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OzzieKitSkunk

My computer died. :(

Yeah, I've had it for 10 years now, so I guess it was due. It may just be the power supply, and hopefully it will be, because that's a cheap solution for what would otherwise be a really expensive alternative.

I do need a new PC, but I just can't afford one. Between that, some upcoming dental bills, increasing insurance and medical costs, along with everything else, I just can't afford it. Unless someone out there has a free one or has any better ideas. I don't need a super top of the line model, but I would like for it to at least play most modern games. I know that even if it is just the power supply, it won't last much longer. Its outdated and can't even handle Windows 10 if I were to try.

Its a Dell XPS 410. If anyone has any ideas or can help, I'd appreciate it.
Viewed: 31 times
Added: 7 years, 8 months ago
 
SkunkyGussy
7 years, 8 months ago
Hope ya can fix the computer in the cheap but good way.
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 8 months ago
Thanks Gussy ^^
TylerTheElephant
7 years, 8 months ago
Yeah it's probably not the power supply. Have fun spending thousands on a new computer, because that's probably what it's gonna come to. At least that's usually how it is for me anyway. I assume you're gonna be sharing Tavi's computer until then?
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 8 months ago
Well, that's where the burning smell was coming from. Tavi even took the power supply apart and we could see what looks like a burned and exposed wire, and some burn marks around some components. So I ordered a new power supply thanks to Uno. If that doesn't fix it, I guess I'll be forced into that upgrade.

For now I can just use the laptop. But I may take a break from online stuff.
RonaldMcCoon
7 years, 8 months ago
Does the computer turns on at all? any sounds from the computer tower?
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 8 months ago
Nah, the power light flashes amber, which indicates a power issue. I smelled burning electronics when I tried to turn it back on. That seemed to be coming from the power supply.
RonaldMcCoon
7 years, 8 months ago
Yup. Definitely a power supply issue. Try to limit turning on the computer until that can be changed. A burned out PSU Power Supply Unit can damage the motherboard.
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 8 months ago
Well Tavi already took the power supply completely apart. X3 So there's no worry about turning it on for now.
FoxWolfie
7 years, 8 months ago
The supply went on my computer, and I decided to go for a new system, since my old one couldn't even sign into things like Second Life. I ended up with an 3.5GHz eight-core system with 8 gigs of RAM, and a copy of Win 7 Pro with disc. The built in graphics are faster than what I was using, but I still plan on buying a cheap R7 graphics card so I can do more than just watch movies.  The system I just bought is about $750 at Best Buy, but I bought mine new from eBay for just under $400.  That's still a lot for me, but way better than I feared.

I hope yours can be fixed, but considering its age, a new one would be vastly faster and better.  I saw some six core systems new on eBay for just over $300, and new four core systems in the $200s.  If you go that route, just make sure the seller has 100% positive feedback with a good selling history. Most do, but there are some bad sellers out there too.
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 8 months ago
Yeah, its past time to upgrade, but I still need the money to get one. Not even the cheap ones.
brock3200
7 years, 8 months ago
you wanted to get a gaming pc?
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 8 months ago
Yeah, hopefully.
brock3200
7 years, 8 months ago
what type of gaming pc do you like to get?
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 8 months ago
I dunno, probably a Dell since I've had good experiences with them.
brock3200
7 years, 7 months ago
like an alienware
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 7 months ago
Maybe.
mairusu
7 years, 8 months ago
aww man, i know that feeling, hope you can get another pc soon *hugs*
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 7 months ago
Thanks *hugs* Hopefully all this one needs is a new power supply.
Tai
Tai
7 years, 8 months ago
Try replacing the power supply and hope for the best!

Worst case scenario you bought one of the needed parts to have a new pc.

You have a monitor still
You don't need a graphics card since integrated is a thing
Your case should be fine.

That leaves only 5 parts needed to do a rebuild. Processor, Motherboard, Ram (This usually being a trinity that has to be replaced at once) your power supply and your hard drive.

My machine used to be a dell, i replaced it part by part. Needless to say, if you can get away with it I suggest replacing the power supply and hard drive, as that would be cheapest and those parts die quicker. Depending on your budget, you can use modern tech in the form of a hybrid drive which are believe it or not more durable.

It should last you enough for you to replace the other 3 parts, which I'd say would have a lifespan of at least 6 months - a year.

Either have best buy, fry's electronics, a friend, or yourself assemble. You'll save money in the long run. Prebuilts are kinda... not a thing for people who have common sense about it all.

Anyways, I wish you luck that the power supply didn't nuke everything!
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 7 months ago
Thanks! I have a power supply ordered so we'll see when it gets here. Nothing else looks damaged, so here's hoping. I used to work on and build PCs, so I know how to replace stuff. I've already got the whole PC open and the old power supply out.
TripHazard
7 years, 7 months ago
Just remember, the literal same thing happened to me that one time and all was good. (Until the hard drive died, but that was unrelated. ALWAYS BACKUP!)
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 7 months ago
Heh, yeah, I remember that. I have two hard drives, and one is meant for a backup, but it has a lot of stuff on it. You can only backup so much.
WhiteDemon
7 years, 7 months ago
Damn I m living same.
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 7 months ago
Yeah?
WhiteDemon
7 years, 7 months ago
therefore my time is less and my pics look simple now.
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 7 months ago
Aww, I see. But they are still cute. ^^
WhiteDemon
7 years, 7 months ago
Aw! Thank you.
OzzieKitSkunk
7 years, 7 months ago
You're welcome ^^
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