Custom Dell Precision t5400 dying on me help

[mypcisonfire]

My custom dell precision is flashing orange when I try to turn it on, also number 1 and 3 flash it's a t5400 had it for some time and decided to upgrade it bought a gtx 550ti fit it in it worked better, got a new processor a e5450 which made my pc even better, the pc started flashing before I got my new processor usually when I try to turn it on it wouldn't and after around 3 attempts it would turn on and function good but now it just doesn't turn on sometimes I try making sure everything inside is plugged in good but nothing, I have a feeling it's the ram but I'm not sure why as ram just doesn't randomly break like that I would appreciate if someone could help me if u need any more information about my pc I can tell you anything. I took all ram out except 1 stick then turned it on and it surprisingly worked that's how I'm writing this. Also I tried taking all ram out before and it didn't boot up I also tried taking all out instead of 1 and it didn't boot up, now it booted up with 1 ram stick so I'm confused like why didn't it boot up before with 1 ram stick. I have also tried replacing the motherboard battery with a old battery from a old motherboard which didn't help.

 

[ComputerSecurityGuy]

Run Memtest and see if you get any errors.

 

[mypcisonfire]

Okay I'll run memtest although I'm only running on 1 ram stick

 

[bambiboom]

My custom dell precision is flashing orange when I try to turn it on, also number 1 and 3 flash it's a t5400 had it for some time and decided to upgrade it bought a gtx 550ti fit it in it worked better, got a new processor a e5450 which made my pc even better, the pc started flashing before I got my new processor usually when I try to turn it on it wouldn't and after around 3 attempts it would turn on and function good but now it just doesn't turn on sometimes I try making sure everything inside is plugged in good but nothing, I have a feeling it's the ram but I'm not sure why as ram just doesn't randomly break like that I would appreciate if someone could help me if u need any more information about my pc I can tell you anything. I took all ram out except 1 stick then turned it on and it surprisingly worked that's how I'm writing this. Also I tried taking all ram out before and it didn't boot up I also tried taking all out instead of 1 and it didn't boot up, now it booted up with 1 ram stick so I'm confused like why didn't it boot up before with 1 ram stick. I have also tried replacing the motherboard battery with a old battery from a old motherboard which didn't help.

mypconfire,

The T5400 User's Guide:

http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_dell_precision_workstation/precision-t5400_user's%20guide_en-us.pdf

On page 127 of the Precision T5400 guide, the meaning of ldiagnostic lights 1 and 3 is:

"Memory modules are detected,
but a memory configuration or
compatibility error exists.

• Ensure that no special
memory module/memory
connector placement
requirements exist (see
"Memory" on page 187).
• Verify that the memory
modules that you are
installing are compatible
with your computer (see
"Memory" on page 187).
• Reinstall the memory
modules and restart the
computer.
• If the problem persists,
contact Dell (see
"Contacting Dell" on
page 295)."

So, your instinct of the RAM as the problem is correct and trying one module at a time will reveal the module that is failing.

The DDR2 runs very hot so make sure the RAM cooling fan is working and the system is kept quite clean.

Cheers,

BambiBoom

1. HP z420 (2015) > Xeon E5-1660 v2 (6-core @ 3.7 / 4.0GHz) > 32GB DDR3 1866 ECC RAM > Quadro K4200 (4GB) > Intel 730 480GB (9SSDSC2BP480G4R5) > Western Digital Black WD1003FZEX 1TB> M-Audio 192 sound card > 600W PSU> > Windows 7 Professional 64-bit > Logitech z2300 speakers > 2X Dell Ultrasharp U2715H (2560 X 1440)>
[ Passmark Rating = 5064 > CPU= 13989 / 2D= 819 / 3D= 4596 / Mem= 2772 / Disk= 4555] [Cinebench R15 > CPU = 1014 OpenGL= 126.59 FPS] 7.8.15

7. Dell Precision T5400 (2008) > 2X Xeon X5460 quad core @3.16GHz > 16GB DDR2 667 ECC> Quadro FX 4800 (1.5GB) > WD RE4 500GB / Seagate Barracuda 500GB > M-Audio 2496 Sound Card / Linksys WMP600N WiFi > HP 2711X, 27" 1920 X 1080 and Dell 19" LCD > Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit >
[ Passmark system Rating = 1853, CPU = 8626 / 2D= 520 / 3D=1097 Mem= 736, Disk= 901] [Cinebench 11.5 CPU=7.54 OpenGL = 51.89 fps] 10.24.15

With Quadro 4000 >
[ Passmark system Rating = 1976, CPU = 8625 / 2D= 505 / 3D=2000 Mem= 742, Disk= 923]

 

[mypcisonfire]

I have tried testing each ram stick but says the same thing just shows up 1 and 3 I also tried starting the system without any ram in and still displayed 1 and 3

 

[bambiboom]

I have tried testing each ram stick but says the same thing just shows up 1 and 3 I also tried starting the system without any ram in and still displayed 1 and 3

mypcisonfire,

I've done a bit more reading on memory problems in the T5400 and am considering as to wther the memory controller is failing. I haven't been able to find a way to test it specifically, but it occurred to me that you might visit this page at dell.com:

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/precision-t5400/drivers?os=wv64

And, from this- you make a download list and download everything at once, download and install the latest BIOS, Chipset Drivers, Diagnostics. Check the OS version- these are for Vista 64-bit, but should be close enough for Windows 7. the Chipset drivers are the focus here.

If nothing improves the situation, it appears that you may need to replace the motherboard. This is a lot of work, but is not terribly expensive and there are NOS boards still available:

NEW Dell Precision Workstation T5400 Dual Xeon Socket LGA771 Motherboard RW203 sold for $59.98 (2.2.16)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Dell-Precision-Workstation-T5400-Dual-Xeon-Socket-LGA771-Motherboard-RW203-/272064019267?hash=item3f58477b43:g:lHEAAOxyc2pTapje

Let me know what happens.

Cheers,

BambiBoom