatsink
        Dell boards are custom ordered from Intel.
        Intel doesn't use cheap caps. - Ever.

        MANY Dells do have heat issues.
        Mann-Made Global Warming.
        - We should be more concerned about the Intellectual Climate.

        -
        Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

        - Dr Seuss
        -
        You can teach a man to fish and feed him for life, but if he can't handle sushi you must also teach him to cook.
        -

        Comment


          #24
          Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

          not true, had a something-80 here the other day.
          it had a few no-name 85' 22uf caps in it.
          one was ruptured and causing random lockups.

          most of the caps were ruby's but there were still a few crap caps.

          Comment


            #25
            Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

            The GX270 systems actually run quite cool and quiet, even with 3Ghz P4 in.
            I think it depends on the OEM of the PSU. I've seen the PSUs fail in the GX260 towers too - I'd consider those basic (useless - no SATA) compared to the GX270.

            The PSU in the GX270 next to me is full of OST - not bulging, but they rarely do. If it stops working I'll recap it - I have two more Antec EA-380 to do first.

            Comment


              #26
              Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

              Originally posted by GX270_user
              I probably just pushed something over the edge by booting with the 300 GB Maxtor hooked up and from that point forward it would not even come up cleanly with just the MoBo and a 3 1/2" floppy attached ...
              I doubt it. Dell OEM PSUs are built very well. The extra load from hard drive or two would never kill them. With that said, it's very likely that the caps failed even before you connected the Maxtor hard drive.

              Originally posted by GX270_user View Post
              will probably pick up a Thermaltake TR2 today at Fry's simply because it's available locally and looks like the better choice at Fry's and given the from factor it has to fit into (a Dell GX270).
              Just make sure it will fit in your case. I have a TR2 as well (XP550-NP 430W) and it's about an inch longer than most power supplies due to the dual-fan design.

              Recently, I also had to replace the power supply in a Dell GX240. The case for the GX240 had a grille in the back where the PSU was mounted so most of the ATX power supplies that were available at the stores wouldn't fit because they all had power switches or the power connector was at the wrong place. Had to find another Dell, HP, or Compaq OEM (which I did - used on Craigslist for $5 ).

              By the way, for how much are you getting the TR2? Reason I'm asking is because most places will sell it for usually ~$40. Microcenter often has it for $25 or $30 after rebates.

              Originally posted by GX270_user
              I get time, I'm going to recap the old Dell OEM PSU too; it looks like a Hipro given the Dell part number and it looks reasonably well built/designed ...
              Yes, the OEM Dell PSUs are really well built indeed (large heatsinks, good AC filtering, etc.). They're usually made by Delta, Lite-ON, or HiPro. Just look up the UL number online (the one that starts with E and has 6 digits after it).
              Delta UL number - E131881
              Lite-ON UL number - E132068
              Chicony Power (HiPro?) UL number - E143709

              And definitely recap it, because it's likely a good power supply (you don't need to replace the big 200v caps, though). In fact, I recommend doing that rather than buying a new power supply. Post some pictures too, if you can. Also, what brands are the caps that failed?

              The bad PSU in the GX240 I mentioned above was a Chicony Power 250W. Had a 5vsb failure (problem yet to be found). I got another Chicony Power 200W from Craigslist for $5 which had a bad Teapo before the MOSFET on the 3.3v rail. That one was an easy fix.

              Comment


                #27
                Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                Originally posted by stj View Post
                not true, had a something-80 here the other day.
                it had a few no-name 85' 22uf caps in it.
                one was ruptured and causing random lockups.

                most of the caps were ruby's but there were still a few crap caps.
                Bullshit.
                Intel has a company mandate. - Jap caps only.
                The fact that you can't ID them doesn't change that.
                Mann-Made Global Warming.
                - We should be more concerned about the Intellectual Climate.

                -
                Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

                - Dr Seuss
                -
                You can teach a man to fish and feed him for life, but if he can't handle sushi you must also teach him to cook.
                -

                Comment


                  #28
                  Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                  Originally posted by seanc View Post
                  The GX270 systems actually run quite cool and quiet, even with 3Ghz P4 in.
                  I think it depends on the OEM of the PSU. I've seen the PSUs fail in the GX260 towers too - I'd consider those basic (useless - no SATA) compared to the GX270.

                  The PSU in the GX270 next to me is full of OST - not bulging, but they rarely do. If it stops working I'll recap it - I have two more Antec EA-380 to do first.
                  Agree. - PSU might have a lot to do with it.

                  Who made the one with OST?
                  Mann-Made Global Warming.
                  - We should be more concerned about the Intellectual Climate.

