Dell Dimension 2350

akh43

I need help with my Dell Dimension 2350. Last night it suddenly turned off and now whenever I try to turn it on, it stays on for a number of seconds before turning off. It seems that the longer it goes with not being turned on the longer it will be on for next time, but after leaving it over night it only lasted 2 minutes when I tried it this morning.

Any suggestions on what might be causing this, and if it would be worth fixing, as the computer is around 5 years old? Any help appriciated. Thanks.

aliEnRIK

Open up the side (With it turned OFF) and clean up all the dust around the fan (And any in general)
See if that helps as its probably overheating. Aside from that its more than likely going to be the power supply on its way out (VERY easy to fit yourself)
But id probably be looking at a new computer if I were you. Buy another Dell ~ the latest stuff is awesome for the money (I saw Tesco selling one thats very good)

akh43

I turned off and cleaned inside last night - problem still present.

my son thought it might be power supply unit so you seemed to have confirmed his suspicions.

Was intended to try fitting new power supply as a temporary fix as when my son looked he found one for approx £20 - if anyone else suggested thats the problem, and buy a new computer when I have more time to research rather that impulse buy.

Thanks for your reply

aliEnRIK

Ive just bought a Power unit for my old computer for 12 quid off ebay (new). Make sure it has all the connections you need though and the correct wattage or more (At least 400 WATTs at a guess)

akh43

aliEnRIK

I just took power supply unit into PC World to see if they could suggest anything. They tested the power supply annd said that it was showing all voltage except the -5 volts. He couldn't say whether it was supposed to be showing this as its dell and couldn't say whether this was why pc not working.

£30 for diagnostic test and £30 for replacement power supply (plus fitting if needed but I think my son can manage)!! They didn't have 200 volts power supply annd said the 355 volts would be ok - is this the case?

I found similar power supply for less than £8 elsewhere, but as I am not sure now whether it is power supply or not and don't know whether its worth buying one to try.

Does this new info change what was said before - any new suggestions?

Thanks for your help

aliEnRIK

You must mean WATTS surely. As long as the power supply is above the originals then yes, its fine (And if it IS 200 watts then thats well low!).
PC World are AWFUL. If you do take anywhere, take to an indpendant 'high street' shop. It'll be cheaper and probably get far better service.
Honestly theyre easy to fit. Should be a few screws holding it in place. 2 main power connectors (usually) to the motherboard (Simple clips). And various connectors to hard drives, dvd/cd drives, floppy, graphics card etc. Just make sure that whatever you replace with has at LEAST the right number of connections to connect it all up.
Ultimately though its very hard to know for sure. Hes testing it from COLD so its never going to overheat there anyways.
BUT
Theres no saying that its DEFINITELY the power supply thats the problem.
My advice is buy a new power supply, let your son fit it. If it works then alls well. If not then I certainly wouldnt bother spending any more money on it. Go buy another computer (If possible). Get a cracker for about 400 quid these days.

akh43

aliEnRIK

My son has just put the original power supply unit back in and 'touch wood' its been on for 20 mins so far and am using it now to respond, so don't think it is power supply unit after all.

I am going to look for either a new base unit or whole set up as I don't know how long it will stay on. Any suggestions on where I might buy a cheap replacement as I feel I will need one sooner rather than later?

Thanks for all your help.

aliEnRIK

As ive said, id go for a new DELL personally
If your not willing to pay for their base models id suggest you post anew post on here and ask for people advice on whatever you ARE willing to pay for (And what its to be used for)
I would actually guess it IS the power supply actually. I know where your coming from, but in my experience as soon as electrical units are 'moved' they invariably (oddly) work again. But rest assured it WILL happen again.