Bad MB or PSU?

[feetand nches]

I have a OptiPlex 9010 that's been sitting around for a while and would like to put it to use or sell it after it is fixed, if possible. I would hate to tear it down and sell off the parts as it is still in good shape and better than anything I'm running now. I'm not very good at fixing Hardware because it seems to take more knowledge about how to use a Multimeter and don't really have the work space.
Access Denied

First off the pc don't have an HDD.

Running in Legacy with all the appropriate choices selected.

I put it through all the Dell Diagnostics with no issues.

When I first plug it in one of the fans comes on briefly and then shuts off, which I think is a good clue as to what is gone bad. My opinion is the MB, but I'm not all that knowledgeable. I see MB's are not all that expensive, so that's good.

I tried to boot from a Linux Flash Drive to test out the Hardware but did not see the Temp Boot Order that I'm used to seeing on Dell when Pressing F12. Eventually I figured out that if I changed to boot order and the USB boot device at the top, Rebooted, and waited till I got to a Black Screen that provided a three different options. I don't remember the wording, but they were F1, F2 and F5. I tried all of them and F1 was the only one that allowed me to boot from the Top Boot Device. F2 was of course the BIOS Setup, and F5 did some kind of diagnostics I think. Seems like F1 was telling me to use this to move forward, which it did.

I tried setting BIOS to Defaults which did not work. I then looked and some version of RAID was Enabled, so I set it to AHCI, and tried ATA also. Either way could not get the Temp Boot Order to come up once after many many reboots.

I then thought maybe the BIOS was corrupt, so Flashed to BIOS Successfully from Hirens Boot CD to the newest one. Same situation, no Temp Boot Order.

I don't know where to go from here so any help would be appreciated. Haven't priced the PSU yet because it is so hard to find the write stuff.

Thanks, Nasty7

 

[Ranger4]

It probably will not run without a HDD.

 

[feetand nches]

I don't understand you statement. I run computers all the time without HDD's in them with Linux or some other bootable device to test them? There is something wrong with it, that's why I have it. I'm not wasting time sourcing a HDD and doing an install if it isn't going to work properly, and from what I see it is not correct in the aspects I've mentioned.

 

[feetand nches]

Update: Now after hitting F1 at the Black Screen I get the Nice Temp Boot Order windows that I was looking for...Yea! I rebooted quite a few times but I guess it didn't stick until today.

Now will retest the Fan issue at startup, because I've always believed that the BIOS was corrupt.

Fan issue still exists....arrggg

 

[wither 2]

According to Dell, there are 5 different form factors for 9010. You didn't mention which one you have.

Is the Dell diagnostics you ran the ePAS?

I looked at the manual for one form factor and there's only one system (case) fan. However, the pictures seem to indicate a larger fan on the mobo. Is the system fan running?

 

[feetand nches]

Whoops, I thought that Service Tag specified the Form Factor. It's a SFF with Two Fans, one in the front pulling air in and one pushing out the back off the top of the CPU as you could see in the pics.

Both Fans work and all Dell Diagnostics were done, though not the Long one now that I think about it. I didn't really see the need at the time but I'd better run them Fully. Otherwise the computer runs fine with Linux, or Hirens Boot DVD in. I let it run for at least an hour with Speccy open looking at the temps.

This is the screen I see when accessing the Temp Boot Order, which I've never seen before. Perhaps Just Because the HDD is missing is why I'm seeing this, but never have before. I have to press F1 to move into the Temp Boot Order. I've also never seen a properly functioning computer Fan come on when it is plugged in, albeit briefly. Perhaps the MB is not communicating properly with the Fan.

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[iko22]

...

Both Fans work and all Dell Diagnostics were done, ... I have to press F1 to move into the Temp Boot Order. I've also never seen a properly functioning computer Fan come on when it is plugged in, albeit briefly. Perhaps the MB is not communicating properly with the Fan.