                  -
                  Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

                  - Dr Seuss
                  -
                  You can teach a man to fish and feed him for life, but if he can't handle sushi you must also teach him to cook.
                  -

                  Comment


                    #29
                    Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                    Originally posted by momaka View Post
                    Yes, the OEM Dell PSUs are really well built indeed (large heatsinks, good AC filtering, etc.). They're usually made by Delta, Lite-ON, or HiPro. Just look up the UL number online (the one that starts with E and has 6 digits after it).
                    Delta UL number - E131881
                    Lite-ON UL number - E132068
                    Chicony Power (HiPro?) UL number - E143709

                    And definitely recap it, because it's likely a good power supply (you don't need to replace the big 200v caps, though). In fact, I recommend doing that rather than buying a new power supply. Post some pictures too, if you can. Also, what brands are the caps that failed?
                    Also NPS. [Newton Power]
                    NPS is likely better than than the others.
                    The NPS I've pulled apart have been all Rubycon/Nichicon/Chemicon caps.
                    Mann-Made Global Warming.
                    - We should be more concerned about the Intellectual Climate.

                    -
                    Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

                    - Dr Seuss
                    -
                    You can teach a man to fish and feed him for life, but if he can't handle sushi you must also teach him to cook.
                    -

                    Comment


                      #30
                      Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                      Originally posted by momaka View Post
                      I doubt it. Dell OEM PSUs are built very well. The extra load from hard drive or two would never kill them. With that said, it's very likely that the caps failed even before you connected the Maxtor hard drive.


                      Just make sure it will fit in your case. I have a TR2 as well (XP550-NP 430W) and it's about an inch longer than most power supplies due to the dual-fan design.

                      Recently, I also had to replace the power supply in a Dell GX240. The case for the GX240 had a grille in the back where the PSU was mounted so most of the ATX power supplies that were available at the stores wouldn't fit because they all had power switches or the power connector was at the wrong place. Had to find another Dell, HP, or Compaq OEM (which I did - used on Craigslist for $5 ).

                      By the way, for how much are you getting the TR2? Reason I'm asking is because most places will sell it for usually ~$40. Microcenter often has it for $25 or $30 after rebates.


                      Yes, the OEM Dell PSUs are really well built indeed (large heatsinks, good AC filtering, etc.). They're usually made by Delta, Lite-ON, or HiPro. Just look up the UL number online (the one that starts with E and has 6 digits after it).
                      Delta UL number - E131881
                      Lite-ON UL number - E132068
                      Chicony Power (HiPro?) UL number - E143709

                      And definitely recap it, because it's likely a good power supply (you don't need to replace the big 200v caps, though). In fact, I recommend doing that rather than buying a new power supply. Post some pictures too, if you can. Also, what brands are the caps that failed?

                      The bad PSU in the GX240 I mentioned above was a Chicony Power 250W. Had a 5vsb failure (problem yet to be found). I got another Chicony Power 200W from Craigslist for $5 which had a bad Teapo before the MOSFET on the 3.3v rail. That one was an easy fix.
                      On the Good News front - The Thermaltake TR2 430W PSU is on sale at CompUSA for $10 off regular price (the 'instant rebate' trick) and a further $15 off via mail-in rebate ... so $39.99 will turn into $24.99 (after mail-in rebate and 6 weeks wait) ...

                      The tin snips (or a chassis nibbler) will be called upon to open up the area where the power switch is on the back of the TR2, I tried it for fit yesterday, to make sure that's all that's needed there.

                      I'll probably bench test the Dell PSU then too, like you say, looks well-built and caps replacement is pretty easy (beats the effort required to replace a BGA anyday!) ... I want to see what the issue is (chance to get some 'flight time' on a PC PSU on a bench as well). I suspect that the 5VSB is soft ... as the 'always on' LED on the MoBo pulsates during this odd behavior.


                      On the 'differential diagnosis' on killing the Dell PSU: Prior to booting with the HD hooked up I had successfully booted to DOS 6.2 via the floppy a couple times just to make sure things were working at that stage ... then tried bringing up PC with the Maxtor HD attached and that 'did her in' ... past this point the 270 wouldn't even boot with just the floppy attached!

                      Also - this PC was in storage for the past 2 yrs (by me) and prior to that I suspect they ('work') got rid of it b/c of some issue (maybe it failed to come up then too with a HD attached?) ...


                      I'll keep plugging away at this, I haven't had an excuse for looking at PSUs, caps and all this kind of technology in awhile since other PCs are working - I find that it's only when things *don't* work that one sometimes finds time to explore and research a subject like PC power supplies


                      Thanks for the pointers too.

                      Jim

                      Comment


                        #31
                        Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                        Originally posted by PCBONEZ View Post
                        Dell boards are custom ordered from Intel.
                        Intel doesn't use cheap caps. - Ever.
                        I had a Dell GX260 with a 2-piece mobo made by Foxconn, and the mobos of my GX270s were by Asus

                        Comment


                          #32
                          Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                          Foxconn builds for Intel. [Intel requires Foxconn use Jap caps in their orders. Foxconn doesn't always on "not-for-Intel" boards.]
                          Dell contracts Intel to provide mobos. Some of them get built by Foxconn.
                          - That's WAY WAY old news.

