monitor

[Bill M.]

I think you're spot on. I looked at the speccy reading and had the same reaction, although I wasn't aware that Dell was still using proprietary components.

[DSTM]

Some normal power supplies come in a reduced size which should be able to custom fit.

Cindy would have more of an idea as she has worked on Dell Computers for some years.

 

Thanks Bill.:)

Edited March 27, 2016 by DSTM

[starbuck]

Your PC came with a 460 watt power supply. Maybe staff can locate one on EBAY for you.

Found these...... but obviously me being from the UK, they were found on the UK Ebay site although they are listed as being available from the USA.

Maybe a search on the USA Ebay site will show them without the UK postage.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dell-XPS-8300-8500-H460AD-00-Desktop-Computer-Power-Supply-460W-24-Pin-07P3WV-/231887721552?hash=item35fd95d450:g:zXMAAOSwxp9W8uOb

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dell-XPS-8300-24-Pin-460w-Power-Supply-PSU-2Y8X1-/331802961205?hash=item4d40ff6535:g:h~cAAOSwpDdVW1k3

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dell-Studio-XPS-8300-8500-460W-PSU-Power-Supply-7P3WV-/262338151587?hash=item3d149284a3:g:j9sAAOxyUrZS4EwP

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Dell-XPS-8300-8500-460W-Power-Supply-AC460AD-01-PCB030-RH8P5-CN-0RH8P5-/231727442511?hash=item35f4082a4f:g:2m4AAOSwNSxVAdpY

[peterr]

I am not good with tech etc. What would you advise me to do? Is a new PSU advisable for a 4 1/2 year old PC? I have no idea where to get one or what they cost and all.

Can I run it until it does not power up?

I am thinking if Dell is so mavericky, suppose I get one that does not fit?

[DSTM]

Hi Peterr.

The specs on your computer are quite good for a home computer. I would buy a Power supply myself as they are not expensive. Prob around $40 plus fitting.

 

I would not under any circumstance keep using this computer till the Power supply is replaced. Definately NOT without going into detail. Would be crazy to keep using till it no longer boots up.

 

Next step is to get every number off your power supply so you do get the right one. There will be identifying numbers on it. Post all the numbers and we can guide you into buying the correct Power Supply.

This is a small $$$ amount to spend on your computer.

 

We can only advise but the ball is now in your court.

Repeating I would not use this computer till the power supply is replaced.

Edited March 28, 2016 by DSTM

[peterr]

[DSTM]

Hi Peterr.

This is the correct Power Supply you are after.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Dell-Systems-Compatible-Numbers/dp/B009G28TOW

 

This seller looks OK. From Cleveland OHIO so delivery should be quick.

 

http://www.amazon.com/sp?_encoding=UTF8&asin=&isAmazonFulfilled=&isCBA=&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&orderID=&seller=A28J86NSXNXWOU&tab=&vasStoreID=

Edited March 28, 2016 by DSTM

[peterr]

Micro center carries the PSU I am looking for. I know you won't agree with my choice but a tech who was waiting installed a 500 watt for free. I had a 450 so I figured a 5 year old PC can do with a PSU with 50 more watts than it originally had. The fan is a bit noisier but it is the nature of the unit.

I want to thank you all for all your help. it appears I will live with the flickering. I have the RAM installed but am not sure the OS sees it. The driver for the NVidea card is up to date. Considering the age and shape of both me and the PC, I think we are doing the best we can.

Thanks very much

Peter

[Bill M.]

You're welcome Peter, anytime.

[peterr]

I'll be back as this is a nice forum.

[DSTM]

Hi Peterr.

Your operating system does recognize the ram you have installed.

Some power supply fans can be noisy.

How long ago did you have the 5oo watt Power Supply installed?

[peterr]

I did it with a friend yesterday. It was not that hard but the 20 pin connector was tough. If the 600 watts were in I would have gotten it but the original was 450 so i am 50 ahead of stock.

I changed it b/c o the advice here about the numbers. I did update the NVidea card and it is running OK.

Incidentally and a bit off thread, what key do you use to leave a mode in BIOS to get to another tab? I use the esc one but it only works 50% of the time.

[Tony D]

Incidentally and a bit off thread' date=' what key do you use to leave a mode in BIOS to get to another tab? I use the esc one but it only works 50% of the time.[/quote']Not sure what you're asking here. To get into the BIOS you'd use the F2 key.