I have seen a computer boot into windows 7, with a malfunctioning PWM controller (and the machine did not over heat). But I don't have Dell diagnostics. So, the question is, does the computer fans function when in Dell diagnostic mode, and malfunction when you access the temp boot order?

What I did was enter BIOS and change the fan controller from PWM to voltage (DC) control. Then the problem was solved, and the computer booted normally. Can you change Fan Setting on the OptiPlex 9010? It wouldn't hurt you to try.

 

[feetand nches]

So, the question is, does the computer fans function when in Dell diagnostic mode?

And malfunction when you access the temp boot order?

What I did was enter BIOS and change the fan controller from PWM to voltage (DC) control. Then the problem was solved, and the computer booted normally. Can you change Fan Setting on the OptiPlex 9010? It wouldn't hurt you to try.

Yes, the fans worked in both scenarios.

I looked at the Fan Settings and all looked normal. I will look at them again with this info and record what they are set at.

I will install an OS of some kind to see if all works and boots normally asap.

I would think there is one little electrical piece soldered in the MB that is causing this Fan to come on when Plugged in.

I would also like to know if the Temp Boot Order access is normal for this computer? as seen in that pic above. If there are too many issues all at once then I may just sell the good components off, but this is an awesome computer as some of you know, so would like to save it if possible.

I wonder if I should post this on the Dell Forums?

Thanks iko22

 

[wither 2]

When I went to the Access Denied link in your original post, I failed to look at the components of your system. Checked it today and it's a Small Form Factor.


In the manual for your system, one accesses the boot options via F12. That's where the ePAS diagnostics are. However, it just says Diagnostics in the original screen.

I have a Dell Precision Work Station. When I press F12 during the memory test, it shows all the drives and BIOS Setup and Diagnostics. I ran the diagnostics but didn't see any checks on the mobo. On the other hand, I aborted the diagnostics when it got to the memory tests. Looks like that will take forever.

You didn't say which fan was stopping. The one on the mobo might be controlled by a heat sensor.

In addition, the troubleshooting section of your manual identifies how you can determine if the PSU failed using the blinking patterns during the startup. Not sure how a system starts to boot if the PSU failed.

iko22 has some good ideas.

As an addendum, the memory tests completed and it asked me if I wanted to do a number of things. I think I selected System Test. In there, it lets you test things based on the problems you're having. One of those is a problem with the fans/overheating. Quite an elaborate test.

I don't have time right now to go back and get the exact path for you. I'll get back to you later.

More information:

I ran the diagostics. It runs one set of memory tests. When done, it asks I want to run more memory tests. I said no.

Then, it says Booting Diagnostic Utility Partion and asks me to press any key to continue.

In the next screen, it has Test Memory, Test System and Exit. I used the tab key to get to Test System and clicked Enter.

It ran through hardware diagnostics. When finished, a Main Menu came up. One of the choices is System Tree which allows your to select tests based on a symptom of the problem. I selected that.

That is where one can select the diagnostic Problems with Fan(s) or System Seems Hot. (use the down arrow key to get to that selection.)

Hope this helps.

 

[feetand nches]

When I went to the Access Denied link in your original post, I failed to look at the components of your system. Checked it today and it's a Small Form Factor.

Good to know, that's what I was thinking, but I'm still trying to get used to all this horrible -IMO- Documentation.

You didn't say which fan was stopping. The one on the mobo might be controlled by a heat sensor.

None are Stopping. The only unusual thing is, when the Tower is unplugged and then plugged back in, the fan comes on Briefly then shuts down after a few seconds. And again, I've never seen a healthy computer do this.

Thanks for all the other info also, I will definitely look at all this Diagnostic stuff again asap.

Just to repeat, all the Dell Diagnostics have been done, but did not do the full set because I don't think there is a Motherboard Test, I don't think it has anything to do with the RAM, fans check out etc. I will look at it again though and perhaps will run it all Fully just to be sure. I normally only use the Full Test for HDD's and Memory...but what do I know LOL.

