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Suggestion replacing Motherboard Dell Dimension C521

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rated:
   posted: Nov. 18, 2008 @ 10:49a
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A while back I got in on the Dell Dimension C521 deal. This is a Slimline Desktop Case. AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 3600+
Windows Vista Home , 1GB DDR2, 160 GB HD, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE integrated GPU, Integrated 7.1 channel audio.
The motherboard just blew and it's past the 1 year warranty (fan runs very hard but no screen pops up). A new motherboard from Dell is $120 (eBay ~$100). Does anybody know a "cheaper" motherboard replacement, (including one that's not a Dell-sourced motherboard)?
Or just buy a new "cheap" desktop on BF?

   posted: Nov. 18, 2008 @ 10:49a

Quick Summary is created and edited by users like you... Add FAQ's, Links and other Relevant Information by clicking the edit button in the lower right hand corner of this message.


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   posted: Nov. 18, 2008 @ 11:46a
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It is still cheaper to replace the mobo, provided the c521 mobo is of common form factor like micro ATX. I don't own any Dell slimline boxes but I am sure someone here would know.

Also you need to make sure it is the mobo that is blown.

Message edited by: nycll on 2008-11-18 11:47:32 CST
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   posted: Nov. 18, 2008 @ 12:06p
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How do I confirm that only the mobo is blown?
The front power light is glowing solid amber (it’s supposed to be green). The screen is dark. Hitting the power switch causes the CPU fan to rev up to Space Shuttle noise levels, the hard drive is ominously silent, and the screen remains black.

rated:
   posted: Nov. 18, 2008 @ 12:17p
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From the C521 manuals,

System Lights

Solid Amber - A pre-POST failure has occurred. The system has received a Power Good signal from the power supply. See Diagnostic Lights for more information.

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   posted: Nov. 18, 2008 @ 12:22p
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OK the amber light means no POST, which could be the result of any failed components including the mobo. Also most mobo has a set of beeps and led error codes for no POST situation.

Please tell us your familiarity with hardware.

Message edited by: nycll on 2008-11-18 12:44:35 CST
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   posted: Nov. 18, 2008 @ 1:35p
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I pulled out one of the RAM (1 of 3, 2x512+1x1GB). The computer started up.
Unclear if this was the problem. Thought a failed RAM triggered a beep code.

rated:
   posted: Nov. 18, 2008 @ 1:59p
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Did you install the 1GB or the 2x512MB memory module recently?

According to the C521 manual for memory upgrades, the modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size and speed if two or more modules are used. The only exception to this is if there will only be one module and that should go in slot DIMM #1.

The recommended memory configurations are:

* A memory module installed in connector DIMM1
* A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM1 and DIMM2
* A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM1 and DIMM2 and another matched pair installed in connectors DIMM3 and DIMM4
* If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) and DDR2 667-MHz (PC2-5400) memory, the modules function at the slower installed speed.

rated:
   posted: Nov. 19, 2008 @ 1:08p
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supertrooper99 said:I pulled out one of the RAM (1 of 3, 2x512+1x1GB). The computer started up.
Unclear if this was the problem. Thought a failed RAM triggered a beep code. and you are welcome.

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