Topic: Check that your Hardware CAN operate properly First.
Some computer hardware seemingly lasts a lifetime. http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/153737- … -lifetime/
Generally speaking, electronic components are engineered to last 1.5 times their original warranty length.
Look to clean the equipment if it does not have burst capacitors in them. https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ … tor_plague
Dust can carry electrostatic charge, and particles of magnetite & other electrically conductive particles. Use the utmost caution cleaning power supplies internally as they can store a charge even after the cord has been pulled. Simply hold down the Power button for 5-10 seconds after pulling the power cord to remove most of the excess charge (use caution anyway if you do open 'em up). Compressed air (limit to less than 80psi or less for safety reasons) and a clean soft Nylon brush are good methods of "Dust Bunny" removal if you don't mind the "cloud" of dust. Avoid breathing the dust; use a cartridge-type personal air filter at a minimum.
Dell may have shipped more affected systems than others. http://techreport.com/discussions.x/19178
Even brand new capacitors have a lifespan limited by a number of factors. They are generally rated at 105°C for a specific number of hours. Every 10°C decrease in temperature doubles their minimum lifespan. A capacitor rated for 2000 hours @ 105°C could be expected to last 64000 hours @ 55°C, or 7+ years! This is conditional upon the amount of "Ripple Current" supplied from the power supply and the capacitor's rated Ripple Current capacity. (Some mistakenly believe that replacing caps is easy, yet there are dozens of differently engineered types; interchange is not for the novice!)
If you want a good-quality Audio Amplifier, you would want one with a top-quality power supply to avoid EMI & other factors that affect the quality of audio output. A computer power supply could be thought of in a similar light. We all want our bits & bytes with no distortion!
I like using 2000-grit sandpaper to lightly burnish alloy connectors (for PCI cards & memory); unlike gold connectors, some alloys tarnish over time. Connectors should be cleaned with 99% IsoPropyl Alcohol & a clean cotton rag. Avoid breathing the vapors & use nitrile gloves. Beware static discharge whilst handling, it's flammable! Use anti-static precautions to protect your hardware, anyway.
Memtest86 is a great ISO to verify that your machine's memory isn't immediately failing (linked below). One pass is good for most machines. If your memory is that bad (or an incompatability) it might not POST. Best to test with memory in it's intended configuration & backtracking if problems are found.
I like the Video Memory Test, too.
Homepage --> http://mikelab.kiev.ua/index_en.php?pag … AMS/vmt_en Download ISO --> http://sourceforge.net/projects/vmtce/files/
Special notes for Dell Optiplex GX-270, GX-280, SX-270, SX-280 desktops & GX-520 or GX-620 SFF power supplies. http://www.thecapking.com/gxgxcais.html
Samsung & Dell Display owners need look here --> http://www.thecapking.com/lcdrepair.html
Note: I do not personally endorse this company, i'm just linking for the information contained within.
Last edited by TechDud (2011-11-08 16:11:20)
MemTest86+ Video Memory Stress Test D-P-C Driver Latency Tester (Win7-max)
