Computer won't start with new power supply.

[ShieldAndSpear]

I know this is probably posted a lot, but the chances of finding the thread with the same combination of parts is slim to none. It's a pretty simple situation really, I bought a standard ATX 500w power supply to replace a Dell 255w psu. I had to buy an adapter so it would plug into the 20+4 pin "micro pwr" slot, but everything else fit just fine. However when I power it up, all I get is a high-pitched whine from the psu. Nothing else happens.

 

[ko888]

Your adapter/converter cable isn't wired properly.

 

[ShieldAndSpear]

You sound awfully sure.. Adapters are pretty simple and hard to mess up on. Why would anybody make one that doesn't do it's job? Do you have any evidence? Because the colors not being the same isn't enough for me. If it was wired differently, then surely the plug shouldn't fit, but it was clearly designed for it.

 

[ko888]

Are you sure the adapter converter you bought is for the Dell Optiplex? I have seen reports of mis-wiring of the adapter/converter cable.

HP also used that mini 24-pin motherboard power connector in some of their systems with a different pin-out assignment.

 

[ShieldAndSpear]

However I might possibly believe that the adapter doesn't connect the ground line properly, because shorting out the green wire seems to be helping some people with similar issues. I'm not prepared to test that myself though, because in their scenarios the motherboard light comes on. For me I get nothing but clicking. The psu fan doesn't even budge. I submitted a brief video of my situation because I'm doing everything I can to get this fixed. I'd hate to be the guy asking for help without trying to help themselves. https://youtu.be/O383zow4bT8

 

[ShieldAndSpear]

Well if that's true ko888, then shouldn't it be widely known that Dell motherboards don't use standard atx pin layouts? The adaptor colors match perfectly with the new power supply, but not with the stock psu.

 

[ShieldAndSpear]

Oh my god I think you're right... Just noticed the letters HP on the cable... I LOVE YOU... Ya know I think that means this bulk psu probably works. And thank god the adaptor didn't hurt my computer!

 

[ko888]

It is well known:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1538917

http://5kw.dk/Hobby/pc_stuff/dell_nonstandard_power_connector.htm

 

[ShieldAndSpear]

Well I suppose I probably might have caught the problem sooner if I could just find a place that sells the right adaptor... It's almost like a Dell micro power adaptor doesn't exist! I can't find it in any store or online!

 

[ko888]

This is an example of one that doesn't work for Dell Optiplex models despite it being sold to the contrary (i.e. look at the customer reviews):

http://www.amazon.com/Motherboard-Optiplex-HP-D2352A0-D235ES-00-PS-5231-5DF1-LF/dp/B0155LDJPG

It claims to be usable with both Dell and HP but how could it when the pin-outs of their respective motherboard connectors are different?

 

[ShieldAndSpear]

Instead of buying a Dell connector, I found a guide on which pins to move where. I'm in the process right now of stripping 48 small wires. This is fun.

 

[ShieldAndSpear]

Got all the wires connected using this pattern:
http://5kw.dk/Hobby/pc_stuff/dell_nonstandard_power_connector.htm
And it worked like a charm! Fired up like nothing was wrong! Only took about 30 minutes to cut, strip, and solder the right combination of wires. Thanks everybody!

 

[ko888]

If you had this Molex extractor tool all you would have to do is pop out and shuffle the terminals around to their correct position:

 

[ShieldAndSpear]

Good to know there's tools out there like that. I'll get one if I ever find a situation where I don't have enough wire to cut and reconnect. I kinda enjoyed the way I did it though, just a pair of scissors and some electrical tape. And the colors wires on both sides actually helped keep track of my work. So far I'm amazed with the results. GTAV went from an unplayable 6 fps, to 39 fps and all my input lag is gone! I couldn't be happier! Merry Christmas y'all!