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Question

something blew

Dec 10, 2014 10:22AM PST

Hi everyone
Sorry if this is in the wrong place.
I have a rather old Dell Inspiron 530S with Windows 7 running on it. I recently replaced the CPU fan on it and until today it was running perfectly then there was a loud pop and the power button briefly glowed yellow and then went off completely. I got a faint whiff of something burnt. I haven't looked inside yet but wondered if anyone has any suggestions as to what I should check for. I've tried changing the fuse but it made no difference.

Thanks in advance .

Discussion is locked

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Answer
The Green Wire Test.
Dec 10, 2014 11:00AM PST

Google that, do that and tell the forum the results along with what Voltages you measured.
Bob

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I'll try that
Dec 11, 2014 10:01AM PST

found a youtube video that shows how to do that, will give it a try when the voltmeter arrives

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Answer
Open case
Dec 11, 2014 12:06AM PST

It seems you may have blundered into the "bad caps" scenario. Goto: www.badcaps.net and check the pix for results you may find on yours. These needn't all be huge damage results, just inspect the caps as best you can. Also, understand Dell has some issues during the time of the 530 series being a common failure. You can replace the Dell 530 series mtrbd. with exact same and continue on if a bad caps are an issue. exchange cpu as well or reset in the replacement the mtrbd. and it will boot-up like it did before. The PSU itself having caps can also be a source of failure, if you had this PC for some time, then the PSU needs replacement. if you have a spare you can swap or jerry-rig it to power-ON to test results on that side. This is usually the result of wear&tear of an older PC, it just happens.

tada -----Willy Happy

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just remembered
Dec 11, 2014 10:06AM PST

The PSU is only 18 months old, I forgot I'd put a new one in last year.

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Answer
I had the 530s
Dec 11, 2014 12:20AM PST
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It's like getting married
Dec 16, 2014 12:18AM PST

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,..."

old motherboard, needs a new one, advice borrowed, for something that BLEW!

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Answer
firecracker capacitors
Dec 15, 2014 12:27PM PST

Willy's got it, you just described a blown capacitor, and where there's one more already exist or soon will. You will be needing a new motherboard, or having the caps replaced on that one if you are emotionally attached to keeping it. Google "bad caps" and look under the images header.

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Answer
Check the power supply watts
Jan 8, 2015 6:11AM PST