Dell Deminions 3000

[geekhelp4u]

Hey all quick question...

Product: Dell
Model: Dimensions 3000
Desktop

I am working on a computer that failed to turn on... after a 3 sec. diag. I determined that the power supply was obviously no longer working. I ordered a replacement and now have it it.

When I turn the computer on, the CPU fans kicks on and the computer boots with no errors. Upon further inspection, I noticed the power supply fan is not spinning. I know many of these fans only spin when the computer reaches a certain temperature, as was curios as to if this is one?

My power supply tester says that this power supply is working correctly, i have no dell error beeps, and i will watch the fan to see if it kicks on in the future... as I run the system diag. software...

Thanks in advance,

Chris Pfeffer

 

[NYJimbo]

I know power supply fans are often controlled by an internal temperature sensor, which would at the very least make it spin slowly, but I dont think it would leave it off completely. Are you saying that the fan doesnt spin at all, even after 5 minutes or more of running ?

 

[NWPhotog]

I know power supply fans are often controlled by an internal temperature sensor, which would at the very least make it spin slowly, but I dont think it would leave it off completely. Are you saying that the fan doesnt spin at all, even after 5 minutes or more of running ?

Yep. Typically the fan should come on full for a second or two at least. Disconnect everything except memory, cpu, and cpu cooler. Reseat these to make sure they are making good contact. Also what were the circumstances of when it started doing this? Was it all of a sudden or gradual? Was there a power outage?

 

[geekhelp4u]

I turned everything off last night so that nothing would happen while I was asleep and could not keep an eye on things. I will work on the issue tomorrow, as I have to lay new tiles in the kitchen today!

As of bed time, here is where I was....

So far, CPU fan still spins fine. Computer still boots fine with no error beeps.

Power Supply Fan still has not spun... temp of the computer has not yet risen above 100 deg. F so I still do not know if it has a sensor to turn on the fan. Double checking, PS unit is very cool to touch, CPU heat shield is not hot at all, and video heat shield is warm. I can hold it for a good 3 to 5 seconds before i get the "ouch that is starting to burn" feel.

Prev. problem: Computer was brought to me b/c it would not turn on. Old PS was bad, so I ordered a replacement (NEW) PS. Replaced PS and everything is now working normal except PS fan.

Again, it will have to wait until tomorrow... but my plan of action is as follows...

1) Check PS on another desktop to see if fan spins
2) Put PS back in Dell and let run all day to see if it starts to spin... Possibly disconnect the fan to the CPU to see if it helps temp. rise above 100 deg F and see if it is set on a sensor.
3) If it still fails to spin all day, return PS for another as it is probably the issue. (assuming it does not work on other desktop i test it on!)

My question is as follows... anyone have additional ideas of why the fan will not spin? Possible bad wiring? Maybe a bad fuse in PS that controls fan? of course if it spins in other desktop, probable issue is Mother Board on dell! Anyone have links to Dell Motherboard cheap replacements? Saw one a ebay for $80... was curios if anyone new a cheaper place?

Will also try NW idea to make sure everything is seated correctly... although I think there was only one thing connected... as everything else was onboard!

 

[NYJimbo]

Just to be sure, is this a single or dual fan PSU ?. Sometimes on a dual, one will always spin and the other will only spin when the machine is really "baking cookies".

Figured I would just ask.

ps - did you try to spin it by hand to make sure it is not seized ? Just another thought......

 

[geekhelp4u]

Power supply is a single fan unit

 

[NYJimbo]

Just for the heck of it I would install the hardware monitor from cpuid and see if it can find the various temps of that machine.

http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php

If you can get it to run on that machine, it can see what's going on, might help tell when the fan SHOULD be on. I dont think it will sense the PSU fan but at least you might see true temps through the box.

 

[geekhelp4u]

Update:

Fan still not spinning.

Fan will not spin on other desktop I tested on.

NYJImbo: Thanks for the tool to add to my collection. Unfortunately, on the Dell Dimensions 3000 it only shows temp. for the HD. No list of CPU or fans. Same results with speedfan.

Contacted supplier of PSU. They said send it back and they will exchange it for me. Unfortunately, I will have to wait till tomorrow or Thursday to get to the post office: Delayed due to Tropical Storm Edouard moving in to my area... Think i will shut down work until tomorrow... dont wanna play with computers in case of power surges!