Don't you guys think my logic is...well...logical? That something on the MB is not working correctly and allowing that fan to start Briefly when the tower is physically being plugged in for the first time. I wonder if that little piece of hardware is removable, as in easily replaceable.

Again, with Speccy open for an hour, all was working perfectly, cool and all else was fine. This was done from Hiren's Boot USB.

Running Linux from a USB was perfect also.

Thanks again guys. This is certainly not a priority so don't waste time with me if you can help others. It's more of a learning project and to also keep this thing out of the Recycle Bin, and perhaps into my personal Lineup. As much as I hate to switch my #2 Desktop over to this machine, it would be an upgrade for sure. My #2 is okay, but this one is smaller, more powerful, has SS USB Ports in front and back, and in better general shape all around. My #2 Desktop is a beat up hand-me-down lol, but it works well.

Nasty7

 

[wither 2]

I'm confused. As I understood it from your original post and your last post, a fan comes on briefly and then shuts down. That's what I, and others, am trying to troubleshoot. However, you're now saying none of the fans are stopping. Perhaps you would clarify that.

As i mentioned, one has to let the memory test finish to get to the other options. The memory test took about 5 minutes on my Dell. Note that it's 8 years old so, I don't know if the tests it has are available on your system.

By the way, you're not wasting our time.

 

[feetand nches]

When I first plug it in one of the fans comes on briefly and then shuts off

Only when First Plugged in. The fan comes on Briefly then shuts down, meaning the fan, not the computer. Nothing has been started at this point, only plugged in. Hope that is a little more clear.

 

[wither 2]

I understood about the computer but does the fan come back on?

 

[feetand nches]

Yes, everything works fine in Linux, Hirens Boot CD or even when the pc is just ide with nothing running. When I get time will install Windows 7 and see if there is any difference. I assume there is something wrong because they did decide to get a new computer and trash this one. I find sometimes that computers are still good though and just need a little fix, hopefully this is the case with this one.

I love these little SFF Dell pc's! I have a small work space so these things are great.

Thanks, Nasty

 

[wither 2]

If all the fans are running, I don't see a problem. The fact that it's shutting down briefly doesn't sound like anything to worry about.

 

[feetand nches]

It's not normal, I've never seen one computer do this ever, so to me it is an indication that something else is wrong. I will look into it further when I have time.

 

[feetand nches]

If all the fans are running, I don't see a problem. The fact that it's shutting down briefly doesn't sound like anything to worry about.

Not disregarding what you are saying wither 2 and I hope you are correct. I've just never seen this before, and I've seen a few computers in my time as a hobbyist and working on them for others part time. This is a new computer to me, meaning I've never actually worked on a Optiplex 9010 so can't really say if this is normal.

I did install Windows 7 Pro x64 and all seems to be running well is it was with Linux from a USB, and Hirens Boot USB.

Don't know if it will help but am running Dell Support Assistant now.

 

[feetand nches]

I ran the Dell Support Assistant and it was pretty impressive from the GUI, though who knows how good it really is. There was a System Board Test, so that was also impressive and just what I wanted. It came up clean so I will keep using it to see if I see anything weird happen.

 

[wither 2]

It's a hard one to chase down. Problem is, by the time you're far enough along to run any tests, the fans are running. It could be something like during the POST, the CPU voltage is set to nothing while the memory tests are running. Maybe it temporarily stops a fan. A little far fetched to me. I wonder if you could get some insight by posting in the Dell community.

 

[feetand nches]

Yeah I will post on the Dell Forums and hopefully will find someone that can verify that this is normal or not. I already asked on person there so will see.

And I want to look at the MB Diagram to see what pieces are inline with the Power and the Fans. I had it on all day yesterday and it seems solid. And like you said it won't be easy to diagnose, especially for someone like me that has no clue about electronics for the most part. I do have a good Multimeter and am capable of taking it apart, I just don't have the tools to remove and re-solder anything.