[peterr]

I really should have started a new thread. Hope we are not violating.Once in the BIOS you navigate with arrows. Say you are in 'advanced' and you are done and wish to switch to the 'security' tab up top. I usually use the esc key to get out of one mode so I can go to the other. However, it only works 50% of the time. Usually it reboots because I keep getting, "do you wish to set and reboot?"

no matter what key I press.

[DSTM]

Tony, I think what Peterr means he has the BIOS open and navigating he hits the escape key to get out of a sub-mode and the escape key doesn't always work.

That is correct, Peterr. It all depends at exactly what point you are in, what sub mode, and what option box you have open at that moment.

My advice is you don't need to go into the Bios as your OS is installed, and you are not Over Clocking, best to press the Exit F10 Key and choose the option to leave everything set as Bios Defaults.

Not necessary to go into the Bios unless Trouble shooting. Easy to mess for the inexperienced.

 

EDIT. I missed your last post,Peterr. I was posting.

[DSTM]

Hi Pete, reading your post I think I follow. My Bios is prob different to yours.

Try this and see if it works for you.

 

The Bios is Open.

You are in "Advanced Mode"

You have used the down arrow Key and you are at the bottom with "USB Configuration" highlighted as an example.

At this point you are finished with "Advanced Mode" and wish to go to "Security" mode.

 

DONT press the "Escape" Key..

 

Simply use your "Right Arrow" Key and watch up the top.

Every time you press the "Right Arrow" Key you will advance one mode up the top till you reach "Security"

By pressing the right arrow key you will automatically EXIT the mode you are in.

 

Try this and tell me what you get?

 

I am using a EUFI BIOS.

Edited March 29, 2016 by DSTM

[peterr]

I was told to look in the BIOS to see if there was information about an issue but that a person's PC and mine are different and the information was not there. I go to the BIOS to change boot order at times.

Thank you and I understand.

Peter

[DSTM]

You can change the Boot order by pressing F8 or F11 repeatedly on Boot up, and get a "make default" option.

Saves going into the Bios.

[peterr]

My Dell XPS 8300 has an F 12 key which I use when booting into Macrium for example. I think you are suggesting, however, that I use these keys you provide to set the boot order and keep it as default. I will try.

Macrium is a bad example as the stick boots right through UEFI/BIOS into the program itself. It is made for guys like me - ez. I am going to try F8 and F11.

[peterr]

When I restart, the PC says F2 ad F 12 are the keys to use. I tried F 8 and F 11 and neither worked, however, my older PC use to respond to F 8. This one is 4 1/2 years old.

[peterr]

I am trying to get closure on this screen flicker. It seems to be intermittent and slight but abnormal. It occurs when I open a page like while online but also opening My documents.

I therefore excluded a browser. It is better with Edge than Chrome but still stutters or jumps/flickers opening and closing. I have run tests for RAM and the sticks seem good. I have cleaned and re seated the video card.

I replaced the PSU but it needed it.

 

I was thinking of three approaches;

1- run just the on board one

2- try the laptop with this monitor.

3- get a $30 video card as the PC is 4 1/2 years old.

 

To run the PC with just the on board one, after removing the card, do I uninstall all NVidea software? I guess I'll lose some RAM as the NVidea card had its own.

If I hook the laptop with the monitor, what do I do so the right screen will run?

I can return the video card within 30 days.

 

I have a Dell XPS 8300 and ran the F 12 diagnostics. Nothing showed up. I have googled this to death and many forum members have been good about suggestions but ....

I'm elderly and a bit infirm so the easiest the better.

Any ideas appreciated.

[DSTM]

Hi Peterr

Yes replacing the PSU was a must. My guess the card is damaged from low wattage prob for a long time.

Low wattage increases voltage to the card.

If it runs OK on inboard Graphics then why not leave like that.

It's really whether you need the card for any specific purpose that inboard Graphics can't handle.

[Bill M.]

Peter, if you remove the video card, the on-board video should start automatically. You don't have to uninstall the nVidea software.

 

Dougie and I must have been typing at the same time. But I think he is right about the damaged card.

[peterr]

Regarding RAM, would I be better off with this older PC to run just on board or get a low end one with its own RAM as far as speed and overall performance goes?

Incidentally, am I doing any harm by using this card - the flicker is very slight and intermittent but I do not want to hurt the PC needlessly.

Geez, I am really glad to get to the bottom of this - thank you

[Bill M.]

Kind of depends on how well the on-board video works and if you like it. Only you can make that judgement. But certainly try the on-board before you spend any more money on this system.