Dell e1505 dead, won't start up

[jstluise]

Just got done dismantling my e1505 to try some part swapping. I got my mobo bare (everything removed except processor) and plugged in the power. The power light went on solid and so did the number lock light...the scroll lock and caps lock flashed. It did it for 30 seconds or so before it shut off. I then removed the processor to see what would happen and applying power to it gave me all solid lights for the same amount of time.

So, I know how a good mobo should act. Since the other mobo didn't act this way, I can now say for sure its the mobo that is causing problems. I did swap some parts between the two mobos and nothing surprising came out of it.

Now that I know for sure its the mobo, I have two options. Break out the heat gun and try to "reflow" it myself...might as well since I have nothing to lose. And then if that doesn't work I'll try find a replacement board.

 

[kimsland]

Yes I would do that

And once everything is tried, I would probably drop it on the floor from a reasonable height, that always gives me a good warm feeling inside

 

[jstluise]

As always, excellent suggestions! :grinthumb

 

[crackers8199]

Well after you remove the heat sinks there was only 3 screws I think holding the motherboard to the base. When the motherboard is loose it is a little tricky to get it out since the plugs on the right side kind of interfere. I think if you pull the board toward you while rotating it clockwise, the plugs on the right side will clear the case.

If you still can't get it you can check out the manual on Dell online...I skimmed through it to make sure I got everything undone before I forced anything.

Good luck

well, i got it out...and snapped the vga port off in the process. not that it really matters since the board is fried anyway, but it still ticks me off that the damn thing is so hard to take apart.

now the question is - how the heck do i get the vga port out of the case without breaking the case? it's stuck, somehow (which confuses me since there are no screws and no clips that i can see). also makes me wonder how i'm going to install the new board...

 

[kimsland]

Soap and water
Obviously you're not the one doing dishes there

 

[jstluise]

well, i got it out...and snapped the vga port off in the process. not that it really matters since the board is fried anyway, but it still ticks me off that the damn thing is so hard to take apart.

now the question is - how the heck do i get the vga port out of the case without breaking the case? it's stuck, somehow (which confuses me since there are no screws and no clips that i can see). also makes me wonder how i'm going to install the new board...

OH! I forgot about that! There are two little bolts you need to remove...you need a 3/16" socket to remove them. These holds the port to the case so when you plug in a monitor you aren't pushing on the entire mobo. They are on each side of the port. That's what was giving you the problems and I completely forgot about it I just undid it without thinking.

Here: MANUAL
Check out step #15.