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Resolved Question

Antec Eartwatts compatibility with Dell Optiplex

Apr 3, 2017 11:24PM PDT

Hi All!

I am aware of the need for the special Dell mobo adapter (i.e. Moddiy 24-Cool. But I was told that the Earthwatts series would not work with the Dell Optiplex. It won't turn on is what they said.

Specifically, I bought a Antec EA-380 for my Optiplex 3040 as an external replacement to the anemic PSU it comes with.

Before I unseal the PSU, I want to know if anyone has heard of this?

Thanks in advance!

Discussion is locked

gregthefifth has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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I had a BTX one year
Apr 4, 2017 12:02PM PDT

And found it was a PITR but learned a few things.

Anyhow we can google up the BTX power connection (as well as the ATX 20/24 pin standard) to see if we're OK. This is something your first year electronics student can check on and if you have basic electrical background you can too.

So external? No big deal. It's all mechanical work after the connection check.

What happened to my first and last BTX machine. Sent packing over Freecycle. It was that bad.

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BTX vs ATX vis-à-vis Optiplex 3040 MT PSU
Apr 4, 2017 11:00PM PDT

Hmm. OK. A teeny bit snarky (first-year electronic student, et al), but that is OK.

I did not know it was a BTX Mobo. Either did not see it or did not know where to look. Spent a lot of useless time with the Dell script readers, er, I mean "Customer Service". Yes, I meant to use quotes. Dell never brought it up (BTX v ATX) at all.

Specs on the Optiplex 3040 are scarce online. At least useful ones. That said, I probably missed it. I prefer searching as it is faster than waiting for forum replies.

I appreciate the answer: it gave me the information I needed. And yes, once you clued me into the BTX issue it was a search so simple even a caveman could do it. So thank you. A lot.

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Didn't mean to be like that.
Apr 5, 2017 9:38AM PDT

I have to somehow put the bar at some level for some procedures. I guess it's like prerequisites for college classes. Some folk get upset I didn't warn them the deep end of the pool was so deep before they jumped in so I try to pick terms folk might understand. Did not try to be snarky.

My apology when it sounds like that.

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In this day and age
Apr 6, 2017 12:19AM PDT

No worries! I would MUCH rather run the risk of being offended (I wasn't) than to contribute in any way to the current war on free speech. Microaggressions...*#*%! Angry
You answered my question and did it in a way that gave me more information to research. Thanks for that.

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If you feel like it.
Apr 6, 2017 8:53AM PDT

After you think you have it working and even if not stable, top post a Web Speccy for me to read over.

When I have a moment I'd read and post a list of comments about what I would do if it was my PC.

Sometimes we find a little thing that helps. Sometimes we find a whale.

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Answer
BTX
Apr 3, 2017 11:49PM PDT

Motherboard looks to be BTX and doesn't have the standard 24 pin plug for power on it. Antec is a good brand but that one looks to have the 20+4 power plug to motherboard. No , it won't work for that motherboard.

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small form factor, a thin client type computer
Apr 4, 2017 12:03AM PDT
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Answer
Clarification of OP
Apr 4, 2017 12:33AM PDT

Guys! Thanks for the answer, but maybe I was not clear in my OP.

I already have the specific 20/24-8 adapter from Moddiy that fits the special Dell MOBO and I do not want a factory replacement PSU inside the case. I want the external separate PSU.

My only issue is if the EA380 will work OTHER than the dimensions and the pins. i.e. is there something different in the voltage etc. that would suggest it wouldn't work. I found nothing wrong, but someone on another forum said the Dell would not start if I used the Earthwatts series. Not Antec, but specifically Earthwatts.

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then go back and ask them "Why?"
Apr 4, 2017 11:54AM PDT

I personally don't know of anything that would cause it to not work with the adapter over other 20+4 PSU's.

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Ask Why?
Apr 4, 2017 11:03PM PDT

Man, I never even thought of that! Happy No, I did, but they did not deign to reply. That's why I am here. After searching online. And talking to Antec. And Dell.