Dell -another motherboard failure

[Deleted User]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has any advice about a problem with a Dell Inspiron 580 desktop.

It was bought in October 2010 and instantly would not switch on out of the box - called Dell, they sent out an engineer and replaced the motherboard (!!!). Computer has been fine for a couple of years. However, this weekend we switched on the computer, it beeped at us and the power light was flashing orange. According to the manual the orange flashing light is yet another motherboard problem.

I contacted Dell even though the warranty has expired to see if we could somehow get someone to fix it. I was emailed back saying "yes you can extend the warranty for £85 and this covers hardware" we were planning to extend the warranty as this is still cheaper than buying a new motherboard! I then got a phonecall where the operator said I could not extend the warranty as the computer is already broken, despite me having an email showing that I told them it had broken again and they agreed to extend the warranty!!

I have emailed back (preffering to keep everything in writing and not call an expensive phone number) but have had no response. Surely a £600 computer shouldn't have 2 motherboard failures in 2 years - this isn't a resonable time for a computer to last!!!

Any advice on what I should do? Thanks

ajbell

the 580 was a very cheap low spec pc, not really worth the hassle of repair. Would be better to buy another pc.

NiftyDigits

ajbell wrote: »

the 580 was a very cheap low spec pc, not really worth the hassle of repair. Would be better to buy another pc.

What a silly post. The OP paid £600. I'm sure it was neither cheap nor low spec at the time.
Perhaps someone has some knowledge of the SOGA.

System

not knowing much about dell systems, but are you sure it's the motherboard?
I've built plenty of machines and never had a motherboard break, something usually goes before that! my reckoning is that it's a fault where its just easier for them to whack in new bits under warranty rather than find the real issue - could be wrong!
I would be tempted to take it to an independent shop for diagnosis if you can't do it yourself

NiftyDigits

Look here and here

vixtagirl

Hi I am also having problems with a Dell computer although a laptop rather than a desktop (which is only just 6 months old). You may find it interesting to know that any parts Dell replace under warranty are reconditioned and not brand new - I was told this by the Dell service desk last night. In my case I have had two hard drives fail now and am waiting for the third to be installed on Tuesday. The laptop originally arrived with a non working USB port so also had to have that replaced (not very good for a £600+ machine...).

I am not sure where you would stand in terms of SOGA but surely the PC should last more than 2 years? I will be sending this one back as unfit for purpose if the replacement hard drive fails again.

Needless to say I will not be buying another Dell product again ever!

macman

Recon parts are certified and every bit as good as new, if not better, as they'll have been thoroughly tested-they just can't be described or sold as new.

Stooby2

If it really comes to it there's second hand motherboards for the 580 on one of those auction sites. It really isn't difficult to replace a motherboard in a desktop - especially if you photograph each bit as you unplug / remove it. You're obviously taking a risk but you can mitigate that to a degree by going for a well rated seller.

Guardsman

You could post your question here as it's consumer related.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=173