Desktop Problem

[Raikku]

Hello I am an owner of a Dell Dimension 9100 desktop PC. This PC has ran perfectly for me over the year's and just as recently as last year I decided to give it a small upgrade. I purchased 2GB of RAM and 1TB HDD for the storing of media. Everything ran perfectly until one day I noticed the PC wasn't working correctly and was displaying a solid orange power light. I took this in to the shop and the guy said there was nothing wrong with it and charged me $40 but when I received it back it worked just fine. This was back in July and just as of recently it started doing this again. I looked into it and found out about the diagnostic lights. The only thing the desktop displays now is a the '3' LED light flashs when the PC is turned on but does not stay solid, and I am stuck with a solid amber light.

Summed up:

Dell Dimension 9100

Solid Amber Light and Flashing '3' Green LED when turned on

I'd also like to note the mobo is on because it has a green light.

Thanks guys, I've honestly couldn't get help anywhere else. I figured maybe a few of geniuses on BG might have some insight.

Thanks!

[Gippo]

If the power light is steady amber, a device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.

* Remove and then reinstall the memory modules.

* Remove and then reinstall any cards.

* Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable.

* Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board.

Also see here http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1054148 for the diagnostic lights. If the 3 is indeed on but no others, looks like your processor is dead/dying. Food for thought.

[Raikku]

Hm I see. How much is a new processor going to run me and what type should I be looking to purchase?

[SaviorSelf]

Hm I see. How much is a new processor going to run me and what type should I be looking to purchase?

That motherboard is pretty old by today's standards, but if you want to keep the same motherboard, you're looking for a pentium 4.

[Raikku]

Ok I appreciate the insight. Would any P4 work or is there a specific type I need. I'd upgrade this PC but it's mostly for media storage and I'm only looking to part money to a new PC I plan on building.