Hello all. Just wanted to chime in that I'm having the same problem with two seperate Optiplex GX280s. It doesn't matter whether I'm running windows, or a bootable Linux live-cd. The machine simply hangs up after a few minutes. On windows, the fan speeds up as fast as possible, and the only way to turn it off is to pull the power plug (holding the power button doesn't work).
In Linux, the computer freezes, but the power button still works.
Hello all. Just wanted to chime in that I'm having the same problem with two seperate Optiplex GX280s. It doesn't matter whether I'm running windows, or a bootable Linux live-cd. The machine simply hangs up after a few minutes. On windows, the fan speeds up as fast as possible, and the only way to turn it off is to pull the power plug (holding the power button doesn't work).
In Linux, the computer freezes, but the power button still works.
Hello again all. Sorry to double post, but I found a resolution after a few more minutes of browsing. The problem seems to be caused by bad capacitors on this particular model (GX280).
Ray, thanks for your input... The bad caps appear to be precisely the
problem. Upon close inspection of the board I do see no less than at least
five capacitors that appear to have blown with leakage easily observed, and
there could be more. I would have not recognized this had you not provided
your input and links. I have emailed Dell, but suspect they will disavoy
since our warranty period has expired. Thanks so much for your help. I wish
I could have somehow known it sooner because it sure would have saved me
considerable frustration and wasted effort. Nevertheless, you are spot on
with diagnosing the root cause. Thanks again.
"accurate-sys" wrote:
>
> accurate-sys;671079 Wrote:
> > Hello all. Just wanted to chime in that I'm having the same problem
> > with two seperate Optiplex GX280s. It doesn't matter whether I'm
> > running windows, or a bootable Linux live-cd. The machine simply hangs
> > up after a few minutes. On windows, the fan speeds up as fast as
> > possible, and the only way to turn it off is to pull the power plug
> > (holding the power button doesn't work).
> >
> > In Linux, the computer freezes, but the power button still works.
>
> Hello again all. Sorry to double post, but I found a resolution after
> a few more minutes of browsing. The problem seems to be caused by bad
> capacitors on this particular model (GX280).
>
> this thread on badcaps.net talks about this specific model:
> 'Badcaps Forums - dell Optiplex gx280'
> (http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1034)
>
> and this is what to look for on your motherboard:
> 'Badcaps.net - How To Identify' (http://badcaps.net/pages.php?vid=5)
>
> the capacitors in question are manufactured by Nichicon, and this CNET
> article has a picture of them (black with copper bars)
> 'PCs plagued by bad capacitors - CNET News.com'
> (http://tinyurl.com/566pug)
>
> If Dell does not agree to replace the defective motherboard for you,
> badcaps.net has a tutorial on replacing the capacitors yourself.
>
> I hope this information is helpful. Good luck!
> -Ray
>
>
>
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