Need help testing a Core i7-920 CPU

[Saxito Pau]

I am in the process of trying to Resurrect a Dell Studio XPS 435MT that a customer abandoned after it stopped booting.

Thinking it was the motherboard was bad, I ordered a new one, but still no POST.

Tried different RAM, video card and power supply. No luck. All I get is the "fatal" solid amber power light as soon as i apply power.

So I am asking someone who still running an X58 motherboard (and lga1366 CPU)  (or any lga1366 based system) to assist me with my troubleshooting to confirm if my CPU and/or new motherboard I bought is bad or not.

I am sure we can work out some reasonable compensation for your time and effort.

PM or post. I have just under 30 days to return board if it is indeed bad.

[buddy5052]

What is the brand of the mainboard and have you checked if there is any bent pins on the board it self if not check the processor look at the base of the processor if discolored clean with mentholated spirit and a old toothbrush,clear cmos  install the processor check ram slots

[Saxito Pau]

What is the brand of the mainboard and have you checked if there is any bent pins on the board it self if not check the processor look at the base of the processor if discolored clean with mentholated spirit and a old toothbrush,clear cmos  install the processor check ram slots

Already been through all the troubleshooting routine, but to answer your questions:

Dell motherboard P/N: R849J
motherboard - no bent pins
already cleared CMOS. In fact I stick a new CMOS battery
RAM slots are OK ( and I have six 1GB sticks of RAM - I'll be amazed if all are bad!)
CPU contacts were cleaned with electrical contact cleaner.

[buddy5052]

I'm not to familiar with Dell products in LGA1366 but on LGA 1366 the ram slots are numbered for single channel mode 1 ,3 or 5 some boards first boot in single channel mode did you try this? booting in single channel with one stick of ram I do have two processors a 930 & 975 current not in use we can trouble shoot with those if you wish also have a gigabyte Assassin motherboard also . 

[Saxito Pau]

I read up on the manual on Dell site and the RAM slots are numbered exactly as you say.

One single stick in the #1 slot for testing.

I am available for the CPU testing. I can come your way with the required stuff. You happen to have a PSU with an 8-pin CPU connector?

I should inform you that yesterday I managed to bend a couple of pins on the CPU socket  trying to put back on the plastic socket cover. Very annoyed with myself. I'll just buy another board if they can't straighten. For now I am more focused on if that CPU works.

What day is good for you?

[buddy5052]

I do have stuff but unfortunately a PSU is not one the reason the parts are packed away is because i didn't want to invest in a XL ATX  case and a psu and as for time for the past 3 weeks and counting I have been working 7 am to 7 pm 24/7 currently time is at a minimum not sure how long this will continue 

[Saxito Pau]

I'm getting a brand new PSU that meets our requirements by next week Wednesday, so that is covered.

Keep me posted on when you have free time. Not being gainfully employed anymore (freelance ftw!), I can mobilize at almost a moment's notice.

I'll PM you number in due course.

[TriniXaeno]

resurrect an old dell recently myself and was treated with the amber lights

Interested to see how this turns out.

[Saxito Pau]

So to update on this:

I ultimately just bought another core i7-920 CPU and stuck it in after straightening the pins I bent.

Initially still no POST. I was devastated. Something told me to unplug the power switch header connector and jumper the pins.

I got beep sounds!!! I ultimately trace the beeps to 2 bad RAM slots and a bad battery. Once I stuck RAM in another slot, it POSTED!!

So It is now up an running with 4 of the 6 RAM slots working. I'll have to buy a replacement power switch connector cable though.

I am a happy man now. Once the machine proves stable, I might make it my main PC and sell my hackintosh for much-needed cash

[Saxito Pau]

Final update:

I got a replacement power switch and  I can use the power button again. PC running stable as is.

I think I will ultimately get another board with all RAM slots working and a nice video card and then sell when I'm done playing with it.

[Spazosaurus]

You sure the pins straightened properly? I've had "dead" ram slots on my current board (the same one you sold me, you gotta be more careful with those pins bro) due to bent CPU pins. Took half hour and properly straightened them now all slots function.

Sent from my XT1034 using Tapatalk

[Saxito Pau]

Yeah I recall that. I did in fact bend my pins this time outright and I straightened them.

If you want to take a look at my board and see if you spot something I've missed with pins, I can swing by with PC.