Dell Precision T3500

[2011dellprecision]

I have a Dell T3500 , which shows the PB 12 Error . Now , I know what the error code means , and generally It is accepted that it means the MB is beyond repair , BUT I have got mine working some 10 times now . I am looking for discussion with other owners , past or present , who can shed some light on this problem ( or anyone else who wants to jump in with suggestions or information ) .
1. machine once working and warm can go into sleep and can be restarted .
2. front fans run loud and fast
Not sure whether this post should be in the MB forum , as as far as I have discovered no one has identified exactly what causes the error .
Has anyone else regained use after this PB12 error .

 

[william p]

That MB can be replaced for about $35 in the surplus market.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Precision-T3500-Workstation-Motherboard-XPDFK-Socket-LGA1366-Socket-B-DDR3-/382477377932?hash=item590d6da18c

 

[2011dellprecision]

william p . $35 + $50 shipping + customs duty for a board with a 30 day warranty at best ? I am using my T3500 to send this post AFTER the PB 12 issue . I want to nail down what is causing the problem and rectify it . As I have found perseverance has got me over the PB 12 at least 10 times .

 

[2011dellprecision]

Surely there is one amongst so many experts , who can assist with information regarding this issue ( apart from the really lazy , just get a replacement - for $100 with a paltry 30 day warranty ) ?

 

[william p]

Here's another lazy solution for you.
https://www.dell.com/community/Dell-Community/ct-p/English
You say you've fixed it 10 times. Good work!

 

[2011dellprecision]

william p I have searched online ,but no one has offered a definitive reason as to what causes the PB 12 error in the T3500 ( and T5500 so I am told ) . May be this or may be that . I have not heard of anyone still using the machine after PB 12 ( but still hopeful ) . Someone said that board components such as VRMs and Capacitors sometimes work intermittently . If that was the case then they should also fail when the machine is in operation and not only on startup ( in my view anyway , not being a computer or electronics expert ) . I am of the opinion that it is a fixable problem ( at least on my machine ) .

 

[william p]

You might try here.
https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/dell-workstation-owners-club.243124/#post-3830958
Maybe one of the Dell workstation enthusiasts there has encountered it.

 

[2011dellprecision]

william p Thanks , have just registered there to try .