Member Avatar for dwizzle40

I am looking at at Dell Optiplex GX150 that I was told would just randomly shut off while in use. When I started to look at it I was able to get it to boot and get to Windows desktop. I shut down the machine to look at the internal configuration, since then I haven't been able to get the machine to do anything. When the power button is pressed certain items internally can be heard starting, but the power light stays a solid amber color and the monitor has nothing displayed. I think the power supply might have just finally crapped out on it, just seeing if anyone had any other ideas.

  • 4 Contributors
  • 11 Replies
  • 616 Views
  • 2 Years Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Benny Haraba

Dani AI

Generated

Good troubleshooting so far from — and good calls from and . A couple of quick clarifications and a short, practical test plan that fills gaps in the replies: a meter‑only check on a PSU can look fine with no load, yet the supply can still fail once the board draws current. The only definitive DIY check is to try a known‑good PSU (or a proper PSU tester) under real load. (dell.com)

Step‑by‑step isolation (cheap first, then deeper):

  • Swap or borrow a working PSU first. If the system posts, the original supply is the culprit.
  • Do a minimal “bench” boot: remove drives and cards, leave CPU + cooler, one DIMM (socket A), power connectors and the monitor on the motherboard video. Put the board on a nonconductive surface and short the front‑panel power pins (or use the case switch) to start it. Attach the tiny chassis speaker so you can hear POST/beep codes. That single test rules in/out case shorts, front‑panel wiring, bad cards, and many PSU problems. (pcguide101.com)

If the bench boot still does nothing:

  • Clear CMOS (remove the coin cell for a minute) and reseat CPU, heatsink and RAM.
  • Inspect the board around the CPU/VRMs for bulging, cracked or leaky electrolytic capacitors and for burn marks. Boards from this era commonly show capacitor failures; visible cap damage is a strong sign the board needs repair or replacement. If caps are visibly failed, re‑capping can work but requires skill and correct parts. (en.wikipedia.org)

If those steps fail, you’re down to either a dead system board or a failed CPU. Given the GX150’s age, the fastest, lowest‑cost path is (1) try a known good PSU, (2) run the minimal bench test, then (3) take it to a local shop for a spare‑parts bench test or replace the board. The Dell manual and diagnostics table are useful references for the front‑panel codes if you want to follow the exact Dell LED/beep troubleshooting flow. (manualslib.com)

Recommended Answers

All 11 Replies

Member Avatar for Rik_

The moment I began reading your post I thought PSU. Looks like you need to replace it to me. Be careful as some of the older Optiplex pc's had PSU's that were wired differently to the norm. If you should need it, I have all the wiring info to allow a standard PSU to be modified. :)

Member Avatar for dwizzle40

You know, I have my concerns with this whole setup. I went to dell to find a compatible psu by entering the service tag on the machine, but doing a little more research I found that the motherboard in this machine has both a 20-pin power connector and a 4-pin connector, yet the replacement psu doesn't have the 4-pin power connector. Do you think this is a problem to not have the 4-pin connector? apparently a psu has gone out prior to this one and someone replaced with a different model as it doesn't fit properly and has a 4-pin power connector in use.

Member Avatar for Rik_

If the mobo has the socket for the 4 pin then it is undoubtedly needed.

Can you take and post a photo of the psu plug as it is at the mo?

I will just add that psu's are my particular specialty.

Member Avatar for dwizzle40

The current PSU is a 160W Dell Model # PS-5161-1D1; like I said I don't believe this is the one that came with the machine. Hope this helps.

DSCN2323.jpg 664.71 KB
Member Avatar for Rik_

Hmm, it's a very awkward shape. It does look as if it is wired the same way as a standard PSU but you will never fit an ATX form factor one in there.
If you have a Digital volt meter I can give you instructions on how to test the PSU. It is still possible that the fault lies on the mobo so you need to know one way or the other.

Member Avatar for caperjack

The current PSU is a 160W Dell Model # PS-5161-1D1; like I said I don't believe this is the one that came with the machine. Hope this helps.

the 4 pin plug is referred as the P4 plug and it needs to be plugged into the board or it will not boot,fans will run but that's it .
I buy and sell computers get most of them from this site ,I have owned a lot of this type of computer ,the psu in yours looks like the right one ,may not be original!
I live in Canada ,you can get the whole desktop unit for 68.00 + shipping .

Member Avatar for dwizzle40

Actually I just got the PSU tested and everything seems to be fine with the power supply. So I guess the motherboard is the problem but is there any way to test it to make sure it is faulty before ordering a replacement.

Member Avatar for Rik_

The thing is, to fully test a PSU you need to do on and off load testing.
I have come across a fair few PSU's that appear fine with no load on them but then break down when loaded.

Member Avatar for dwizzle40

Ok then so what do I need to do to get that accomplished?

Member Avatar for Rik_

I am really not sure that a machine of it's age is really worth all the hassle to be honest.

Member Avatar for Benny Haraba

I have same model GX-150 but mine is a desktop I thought it was a power supply changed it the behavior same left it for two days powered on it works though sometimes you have to persist on plugin several time till the led becomes green I think the processor is over heating smear it with silicon grease

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.