                          GX270 boards weren't built by Asus, just Intel/Foxconn.
                          You may have found some GX270 cases where someone played presto-change-o with the mobos.
                          Highly likely as the GX270 carried the bulk of the HN/HM issue and boards were tough to find for a while.

                          .
                          Last edited by PCBONEZ; 08-29-2010, 05:27 PM.
                          Mann-Made Global Warming.
                          - We should be more concerned about the Intellectual Climate.

                          -
                          Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

                          - Dr Seuss
                          -
                          You can teach a man to fish and feed him for life, but if he can't handle sushi you must also teach him to cook.
                          -

                          Comment


                            #33
                            Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                            Originally posted by momaka View Post
                            Post some pictures too, if you can. Also, what brands are the caps that failed?
                            Been a busy week here, and lots of progress made.

                            First, some pictures of the swelled (several) and leaking (1) caps from the Dell Model HP-P2507FWP:



                            Leaking cap:



                            Swelled caps:


                            I'll have to oen it back up to get the manufacturer's name ...
                            Attached Files
                            Last edited by GX270_user; 09-05-2010, 08:59 AM. Reason: Typo

                            Comment


                              #34
                              Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                              Originally posted by momaka View Post

                              Just make sure it will fit in your case. I have a TR2 as well (XP550-NP 430W) and it's about an inch longer than most power supplies due to the dual-fan design.
                              That's a good point, this TR2 is longer as well, but, by proper placing of the power supply cables I managed not to block the fan and also not get the cable crushed by the backend of the CD-ROM drive.

                              It took some nipping of the sheet metal with a nibbling tool and then the AC power switch on the PSU was no longer obscured/covered up.

                              Some pics - first, the still bits nibbled away, plus that some pieces (one piece of plastic) from that little 'arm' inside the PC that used to 'hold' the Dell PSU in place:




                              Rear PC opening nibbled to accomodate AC power switch:




                              Thermaltake TR2 430W fitted into new opening:





                              And - the GOOD NEWS is the GX270 came up with the HD attached now ... the new OS was installed without a hitch and the GX270 is back in 'service'. I owe this success in good measure to the resources, the information, the people of badcaps.net - thanks guys, I would have been lost without reading about the experiences others had with these PCs. Thanks again.

                              Jim
                              Attached Files
                              Last edited by GX270_user; 09-05-2010, 09:18 AM. Reason: Add

                              Comment


                                #35
                                Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                                nicely nibbled

                                @PCBONEZ: my intel d955xbk that got killed when my thermaltake tr2 430w (COUGH COUGH GX270_USER) blew up, well it had 3 junfu caps on it. way over by the sata ports so not completely perfect

                                Comment


                                  #36
                                  Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                                  .
                                  Nice job GX270_user!
                                  You kept it all purdy and everything!
                                  .
                                  Mann-Made Global Warming.
                                  - We should be more concerned about the Intellectual Climate.

                                  -
                                  Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

                                  - Dr Seuss
                                  -
                                  You can teach a man to fish and feed him for life, but if he can't handle sushi you must also teach him to cook.
                                  -

                                  Comment


                                    #37
                                    Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                                    Originally posted by shovenose View Post
                                    @PCBONEZ: my intel d955xbk that got killed when my thermaltake tr2 430w (COUGH COUGH GX270_USER) blew up, well it had 3 junfu caps on it. way over by the sata ports so not completely perfect
                                    I can't say anything about current thermaltake offerings because I haven't looked at any.
                                    Mann-Made Global Warming.
                                    - We should be more concerned about the Intellectual Climate.

                                    -
                                    Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

                                    - Dr Seuss
                                    -
                                    You can teach a man to fish and feed him for life, but if he can't handle sushi you must also teach him to cook.
                                    -

                                    Comment


                                      #38
                                      Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                                      i meant i found the JUN FUs on the intel mobo by the sata ports-the psu was a whole different story

                                      Comment


                                        #39
                                        Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                                        Intel doesn't use Jun Fu or any other non-Jap cap so either it wasn't an actual Intel board or some misguided moron tech put them there.
                                        .
                                        Mann-Made Global Warming.
                                        - We should be more concerned about the Intellectual Climate.

                                        -
                                        Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

                                        - Dr Seuss
                                        -
                                        You can teach a man to fish and feed him for life, but if he can't handle sushi you must also teach him to cook.
                                        -

                                        Comment


                                          #40
                                          Re: Dell Optiplex SX280 Weird problem!!!!

                                          well they were on there. i cant argue with that? do you want a picture?

                                          Comment

                                          Working...
                                          X