What do I need to do to take a 2-CPU Precision 670 down to a 1-CPU Precision 670? I am troubleshooting to see if one or both of the CPU are dead after a power outage. I have removed one of the CPU, but now instead of full-speed fans and amber/amber/green/amber ABCD LEDs, I get an amber power button.
You probably removed the "primary" CPU,
and the computer cannot operate only with the "secondary" CPU installed.
Move the CPU from the "secondary" slot to the "primary" slot.
Testimonial: "Very courteous and helpful response. While it did not answer my question, I do appreciate the response and I shared my findings in additional comment."
Lay your precision flat and open it... all directions from here out will be from the rear of the computer....
there will (should) be 2 green heatsink shrouds in front of you.
the one on the left will be the secondary processor....(it will say somethung to that sxtent on the motherboard as wel)
in order to startup without the second processor wou will need to remove the power modulator (i cannot remember it's name )(edit ooh the "VRM") but it comes out exactly like ram... once that and the second processor are removed reatach power and start her up!
SOURCE: Dell 8400 steady amber light, no diagnostic LEDs, high turbo fan
I have this problem with my 8400 also. After lengthly research, it appears that bad capacitors on the motherboard is the overall consensus to the cause of the problem. If you look for caps that have swelled and in some cases leaked electrolyte (a brown/tan color) you might fine your problem. You can replace the bad capacitors if you are comfortable with doing it or replace the motherboard.
SOURCE: Dell Precision 670 6 long beeps on post no video but pc is on
Please consult this Dell link for general startup troubleshooting for your system., and this link will take you to the codes for the error lights and beeps.
Finally, here's a good article to help solve general startup problems and diagnose the possible cause.
I hope this information allows you to resolve this issue. If you need further assistance, please post back with a comment to this thread.
If I've managed to answer your question or solve a problem, please take just a moment to rate this post....thanks!
SOURCE: I have a Dell precision
Reseated? How Rick?
Did you;
1) Have the computer unplugged from power, and follow Anti-Static Precautions?
2) Did you clean the top of the processors, and bottom of the Heatsink's - Thoroughly, and properly apply new, fresh thermal paste?
[ If they had thermal pads on the Processors, remove them, throw them as far as you can.
One, they are JUNK. Two, you cannot reuse them.
The imprint has been made, and you cannot imprint over.
{The Heatsink, and Processor make an imprint on a thermal pad. The pad is squeezed down. You cannot re-squeeze again, and make a successful complete contact. A thermal pad also dries out a lot faster than thermal paste. Poor design ]
3) The LED lights you refer to are Diagnostic LED lights.
A, B, and C are Yellow.
The Power On LED light is Yellow,
Dell Support > Precision 470 and 670 Workstation Desktop PC Users Guide,
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ws670/en/ug_en/index.htm
Solving Problems
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ws670/en/ug_en/solve.htm#wp1252394
Power Problems:
If The Power Light is Amber and Green or Steady Amber;
A device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
Diagnostic Lights before P.O.S.T. (Power On Self Test)
A, B, C, are Yellow, D is blank or Off.
BIOS is not executing - Ensure that the Processor is seated correctly, and restart the computer.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ws670/en/ug_en/advtrbl.htm#wp1057482
Almost sounds like a problem with the motherboard voltage regulator circuit, if the Processors were handled with Anti-Static Precautions being observed, and new thermal paste being used, after proper cleaning.
{A Processor is the MOST susceptible computer hardware component to Static shock}
Motherboard Voltage Regulator Circuit
A series of Electrolytic Capacitors on the motherboard, (Yes, in a Series circuit, also), that among other duties, regulate voltage for the Processor/s.
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/616
Computer unplugged from power, Anti-Static Precautions observed, remove the motherboard, and visually inspect all 'caps' on the motherboard,
http://www.capacitorlab.com/visible-failures/index.htm
Post back as to your findings, in a Comment. (Believe upper right of your page, blue Comment)
Regards,
joecoolvette
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Usually answered in minutes!
I pulled from the CPU1 slot, not the CPU0 slot.
Upon further searching in Dell's support docs, I found that to go from 2 CPUs to 1 CPU you need to remove CPU1 *and* the VRM (voltage regulator module) card located right next to CPU1. It has a set of heat spreaders on either side of the card and a large capacitor at the top, with DIMM-type clamps to hold it in place. Once I removed those the system powers on normally. Thank you for your response, though, ikkenom!
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